Automated video digest system and method. The system decomposes video and audio portions of video media into low-level descriptors, producing a large number of such descriptors for each video image and scene. These descriptors are optimized to be both compatible with rapid automated descriptor creation, and also to have some positive or negative statistical correlation with the viewing preferences of typical human viewers. By comparing the number of descriptors correlated with positive human viewing preferences, versus the number of descriptors correlated with negative human viewing preferences, the automated system may analyze an unknown video program and make educated guesses as to which portions of the program are likely to be most interesting to the viewer on playback. Less interesting portions may be skipped or fast- forwarded though. The method may also be optimized to individual viewers. Such methods are useful for controlling the playback of digital video recorders and other systems.
