US20160345077A1 - System and method for providing a television network customized for an end user - Google Patents

Abstract

A hybrid audio and video system and method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location are provided. A video signal feed includes visual content. An audio signal feed includes audio content. A third signal feed includes promotional content about the end user. Specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically selected. The visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically combined in response to the selections to create an output feed. The selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed through the television network at the end user location.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/837,431, filed Aug. 27, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/604,424, filed on Jan. 23, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/416,390, filed Mar. 9, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/564,785, filed Sep. 22, 2009, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,315, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/275,960, filed Feb. 7, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/650,674, filed Feb. 7, 2005, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The present application is further a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/677,100, filed Nov. 14, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/559,436, filed Nov. 14, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/543,702, filed Oct. 5, 2011, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The present application further retains priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/931,323, filed Jan. 24, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a hybrid audio/visual television network that is uniquely customized for an end user.
BACKGROUND
• Typically, programming offered by a traditional television network company is directed to various programming interspaced with advertisements purchased by companies and intended to reach broad geographical markets. These systems have very limited ability to customize programming and advertising specific to an end user entity, such as a hospital, restaurant, a doctor's office, an auto dealer, and the like. It has been neither practical, readily available, nor cost effective to provide specific programming and information embedded in the network programming directed to a specific end user.
• Video sharing services on the Internet, such as YOUTUBE ®, and the like nonetheless suffer from these same deficiencies. Such videos are presented to the Internet market as a whole and the video/audio content in such videos is not customized for the end viewer.
• Hybrid audio and video systems provide an alternative to typical television programming and video sharing service programming. Such systems offer a mix of audio broadcasting with video content. However, there is currently no effective low cost solution for offering customized end user branded programming with directed advertising and information specific to the end user entity.
• Moreover, there are dozens of end user entities that are involved in or produce stress for their visitors, e.g., doctors, dentists, banks, attorneys, police stations, fire stations, military bases, prisons, correctional facilities, and the like. Yet, research has shown that people in relaxed states have a 15-20% higher perceived monetary value of a product or service and exhibit better long-term visual memorization. There are no hybrid audio and video systems in the prior art that exploit this research.
• U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2009/0044217 discloses the insertion of replacement commercials in an otherwise unmodified television program. In other words, the system allows insertion of customized commercial spots in lieu of the original spots. However, the system of U.S. 2009/0044217 is not a hybrid audio and video system and is confined to the realm of traditional television broadcasting. The system of U.S. 2009/0044217 utilizes satellites, uplink and down link satellite antennas, ground based head ends, cue tones and digital program insert nodes. These systems are conventionally very high cost, both in initial capital and operating cost. Moreover, the system of U.S. 2009/0044217 fails to provide customization of long form content to produce a branded network specific to the end user entity. Additionally, the system of U.S. 2009/0044217 is not configured to provide continuous content that is designed to cause viewers to be in a relaxed state of mind.
SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES
• A hybrid audio and video system for providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location is provided. A video signal feed includes visual content. An audio signal feed includes audio content. A third signal feed includes promotional content about the end user. A control node is configured to access the feeds and receive electronic selections of specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content. The control node electronically combines the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content in response to the selections to generate an output feed for presenting the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content through the television network with an audiovisual display at the end user location.
• A method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location is also provided. A video signal feed including visual content is provided. An audio signal feed including audio content is provided. A third signal feed including promotional content about the end user is provided. Specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically selected. The visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically combined in response to the selections to create an output feed. The selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed are presented through the television network at the end user location.
• The system and method provide a customizable branded network for the end user. By providing the third signal feed with promotional content about the end user, the system and method further advance hybrid audio and video systems. More specifically, the system and method allow customization of direct programming to include end user content specific to the entity using the system. The system and method provide a low cost solution for integrating custom content into programming and a low cost alternative to costly programming packages and systems currently available. The end user has complete control to customize the audio, video, and promotional content. Through these features, the system and method increase branding for the end user and increase perception by viewers at the end user location. The private custom branded television network offers an affordable, effective and flexible television-based communication network that can be uniquely tailored to the needs and desires of the end user, regardless of the size of the end user entity.
• Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a system diagram of the hybrid audio and video system according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a sample screenshot of an audiovisual display presenting audiovisual content customized by the hybrid audio and video system and method according to one example.
• FIG. 3 is a system diagram of the hybrid audio and video and feeds controlled and customized by the same, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical components in the various views and embodiments, a hybrid audio and video system is illustrated at500 inFIG. 1 and a method of utilizing thesystem500 is described throughout. The hybrid audio andvideo system500 and method are for customizing audiovisual content at an end user location. The hybrid audio andvideo system500 and method providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location.
• The end user is any entity, business, corporation, organization, community, good/service provider, individual enterprise, television network, governmental agency, place of worship, and the like. Theend user location530 is affiliated with the end user according to any suitable manner. For example, theend user location530 may be owned, operated, or occupied by the end user, and the like. Examples of theend user location530 include, but are not limited to, a hospital, a restaurant, an office, a dealership, a library, a hotel, a spa or health club, a transportation location or vehicle, and the like. Thesystem500 and method may be utilized with any suitable size end user entity. Such entities may have any tens, hundreds, or thousands of employees, patrons, and/or viewers. The end user location may be stationary or mobile. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the end users and associated locations listed herein are provided as examples and that the scope of the invention includes end users and locations other than those listed herein.
• As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, thesystem500 includes acontrol node510. Acontrol device531, in communication with thecontrol node510, is located theend user location530. Communication between thecontrol device531 and thecontrol node510 may be Internet based and accessed through the Internet, as described below. In some embodiments, thecontrol node510 is cloud based. Thecontrol node510 may be located at thecentral location513, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, thecontrol node510 may be located atend user location530. In yet another embodiment, thecontrol node510 may be located partially at thecentral location513 and partially at theend user location530. Furthermore, thecontrol node510 may be controlled via the Internet,central location513,end user location530, and any combination thereof.
• At theend user location530, thecontrol device531 is in communication with anaudiovisual display533. In one example, theaudiovisual display533 is a television monitor that includes, or is attached to, an audio system. In another embodiment, theaudiovisual display533 is a computer system. In yet another embodiment, theaudiovisual display533 is a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop, and the like. Those skilled in the art appreciate thataudiovisual display533 may have other configurations not described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
• Thesystem500 is designed to provide a customizable media platform that is a branded network (hereinafter “Private Television Network” or “PTN”) for the end user entity. Generally, viewers, consumers, patrons, or employees at theend user location530 experience the PTN through theaudiovisual display533 at theend user location530.
• Thecontrol node510 includes digital media storage and software configured for production and play out functions. InFIG. 1, thecontrol node510 includes amaster control workstation515 or central media studio. Themaster control workstation515 controls the PTN. For example, themaster workstation515 may create the playlist for the PTN and customize content for the PTN, as described below. A central media platform originator may create and the deliver customized media through thecontrol node510. Thecontrol node510 includes a production archivemain server511 and a production archive back-upserver512. Theservers511,512 and themaster control workstation515 are each connected to arouter514. Therouter514 is connected to the Internet, and more specifically, an Internet-basedcloud520. Afirewall516ais provided between theInternet520 androuter514 for protecting thecontrol node510. The PTN is Internet connected and controlled.
• Content delivery network (“CDN”)servers521 transfer hybrid audiovisual content data through thecloud520. TheCDN servers521 connect to controldevices531 atend user locations530,540. In one embodiment,locations530,540 relate to the same end user. In another embodiment,locations530,540 relate to different end users. InFIG. 1, for example,location530 is a smaller facility andlocation540 is a larger facility.Firewalls516b,516care provided respectively between theCDN servers521 and thecontrol devices531 at eachend user locations530,540.
• The PTN incorporates themaster control workstation515 for producing hybrid digital audio and video content. The hybrid audiovisual content is long form content that is preferably in the form of non-stop broadcasting of media content. Thesystem500 distributes the hybrid audiovisual content to theend user location530. The PTN incorporates the central media studio that produces digital audio and video content. One embodiment of such a platform is the eScapes network which provides non-stop hybrid audiovisual content based on the hybrid television audio system/therapeutic benefit television system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/275,960, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,315, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent it does not conflict with the general scope of the present invention.
• As shown inFIG. 3, the hybrid audiovisual content includes content from three separate feeds orelectronic sources527,529,535. Thus, hybrid audiovisual content is unlike traditional television broadcasting programming which provides content that is pre-produced with audio and visual elements, and hence, not customizable. Thecontrol node510 is configured to access thesefeeds527,529,535.
• As shown inFIG. 3, the hybrid audiovisual content comprises content from avideo signal feed527, which is a first electronic feed. Thevideo signal feed527 conveysvisual content528, as shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, thevisual content528 is therapeutic and designed to provide a relaxing experience for persons presented with thevisual content528 at theend user location530. The visual content is digital, electronic based content. In one example, as shown inFIG. 2, thevisual content528 is a natural landscape. Thevisual content528 may be still images or video. In one embodiment, thevideo feed527 is an electronically accessible library comprising variousvisual content528 content. Suchvisual content528 provides aesthetically appealing qualities with an additional emphasis on scenes that produce a relaxation or calming effect on the human psyche. Examples of suchvisual content528 may include, but are not limited to, environmental scenes, natural wonders, artistic scenes, holiday scenes, marine scenes, city skylines, wildlife content, majestic landscape or seascapes, and the like. Thevisual content528 may be live or prerecorded. Thevisual content528 may be viewed in real time, or at the time of day or night when it was prerecorded. Thevisual content528 may be modified based on different levels of customization. In one embodiment, thevisual content528 is generic to all subscribers. In another embodiment, thevisual content528 includes content that is specific to the end user. For example, thevisual content528 may include content relating to property affiliated with the end user, and the like. Thevisual content528 may be derived from any suitable source for providing visual content, such as studios, computer databases, and Internet sources. Those skilled in the art appreciate that thevisual content528 may have other configurations not described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
• The hybrid audiovisual content comprises content from anaudio signal feed529, which is a second electronic feed, as shown inFIG. 3. Theaudio signal feed529 conveys audio content, and more specifically, audio content to complement thevisual content528. The audio content is digital, electronic based audio content. The audio content is therapeutic audio for providing a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audio at theend user location530. In one embodiment, theaudio feed529 is an electronically accessible library of audio content. Such audio content can be selected to promote relaxation/therapeutic effects. Examples of such audio content include, but are not limited to surf, running water, rain, bird songs, appropriate music genres, and the like. Such music genres may be slow tempo, mostly instrumental music genres that are intended to produce a relaxation state in the viewer/listener. Other sounds such as lighthouse foghorns, ship whistles, weather sounds of wind, thunder can add to the realism and authenticity of the video presentation. In many instances, thevisual content528 is of a subject and the audio content is environmental sound relating to the subject. For example, if thevisual content528 is of an ocean, the corresponding audio content is the environmental sound of the ocean. The audio content may be modified based on different levels of customization. In one embodiment, the audio content is a generic to all end users. In another embodiment, the audio content contains content that is specific to the end user. For example, the audio content may contain announcements, advertisements, or comments about the end user. The audio content may be live or prerecorded. The audio content may be derived from any suitable source for providing audio content, such as studios, computer databases, and Internet sources. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the audio content may have other configurations not described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
• The hybrid audiovisual content further comprisespromotional content534 from athird signal feed535, which is a third electronic feed, as shown inFIG. 3. Thethird signal feed535 conveyspromotional content534 about the end user. The promotional content is digital, electronic based content. Examples of thepromotional content534 are shown inFIG. 2. Promotional content about the end user includes at least one of visual and audiovisual content. In other words, the promotional content about the end user may be purely visual content or audiovisual content. Thethird signal feed535 may be an electronically accessible library comprising promotional content templates that can be customized. In one embodiment,promotional content534 includes commercial advertisement and/or branding content relating to the end user. Thepromotional content534 may take various configurations, including but not limited to branding information, commercials, a company trademark, external or internal advertisements, continuous RSS (“Real Simple Syndication”) or XML feed text, social media information, text messages, crawling information ribbons, static images or dynamic video, business hours of operation, announcements, and the like. As shown inFIG. 2, thepromotional content534 may include live text strings. The strings may be placed on various different lines, e.g.,lines 1 and lines 2.
• In an example wherein the end user is a hospital, thepromotional content534 may be general hospital messages, public service announcement, self-help messages, spiritual/comforting message, and the like. In this same example,promotional content534 may alternatively be commercial advertisements for external related companies, such as medical service companies, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, etc. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the list ofpromotional content534 described herein are examples and that the invention may utilize otherpromotional content534 not described herein. Thepromotional content534 may be live or prerecorded. Thepromotional content534 may be derived from any suitable source for providing promotional content, such as studios, computer databases, and Internet sources. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the promotional content may have other configurations not described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
• Thepromotional content534 may be modified based on different levels of customization. Thepromotional content534 is specific to the end user. However, certain add-ons or additional promotional features may be available depending on end user subscriptions. For example, one level of customization for thepromotional content534 may allow only text feeds while a higher level of customization may allow promotional graphics, and the like.
• Thefeeds527,529,535 are separate and distinct feeds which originate from separate sources. Thecontrol node510 is configured to access thefeeds527,529,535 on demand. By doing so, thecontrol node510 is able to selectively choose content from any givenfeed527,529,535.
• Thecontrol node510 is further configured to receive electronic selections of specificvisual content528, audio content, andpromotional content534. In one embodiment, thecontrol node510 is connected to theInternet520 and the electronic selections are received through theInternet520. The electronic selections may be made by the end user. For example, the end user may log on through an Internet-based account to make selections. The end user may take partial or full control of thecontrol device531 at theend user location530. To do so, the end user utilizes any suitable device connected to theInternet520. For instance if the end user desires to display a greeting to a customer/viewer at itsfacility530 the end user may log on with a user name and password to managecontrol device531 and customize and select content from thefeeds527,529,535, and other features. In another embodiment, electronic selections occur automatically according to predetermined rules, programs, and the like.
• Thecontrol node510 combines, mixes, and customizes thefeeds527,529,535 to produce customized content for the PTN at theend user location530. Thecontrol node510 is configured to control thevideo signal feed527,audio signal feed529, andthird signal feed535. For example, thecontrol node510 may edit, mix, combine, or modify thefeeds527,529,535 in any suitable manner to produce the hybrid audiovisual content. Thecontrol node510 electronically combines the selectedvisual content528, audio content, andpromotional content534 in response to the selections. Thecontrol node510 may combine, mix, or customizes thefeeds527,529,535 according to any suitable configuration and in any suitable order.
• After doing so, thecontrol node510 generates an output feed560. Thecontrol node510 is configured to communicate the output feed560, or any variation thereof, to thecontrol device531 at theend user location530. Thecontrol device531 receives the output feed560. Theaudiovisual display533 located at theend user location530 electronically presents the selectedvisual content528, audio content, andpromotional content534, thereby providing the customized PTN.
• Thecontrol node510 may produce a plurality of output feeds560A-560N, as shown inFIG. 3. Whenmultiple displays533A-533N are utilized, as shown inFIG. 3, eachdisplay533A-533N may provide content from separate output feeds560A-560N.
• In some instances, thethird signal feed535 may be integrated or combined wholly or partially withaudio feed529 and or thevideo feed527. Additionally, thevisual content528 and thepromotional content534 may be combined during playback. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, thepromotional content534 of the company name is played atop thevisual content528 to create a branding effect for the company. To supplement this configuration, the company name is further provided continuously in a branding bar located above thevisual content528. The branding bar reiterates to viewers that the PTN is specifically customized for the company.
• Informative content may be combined with thevisual content528 orpromotional content534 to supplement the PTN programming. Such informative content can be integrated as additional feature/enhancement to the PTN. Such information includes, but is not limited to, time, day, date, and weather information, as shown inFIG. 2. For example, the weather information is provided as an external feed and may be any RSS/XML media feed, as described.
• Such information may be considered part of, or integrated with thevisual content528. However, such information generally is notpromotional content534 as such information is not promotional in nature.
• The hybrid audiovisual content comprises the majority of the PTN's programming schedule. The hybrid audiovisual content allows for the economical creation of thousands of hours of high functioning, high testing programming, thus making very limited distribution platforms affordable.
• Thecontrol device531 includes a high definition media player (HDMP). The HDMP is configured to receive, store and locally play out of the audiovisual content from the output feed560. Amedia storage device532 is locally connected to and associated with thecontrol device531. Themedia storage device532 is any suitable media storage device. Themedia storage device532 may be internal to or external to thecontrol device531. Themedia storage device532 may also be connected to an external hard drive.
• Themedia storage device532 stores the hybrid audiovisual content. Themedia storage device532 may store at least one, or each, of the visual, audio, orpromotional content534. In one embodiment, themedia storage device532 contains hundreds of hours of hybrid audiovisual content. The content on thestorage device532 may be refreshed at predetermined frequencies. Themedia storage device532 may be utilized to supplement thecontrol device531, which may have an internal storage capability of only a few hours. Digital files that contain the branding content and local advertising (if any) may be stored locally in thecontrol device531. Through this configuration, thesystem500 and method enable hybrid audiovisual content to play continuously for extended periods, such as days, weeks, or even months. Thus, thesystem500 and method eliminate repetitive and continuous looping of content, which is an impediment and drawback to long term viewing of such content.
• Thecontrol node510 controls the hybrid audiovisual content remotely. For example, themedia storage device532 may be preloaded with an initial playlist of hybrid audiovisual and other suitable content along with the end user's advertisement and branding content. With connectivity through the Internet cloud, additional and new hybrid audiovisual content plus new branding and advertising messages can be downloaded to thecontrol device531 andmedia storage device532 from thecontrol node510. The Internet connection allows amaster control workstation515 in thecontrol node510 to control hybrid audiovisual content, update new hybrid audiovisual content and/or create new play lists as often as required. Thus, the PTN can be controlled from any location having Internet access. Of course, in other embodiments, the PTN may be controlled additionally or alternatively from thecontrol node510 locally at thecentral location513 orend user location530, as described above.
• In the case of alarge facility540, as shown inFIG. 1, onecontrol device531 can output the customized hybrid audiovisual content to multipleaudiovisual displays533B-533G throughsignal splitters541 andinternal distribution networks542. Thecontrol device531 can be supplied in a wireless design, thereby making installation of the Internet connection less intrusive. Eachdisplay533B-533G may be located in a separate area or room at theend user facility530.
• As shown inFIG. 1, the PTN may provide hybrid audiovisual content toterrestrial broadcasters550 and to cable television distribution systems. Using the terrestrial broadcast as an example, the output from thecontrol device531 is fed to asignal converter551, which converts the signal. Thesignal converter551 outputs another signal to broadcastequipment552. The broadcast equipment outputs a signal toantenna553 for transmission. In the case of cable distribution, thecontrol device531 signal is played out through the cable medium. If the PTN is widely spaced geographically, thenother control devices531 may be employed in eachend user location530.
• Thecontrol devices531 can be time synchronized such that each of thedisplays533 electronically present the same hybrid audiovisual content at the same time. Alternatively, eachcontrol devices531 can be independently controlled such thatdisplays533 present different hybrid audiovisual content from one another. Thecontrol devices531 can also be controlled so that different viewers in different time zones or activity schedules see programming appropriate to the time zone they are located in or to the activity that is appropriate to their facility.
• Eachcontrol device531 can have hybrid audiovisual customized for the end user. As an example, suppose the end user entity is a health care provider having8 hospitals,25 clinics and400 individual doctor offices at various geographical locations. Thecontrol devices531 at the various locations can have hybrid audiovisual content that is common to all. Additionally or alternatively, eachcontrol device531 can have hybrid audiovisual content that is specific to the respective location. For example, thecontrol devices531 may contain content common to the entire PTN, but could further havepromotional content534 unique to the hospital. Meanwhile, a doctor's office on the same PTN may have common content, but may further have the doctor's office hours or some content personalized for the particular end user doctor.
• In yet another embodiment,control node510 is configured to control thevideo signal feed527,audio signal feed529 andthird signal feed535, and customize thevisual content528, therapeutic audio content, andpromotional content534 in response to a pre-determined program or predetermined rules.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thecontrol device531, and more specifically, the HDMP is configured to define afirst zone600 for displaying thevisual content528 on thedisplay533 and asecond zone610 for simultaneously displaying thepromotional content534 on thedisplay533. The first andsecond zones600,610 may be adjacent to one another and of various customizable shapes and sizes. By doing so, thecontrol device531 increases the amount of unique information and branding to each location of the PTN. In one embodiment, thefirst zone600 is a primary zone occupying the majority of the visual display and thesecond zone610 occupies a minority of the visual display. Theprimary zone610 displays the therapeuticvisual content528.
• Thesecondary zone610 displays the promotional information. In thesecond zone610, timely sale or public service information can be displayed. Thezones600,610 can change shape or location and content within. Thezones600,610 can be customized based on the electronic selections. Thezones600,610 create a relaxing atmosphere where it is very natural for the viewer's eye to leave thefirst zone600 and watch a series of graphic messages in thesecond zone610. Thezones600,610 further make branding advertising more effective. Thesystem500 and method may employ any suitable number of zones.
• In some instances, two ormore control devices531 are connected to onedisplay533, as shown inFIG. 3. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, control devices531A1 and531A2 are connected to display533A. The viewer may select different inputs (e.g.,HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3) on thedisplay533A that are connected to different control devices531A₁,531A₂. In this manner different output feeds560A₁,560A₂can simultaneously be provided to thesame display533A.
• The end user can customize time schedules for the various hybrid audiovisual content. The time schedule format can be any suitable time interval that the end user desires. For instance, content episodes could be three minutes, eight minutes, half hour, or one hour. As an example, content may be based on a one-hour program divided into four equal segments. Each segment is 15 minutes long and may contain 13 minutes and 50 seconds of programming content (an individual episode), two 30-second commercials, one 3-second and one 7-second network identification spot. However, it is to be appreciated that other time intervals may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
• The PTN can be set-up in advance for end users that fall into certain categories. Examples of these categories include, but are not limited to, beauty salons, country clubs, marinas, restaurants, retail automotive part suppliers, businesses, schools, government entities, religious entities, and a multitude of other numerous but widely geographically located organizations. For example, if the category is a country club, thepromotional content534 can be pre-loaded with golfing related products or services. Additional long form content such as golfing instruction videos or golfing news stories can be inserted from time to time.
• Additionally, thesystem500 and method may be utilized in conjunction with existing platforms utilized by the end user. For example, if an existing corporate platform has limited amounts of business-related content, thesystem500 and method can be employed to provide the customized hybrid audiovisual content as filler content when there is no corporate content to be aired. Other television networks could also incorporate custom-branded hybrid audiovisual content under their own name and logo to provide filler content as scheduling requirements demand or as a full time service in a digital broadcast sub channel.
• Thesystem500 and method provide a unique platform as both hybrid audiovisual video and audio components are customized for the specified end user. Thesystem500 and method provide a conducive but not distracting experiential platform for effective branding and advertising. Thesystem500 and method create a stress-free environment for patrons of the end user facility by offering therapeutic programming that captures attention of viewers. As such, thesystem500 and method enable viewers of the therapeutic audio and video content to be in a more relaxed, less stressful, state of mind. In turn, viewers will exhibit a higher perceived monetary value of a product or service and exhibit better long-term visual memorization. Through this therapeutic and relaxing programming, thesystem500 and method enhance message retention. Accordingly, the system and method help to brand the end user and generate revenue.
• Additionally, thesystem500 and method use the hybrid audiovisual entertainment component to entice the attention of viewers so that when the advertisement or branding message plays after the entertainment content ends, the viewer experiences a television format that is familiar, acceptable and effective. The PTN can be a source of information and entertainment content to the end viewers and a source of advertising revenue and other forms of sales revenue to the entity itself. Thesystem500 and method do not merely add advertising content to the programming. Instead, thesystem500 and method allow creation of custom branding of content to create a television network and programming that carries the brand of the customer within the program content.
• Advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the true spirit, and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A hybrid audio and video system for providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location, comprising:

a video signal feed including visual content;

an audio signal feed including audio content;

a third signal feed including promotional content about the end user; and

a control node configured to access the feeds and receive electronic selections of specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content and electronically combine the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content in response to the selections to generate an output feed for presenting the selected visual content, audio, and promotional content through the television network with an audiovisual display at the end user location.

2. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the control node is connected to the Internet and the electronic selections are received through the Internet.

3. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the control node is located at a central location that is remote from the end user location.

4. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 further including a control device located at the end user location and configured to receive the output feed from the control node.

5. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 4 wherein the control device includes a high definition media player (HDMP) for playing the output feed.

6. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 4 wherein the control device is configured to define a first zone for displaying the visual content on the display and a second zone for simultaneously and separately displaying the promotional content on the display.

7. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 4 wherein a media storage device is locally connected to the control device for storing the visual content, audio content, and promotional content.

8. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 7 wherein the control node is configured to remotely update at least one of the visual content, audio content, and promotional content on the media storage device.

9. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the control node is configured to automatically customize the visual content, audio content, and promotional content according to predetermined rules.

10. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the visual content is of a subject and the audio content is environmental sound relating to the subject.

11. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the promotional content includes at least one of visual and audiovisual content.

12. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the video signal feed includes therapeutic visual content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the visual content at the end user location.

13. The hybrid audio and video system ofclaim 1 wherein the audio signal feed includes therapeutic audio content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audio content at the end user location.

14. A method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location, the method comprising:

providing a video signal feed including visual content;

providing an audio signal feed including audio content;

providing a third signal feed including promotional content about the end user;

electronically selecting specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content;

electronically combining the visual content, audio content, and promotional content in response to the selections to create an output feed; and

presenting the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed through the television network at the end user location.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein electronically selecting occurs by the end user.

16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein electronically selecting occurs automatically according to predetermined rules.

16. The method ofclaim 14 further including accessing the Internet to make electronic selections.

17. The method ofclaim 14 wherein presenting includes defining a first zone for displaying the visual content on the display and a second zone for simultaneously and separately displaying the promotional content on the display.

18. A hybrid audio and video system for providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location, comprising:

a first electronic source providing visual content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the visual content at the end user location;

a second electronic source providing audio content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audio content at the end user location;

a third electronic source providing promotional content about the end user;

a control node configured to access the electronic sources and receive electronic selections of specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content and combine the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content in response to the selections to generate an output feed;

a control device located at the end user location for receiving the output feed from the control node; and

an audiovisual display located at the end user location and in communication with the control device for presenting the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content through the television network.

19. A method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location, the method comprising:

providing a first electronic source including visual content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the visual content at the end user location;

providing a second electronic source including audio content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audio content at the end user location;

providing a third electronic source including promotional content about the end user;

electronically selecting specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content;

electronically combining the visual content, audio content, and promotional content in response to the selections to create an output feed; and

presenting the selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed through the television network at the end user location.

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