Abstract: Two-dimensional channel navigation techniques for use in a video distribution system in which broadcast providers each transmit an anchor channel. Some of the broadcast providers may transmit the anchor channel as a single HDTV channel, while the others transmit a set of multiplexed channels including an anchor channel and one or more associated multiplex channels. A receiver which receives the anchor channels and any associated multiplex channels generates an on-screen display which indicates to a viewer the multiplex channels, if any, associated with a currently-selected anchor channel. The on-screen display includes a multiplex indicator with a series of icons, each of the icons representing a particular one of the multiplex channels associated with the currently-selected anchor channel. Each of the icons may be configured to provide an indication of the program content which may be found on the associated multiplex channel.

Abstract: In operational environments where local loop generation equipment is used, communication interruptions between a central office and a customer premises device is minimized by using a dedicated communications link between the local loop generation equipment and the central office. A processing mechanism at the central office determines if, when, and under what circumstances the customer premises device will be notified in response to the activation of local loop generation equipment. This eliminates the need to place local loop generation equipment in series with a communications path that runs between the central office and the customer premises. The central office may provide the dedicated communications link in the form of a telephone line which is equipped to place outgoing local calls, but not equipped to receive incoming calls, and not equipped to place long-distance calls.

Abstract: An infant formula composition is provided comprising a whey fraction wherein 40% or less of the total protein in said fraction is alpha-lactalbumin and more than 8% of the total protein in said whey fraction is beta-lactoglobulin, with the proviso that the percentage of alpha-lactalbumin in said whey fraction is greater than the percentage of beta-lactoglobulin in said whey fraction.

Abstract: An infant formula composition is provided comprising a whey fraction wherein 40% or less of the total protein in said fraction is alpha-lactalbumin and more than 8% of the total protein in said whey fraction is beta-lactoglobulin, with the proviso that the percentage of alpha-lactalbumin in said whey fraction is greater than the percentage of beta-lactoglobulin in said whey fraction.

Abstract: Multiple player games implemented by computer are improved to permit playing without any delay penalty for stations remote from another station. Delay times are compensated using measurement of round trip delay times to each station and the stations participating in the game determine the proper master station based on shared information.

Abstract: Dynamic programming of a digital entertainment terminal (DET) facilitates operation of the terminal to offer a variety of functionally different broadband services. The terminal can be reprogrammed, as-needed, for each different service offered by one or more information service providers. The terminal includes a network interface module which couples the terminal to a specific type of communication network for receiving a digital broadband channel and providing two-way control signaling communication between the terminal and the network. The terminal also includes a control processor with a program memory. The control processor receives user inputs and controls operations of the terminal and sending and receiving of control signals over the two-way control signaling channel. The program memory stores data received over the digital broadband channel as software executable by the control processor.

Abstract: In a video distribution system, methods and apparatus for rapid channel selection are implemented to reduce the channel-to-channel latencies which might otherwise occur in modern video decoding systems, such as MPEG-2.

Abstract: In a video distribution system, methods and apparatus for rapid channel selection are implemented to reduce the channel-to-channel latencies which might otherwise occur in modern video decoding systems, such as MPEG-2. In addition, methods and apparatus are implemented for providing fast forward, fast reverse and channel pause functionality when utilizing staggered start times for a particular program source.