Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHubs) to form a local cluster. The MHubs are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHubs obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Any bandwidth left after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the traditional ethernet traffic and the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A customized RUI based on user preferences is able to make the RUI experience for the user more enjoyable, as well as provide a safe viewing environment for families. The customized RUI is implemented when a user is detected. The customized RUI is presented on a rendering device so that each user experiences a customized version of entertainment.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. The ethernet switch sends a periodic isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Bandwidth remaining after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. The ethernet switch sends a periodic isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Bandwidth remaining after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHubs) to form a local cluster. The MHubs are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHubs obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Any bandwidth left after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the traditional ethernet traffic and the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHubs) to form a local cluster. The MHubs are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHubs obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Any bandwidth left after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the traditional ethernet traffic and the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 ischronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchrounous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an ischronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. The ethernet switch sends a periodic isotick signal to begin the ischronous interval. Bandwidth remaining after the ischronous interval is then allocated to the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: An automatically configuring storage array includes a plurality of media storage devices coupled together within a network of devices. Preferably, the network of devices is an IEEE 1394-2000 serial bus network of devices. The media storage devices are utilized to record and retrieve streams of data transmitted within the network of devices. The media storage devices communicate with each other in order to store and retrieve streams of data over multiple media storage devices, if necessary. When a record or playback command is received by any one of the media storage devices, the media storage devices send control communications between themselves to ensure that the stream of data is recorded or transmitted, as appropriate. Control of the record or transmit operation is also transferred between the media storage devices in order to utilize the full capacity of the available media storage devices. Preferably, streams of data are recorded utilizing redundancy techniques.

Abstract: When a user's request is entered it is then transmitted to a network interface unit which digitizes and stores the request. The digitized request and information about the user's network of devices is then transmitted from the network interface unit to a natural language server, preferably over the internet. The natural language server then processes the request and generates commands necessary to complete the request within the user's network of devices. These commands are then transmitted from the natural language server to the network interface unit. The network interface unit then transmits the commands to the appropriate devices within the network of devices. The devices within the network of devices then execute the received commands to complete the user's request.

Abstract: An automatically configuring storage array includes a plurality of media storage devices coupled together within a network of devices. Preferably, the network of devices is an IEEE 1394-2000 serial bus network of devices. The media storage devices are utilized to record and retrieve streams of data transmitted within the network of devices. The media storage devices communicate with each other in order to store and retrieve streams of data over multiple media storage devices, if necessary. When a record or playback command is received by any one of the media storage devices, the media storage devices send control communications between themselves to ensure that the stream of data is recorded or transmitted, as appropriate. Control of the record or transmit operation is also transferred between the media storage devices in order to utilize the full capacity of the available media storage devices. Preferably, streams of data are recorded utilizing redundancy techniques.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a network of devices (nodes) which conform to standards with different physical interfaces and communication protocols to share a communication link. In one embodiment of the present invention, a 1394a compliant node is connected to a partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node. The partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node is connected to a fully compliant 1394b node. Thus, the partially compliant bi-lingual 1394b node provides a bridge between the 1394a node and the fully compliant 1394b node. The fully compliant 1394b node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394b standard and arbitrates according to either the 1394b standard or the 1394a standard. The partially compliant 1394b node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394b standard but arbitrates according to the 1394a standard. The 1394a node has a physical interface in compliance with the 1394a standard and arbitrates according to the 1394a standard.

Abstract: A method and system for a multi-phase net refresh on a bus bridge interconnect, the interconnect comprising a number of nodes, a bus bridge, and a number of buses, are described. In one embodiment, a primary bus is acquired by communicating with other bus bridges on the buses. A secondary bus is breached to acquire the secondary bus. In addition, the primary bus and the secondary bus are committed.

Abstract: A method of address management in a net having a plurality of buses linked by a plurality of bus bridges where the net has only one branch bus with multiple bus bridges. A local identification address is assigned to each node on a branch bus and a bus number is assigned to each bus other than the branch bus. The bus number includes a common base and the local identification address for the node having a portal that connects to that bus.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for configuring and controlling home entertainment systems through natural language and spoken commands using a natural language server allows a user to enter a natural language request within a network of devices. When a user's request is entered it is then transmitted to a network interface unit which digitizes and stores the request. The digitized request and information about the user's network of devices is then transmitted from the network interface unit to a natural language server, preferably over the internet. The natural language server then processes the request and generates commands necessary to complete the request within the user's network of devices. These commands are then transmitted from the natural language server to the network interface unit. The network interface unit then transmits the commands to the appropriate devices within the network of devices. The devices within the network of devices then execute the received commands to complete the user's request.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 ischronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchrounous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an ischronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the ischronous interval.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying that a 1394a node is actively attached to a 1394b network and indicating so to the 1394b network. In one embodiment, a border node first determines that a 1394a node is actively attached to the border node. Then, the border node sets a reserved bit in a self-identification packet, indicating the active presence of the 1394a node. Then, during the self-identification process, the border node transmits the self-identification packet into a 1394b network, indicating to all 1394b nodes in the 1394b network that there is a border node with an active connection to a 1394a node. Next, the 1394b nodes in the 1394b network of compliant devices alter their behavior for arbitration purposes, such that an 1394a network and a 1394b network may share a communication link.

Abstract: An automatically configuring storage array includes a plurality of media storage devices coupled together within a network of devices. Preferably, the network of devices is an IEEE 1394-2000 serial bus network of devices. The media storage devices are utilized to record and retrieve streams of data transmitted within the network of devices. The media storage devices communicate with each other in order to store and retrieve streams of data over multiple media storage devices, if necessary. When a record or playback command is received by any one of the media storage devices, the media storage devices send control communications between themselves to ensure that the stream of data is recorded or transmitted, as appropriate. Control of the record or transmit operation is also transferred between the media storage devices in order to utilize the full capacity of the available media storage devices. Preferably, streams of data are recorded utilizing redundancy techniques.

Abstract: A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHubs) to form a local cluster. The MHubs are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHubs obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Any bandwidth left after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the traditional ethernet traffic and the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.

Abstract: A method of performing a data bus transaction in a data bus system is described, whereas the data bus transaction includes a request phase and a response phase. In an embodiment, the data bus system includes a plurality of nodes including a requester node and a responder node, whereas the data bus system is compliant with the 1394 Standard. The method of the present invention enhances flow control in the data bus system in particular circumstances so that to improve the data transfer rate of the data bus system. In particular, the method of the present invention accelerates the initiation of an arbitration process (so that to perform a next data bus transaction) relative to the end of the response packet transmitted during the response phase of a current data bus transaction. Moreover, the method of the present invention does not interfere with the protocols of the arbitration process of the data bus system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a bus bridge to a master clock comprising receiving a time stamp packet at an input clock register of the bus bridge, comparing the value of the input clock register to the value of an output clock register of the bus bridge, obtaining an error value of the output clock register from the comparison, and determining whether the error value is below a predetermined threshold are described.