Abstract: An audio program distribution arrangement for use in connection with a server in a home area network is described. The audio program distribution arrangement is configured to distribute audio programming over a local audio link. The audio program distribution arrangement comprises an audio programming information receiver module, an audio programming information assembler module and a control module. The audio programming information receiver module is configured to receive audio programming information from a plurality of sources. The audio programming information assembler module is configured to generate assembled audio programming information by selectively assembling said audio programming information as received by the audio programming information receiver module into a selected set of frequencies for transmission over the local audio link. The control module configured to control the audio programming information receiver module and the audio programming information assembler module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow fast playback of an audio-visual data stream that is transmitted within a Home Area Network in a manner that is consistent with a bandwidth-allocation constraint. In an embodiment, a bandwidth allocation is received for a stream of audio-visual data. The audio-visual data is transmitted within the Home Area Network. A user request for a fast rendering of the stream of audio-visual data is received, wherein the user request includes a speed factor. A fast playback frame sequence associated with the stream of audio-visual data based on the bandwidth allocation and the user request is then determined. The stream of audio-visual data may then be transmitted in accordance with the fast playback sequence that was determined.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating a video signal defining an image for display by a video display device, the video display device displaying at least one image on a video display screen providing a plurality of pixels generally arranged in a plurality of rows. The system comprises a frame buffer, an averaging device, a video signal generator, and a control module. The frame buffer has a plurality of storage locations each configured to store a pixel value, respective storage locations being associated with pixels displayed by the video display device. The averaging device, which in one embodiment is a flicker filter, is configured to receive pixel values from a plurality of storage locations and generate therefrom an average pixel value according to a predetermined function. The video signal generator is configured to receive the average pixel value and generate the video signal therefrom for use by the video display device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing video programming information from a plurality of sources over a unitary set of channels comprising a notch filter, a video program information receiver, a modulator, and a composite video generator. The notch filter is configured to receive the receive video programming information from a first source over the unitary set of channels and provide notched video programming information comprising the received set of channels, except a selected channel. The video program information receiver is configured to receive other video programming information from a second source. The modulator is configured to modulate the other video programming information onto a channel corresponding to the selected channel, thereby to provide modulated other programming information.

Abstract: A television program distribution arrangement is described for use in connection with a server in a home area network, the television program distribution arrangement being configured to distribute television programming over a local video link. The television program distribution arrangement comprises a television programming information receiver module, a television programming information assembler module, and a control module. The television programming information receiver module is configured to receive television programming information from a plurality of sources. The television programming information assembler module is configured to assemble said television programming information as received by the television programming information receiver module into a unitary set of channels for transmission over the local link. The control module is configured to control the television programming information receiver module and the television programming information assembler module.