Abstract: One or more streams from a number of real-time video streams available to be transmitted across a communications network, are selected for display on respective terminals of a first, and at least one other user. First, a policy of the first user for making the selection, is determined, the policy containing conditions to be evaluated, selectable by the first user. Then, which streams to select for the first user is determined dynamically by evaluating the current conditions according to the first user's policy. Only the selected streams are passed for display on the terminal of the first user, independently of selections made for passing to the other users. Dynamic selection from multiple streams enables the user to concentrate on the content not the form of presentation. Individual control of what is displayed, independent of what other users see, enables tailoring to video conferences to be handled more easily.

Abstract: A symmetric full duplex data communication device known as a communication interface unit (CUI) permitting transmission of signals on CATV infrastructure or on amplitude modulated (AM) analog fiber in a variety of configurations. The communication interface unit is capable of interfacing to a variety of signal types, including but not limited to: E1 (G.703), T1 NI and DSX-1), V.35 (N.times.64) or Ethernet. The CUI transmits in the upstream direction in the frequency range of 5 to 50 MHz and receives in the downstream direction in the range of 50 to 860 MHz. The communication interface unit is bandwidth efficient by the use of digital filters in the receive signal path. Management of the communication interface unit is performed via a GMSK internal modem under control of the same CPU. The GMSK internal modem is used to establish a control channel to a network management system (NMS). The control channel operates at a maximum rate of 38.4 Kbps and at a bandwidth of 50 KHz.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-drop distribution apparatus capable of installed in small space and of allowing transmission of large currents, the distribution apparatus having the same characteristics of a coaxial cylinder. A housing (1) has on its inner wall a groove (6a) interposed between a cable connecting portion (3) and a main line connection terminal (5b). The cable connecting portion (3) and the terminal (5b) are interconnected by a conductive rod (6) disposed in the groove (6a) without being in contact with the inner wall of the groove (6a). A dielectric block (7) is penetrated by the conductive rod (6a) so as to be slidable in the groove (6a).

Abstract: A device contains a plurality of prestored program clips corresponding to portions of program information for presentation to a user. A comparator compares the program clips with with program information and causes selection of an alternate program in response to a match. In one embodiment, the program information corresponds to a television program and a program clip corresponds to a video frame at the beginning of an undesirable commercial, resulting in a television that automatically selects an alternate program in response an original program having an undesirable commercial. After a predetermined time associated with the video clip the television automatically returns to the original program. The invention also enables creation of new program clips based upon received program information.