Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing a user with a cost comparison for neighborhood services comprising creating a database of categories of neighborhood services, the categories created by a system administrator and by users submitting categories, users also submitting prices they have actually paid for neighborhood services and the computer providing to users the prices actually paid by other users and an average of prices actually paid.

Abstract: A method and system for recording and publishing traditional media source programs over a network is disclosed. According to the method, a request for publication of one or more traditional media source programs in one or more encoding formats is received from a network client that is connected to the network. In response to receiving the request, the one or more traditional media source programs are captured from a traditional media source that broadcasts the one or more traditional media source programs at a particular broadcast time. The one or more traditional media source programs are encoded in one or more encoding formats to produce one or more encoded media programs and then published to the network client over the network at a time that is different from the actual broadcast time.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding digital information is disclosed. According to the method, media program information is captured and used to produce a media program file. An encoding request is received from a client which requests that the media program information be encoded in one or more encoding formats. A set of encoding engines are selected that can encode the media program information in each of the one or more encoding formats. The media program file is then sent to the selected set of encoding engines to encode the media program information in the one or more encoding formats.

Abstract: A method and system forwarding voice messages to an email account is disclosed. According to one method, a voice message that is associated with a particular user is retrieved from a voice mail system. The voice message is then encoded into a streaming media file and automatically forwarded in an email message to one or more email addresses. According to another method, a voice message is converted into a text file and automatically forwarded in an email message to one or more email addresses.