A method, apparatus and computer program product to signal and store various segment properties in omnidirectional media, including sizes, priority ranks, and the like. The method, apparatus and computer program product access one or more media segments (30). The one or more media segments includes media data configured for streaming playback. The method, apparatus and computer program product access size information (32) or priority rank information of one or more tiles for each of the one or more media segments. The method, apparatus and computer program product encode the size information (34) or priority rank information for each of the one or more media segments in a media file within one or more metadata tracks associated with the one or more media segments or one or more sub-segments associated with the one or more media segments.

The system generates a display providing storyline information. The display includes, for example, a plurality of storyline identifiers, a plurality of time period indicators, and a plurality of episode indicators. Episode indicators indicate an episode having a segment of the storyline corresponding to a storyline identifier. The system may receive a user input selecting a storyline, or further filtering an existing storyline to tailor the displayed information more closely to a storyline of interest. The system updates the display to each reflect segments within episodes corresponding to the selected storyline identifier. The display may include a grid, with the storyline identifiers arranged along one axis and the time period indicators arranged along a different axis. The system may process metadata to determine storylines, and filter what information is displayed based on user input, the metadata, or both. Storylines include, for example, characters, locations, plots, teams, players, or other attributes.

Management of an application for electronically guiding and accessing television programs, comprising the control of a display on a screen of a chronological succession of vignettes associated with respective television programs. Content associated with a same recurring television program is identified, and a common vignette display command for all content associated with said program in a presentation of past or future programs is developed.

In one embodiment, a method receives a first bundle and a second bundle for a video based on metadata for the video. The method stores the second bundle with a dependency on the first bundle when the second bundle is associated with a first set of control data parameters found in the first bundle that control a first aspect of access to the video. The second bundle is stored with a second set of control data parameters to control a second aspect of access to the video. When the first bundle is selected, the method accesses the first set of control data parameters for the first bundle. When the second bundle is selected, the method accesses the first set of control data parameters in the first bundle via the dependency to the first bundle and the second set of control data parameters for the second bundle.

System and method for digital content discovery, curation, and publishing of multiple channel content in a template-based digital content channel on a web page or site or through an application for mobile devices that can be reached from any Internet-accessible device, wherein the digital content on third party websites or servers is delivered through embedded players to provide seamless experience.

A broadcast system and method of changing allocations therein include a plurality of broadcast system components and a broadcast operation channel management system having a database. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a first allocation chart for the broadcast system with a first effective time and communicates at least a portion of the first allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components determines a local time and when the local time is equal to or greater than the effective time, operates with the first allocation chart. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a second allocation chart for the broadcast system with a second effective time. The broadcast operation channel management system communicates at least a portion of the second allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components operates with the second allocation chart when the local time is equal to or greater than the second effective time.

A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users.

A multimedia device includes input ports dedicated to receiving a real-time media signal and a processor system dedicated to capturing the real-time media signal. The processor system defines an embedded environment. The input ports and the processor system are integrated into the multimedia capture device. The input ports include an audio input port and at least one of a visual-capture input port or a digital-image input port.

Centralized storage and playback of user-recorded television programming eliminates the need for expensive DVR devices to be deployed in the field. Further, the methods used to initiate storage and provide playback of stored media respect copyright principles.

A method for processing video data is performed by a data processing unit (DPU). The method includes identifying, by the DPU of an edge device, a contextual stitching trigger event; in response to identifying the contextual stitching trigger event: identifying video data chunks, contextual metadata, indexing metadata, and authentication and authorization (AA) metadata associated with the contextual stitching trigger event; generating a virtual blob based on the video data chunks, contextual metadata, indexing metadata, and authentication and authorization AA metadata; making a first determination that a playback request is obtained from a user, wherein the playback request comprises user authentication information; and in response to the first determination: making a second determination that the user authentication information matches the AA metadata; and in response to the second determination; encoding the video data chunks into a single stream and initiating playback for the user.