An information processing apparatus includes a data processing section for reproducing contents stored in a medium having a general purpose area in which encrypted contents and corresponding utilization controlling information are stored and a protected area including a plurality of blocks having access limitation set thereto and including a block having an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted contents stored therein. The data processing section acquires utilization controlling information corresponding to a content from the general purpose area, decides, based on the utilization controlling information, whether validity period information indicative of a content utilization permission period is to be acquired from the utilization controlling information or the encryption key storage block, acquires the validity period information based on a result of the decision and then compares the acquired validity period information and current date information to decide permission or inhibition of content reproduction.

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

A function upgrade device, a display apparatus, and a method for controlling a display apparatus are provided. The function upgrade device may include a function unit configured to perform a function in conjunction with the display apparatus, a storage configured to store user information and an application related to the function unit, an interface configured to connect the function upgrade device to the display apparatus and enable the function upgrade device to communicate with the display apparatus, and a controller configured to, when the display apparatus is connected to the function upgrade device through the interface, control the function unit to operate in conjunction with the display apparatus based on the user information and the application stored in the storage.

An adapter provides a link between a digital media player having a memory on which is stored digital media files, a display device, and a remote control. The adapter receives from the digital media player data which is used to generate a representation of a user interface which is provided to the display device for display. The adapter also receives from the remote control data for use in generating commands for controlling operations of the digital media player whereby a change in state of the digital media player resulting from a performance of an operation caused by the remote control will be reflected in the user interface on the display device.

A dongle is configured to connect to a set top box. The dongle includes a memory for storing data, such as callback data files, and a wireless communication module for forwarding the stored data to an access point, for delivery to a television service provider head end. The dongle can also receive information to be provided to the set top box. Authentication and authorization of the dongle ensure only authenticated and authorized devices can access the system. A communication technology is used that allows for a large coverage area and simultaneous communication with many set top boxes.

Playback of motion video is presented. A method may comprise requesting streaming of a specific motion video sequence from a storage device to a playback device, streaming motion video data of the requested motion video sequence, displaying the streamed motion video data as the streamed motion video data is received, and sending a request of change of playback speed to the data storage device. In response to the request, decoding, in the data storage device, motion video data from a temporal position in the specific motion video sequence that has not yet been streamed to the playback device, compressing, in respect of time, the decoded motion video data, encoding the compressed motion video data using an encoding scheme corresponding to an encoding scheme used to encode the specific motion video sequence, and continue streaming the motion video sequence to the playback device using the compressed and encoded motion video data.

Methods and systems for managing data and/or operations on data are disclosed. A method can comprise receiving content from a first storage medium for playback. The received content can comprise a stored first portion of a transport stream. At least a portion of the received content can be caused to playback. A playback position of the at least a portion of the received content can be determined relative to a live position of the transport stream. If the determined playback position of the at least a portion of the received content is outside a predetermined threshold proximity to the live position, a second portion of the transport stream can be stored to the first storage medium. If the determined playback position of the received content is within the predetermined threshold proximity to the live position, the second portion of the transport stream can be stored to a second storage medium.

A configuration method of a multimedia system comprising a first device and at least one adjacent device having a mechanism to communicate with the first device. The first device comprises a mechanism to read/write data from/to an NFC data carrier. The method comprises a set-up phase and an exploitation phase.

A facility for updating software installed on a media device in connection with installation of the media device in customer premises is described. Outside the customer premises, the facility transfers a later-issued version of the software installed on the media device from a server to a portable storage device. Within the customer premises, the facility transfers the later-issued version of the software installed on the media device from the portable storage device to the media device for installation on the media device.

To provide an image evaluation apparatus and camera which are capable of evaluating an image which is comprehensively good. An image evaluation apparatus comprising: a storage portion which stores a plurality of images when an imaging portion of a camera has continuously imaged in a predetermined time interval a plurality of frames of a subject in a photographing area of the camera, and an image evaluation portion which evaluates a plurality of the images stored in the storage portion, based on a characteristic amount showing a state in which the subject in the photographing area changing in chronological sequence, when the plurality of the images is imaged.