A signal is transmitted at a high speed in a direction opposite to a transmitting direction of a main large-capacity channel. A first transmitting unit transmits a first signal including a clock component to an external device through a transmission path as a differential signal. A second transmitting unit superimposes a second signal including a clock component on the transmission path as an in-phase signal to transmit to the external device. A state notifying unit communicates with the external device through a pair of differential transmission paths included in the transmission path and notifies the external device of a connection state of its own device by a DC bias potential of at least one of the pair of differential transmission paths.

A signal is transmitted at a high speed in a direction opposite to a transmitting direction of a main large-capacity channel. A first transmitting unit transmits a first signal including a clock component to an external device through a transmission path as a differential signal. A second transmitting unit superimposes a second signal including a clock component on the transmission path as an in-phase signal to transmit to the external device. A state notifying unit communicates with the external device through a pair of differential transmission paths included in the transmission path and notifies the external device of a connection state of its own device by a DC bias potential of at least one of the pair of differential transmission paths.

A first client device is associated with a first user hosting a shared playback session. While a first media content item from the shared playback session is being presented on a set of presentation devices, the first client device communicates with a set of observer devices for the shared playback session. The first client device receives a request to modify playback of the shared playback session from a second client device, the second client device being one observer device of the set of observer devices. In response to the request to modify playback of the shared playback session, the first client device determines an action to take with respect to the shared playback session. In response to determining the action to take with respect to the shared playback session, the first client device sends a command for the action to each of the set of presentation devices.

A local area network includes plural content delivery network CDN receiver devices so as to enable player-equipped terminals in the local area network to receive audio and/or video contents. The disclosed method includes: obtaining capacity information from the CDN receiver devices; selecting, according to the capacity information, at least one CDN receiver device for a session of delivering an audio and/or video content to the player; when the session ends, the selected at least one CDN receiver device holds in place, during a predefined time duration, processing resources for a potential upcoming session; when another session starts before expiry of the predefined time duration, the processing resources hold in place are used for the new session. And when another session starts after expiry of the predefined time duration, reselection of at least one CDN receiver device, according to updated capacity information, is performed.

Systems, methods, apparatuses are described for monitoring events in a plurality of different services. A system may monitor manifest files for one or more content items. Manifest files may contain manifest file tags indicating events and insertion opportunities. Events and/or insertion opportunities may be detected, and a switch from one content item to another content item, based on customized user priority preferences, may be caused.

Systems, methods, apparatuses are described for monitoring events in a plurality of different services. A system may monitor manifest files for one or more content items. Manifest files may contain manifest file tags indicating events and insertion opportunities. Events and/or insertion opportunities may be detected, and a switch from one content item to another content item, based on customized user priority preferences, may be caused.

Disclosed herein are computing devices, including playback devices, that are configured to operate in several media distribution modes and play back audio data in several playback modes based at least in part on the source of audio/video data for playback.

Configuration of a multi-display system is facilitated by use of general television receivers (display devices). Multiple digital interface terminals to which each of multiple display devices configuring a multi-display is connected via a transmission path are provided. A video signal is output to each of the multiple digital interface terminals. Replacement of the video signals output from the signal output unit to the multiple digital interface terminals is controlled to display a correct video corresponding to each screen of the multi-display. For example, the replacement of the video signals is controlled according to a video replacement operation signal sent from any of the multiple display devices via the transmission path.

Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.

Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.