Abstract: A gateway (150) is connected to local networks (40, 45) of target devices (20-23). The gateway (150) has an event handling function (162) which stores events (173) which may occur and, for each event, commands for controlling the target devices (20-23). A remote server (50) supports an application (130) which configures the event handling function (162) for control of the target devices as well as directly communicating with target devices (20-23). The gateway (150) continues to allow operation of target devices (20-23) if communication with the remote server (50) is interrupted. The invention can be used as an enhancement of the OSGi Virtual Gateway Model, with an OSGi Java application (130) being supported by a Java Virtual Machine on the server (50). The event handling function (162) can be achieved by executing an application written in the native code of the gateway (150).

Abstract: A metadata provision system and method is described. The system comprises a transmitter (30) and a receiver (60). The transmitter (30) is arranged to transmit metadata corresponding to content data. The receiver (60) is arranged to receive the transmitted metadata, wherein the receiver (60) is arranged to store the metadata and output the metadata upon request. Preferably the transmitter (30) and receiver (60) operate under the Digital Audio Broadcasting system.