Abstract: In a communication network (100) comprising a plurality of wireless devices (120), a method determines whether to change one or more communication channels over which the wireless devices (120) communicate. The method includes receiving a plurality of configuration parameters for the communication network (100); receiving information related to one or more communication channel's availability for communications by one or more of the wireless devices (120); and determining whether to change one or more communication channels over which the wireless devices (120) communicate by executing a communication channel change determination algorithm using the configuration parameters and the received information related to one or more communication channel's availability for communications by one or more of the wireless devices (120).

Abstract: A device for wireless communication with at least one node in a wireless network is configured to obtain statistical data regarding one or more selected communication channels over which the device is adapted to communicate. The, device is further configured to report to at least one other device at least one metric related to an availability of each of the one or more selected communications channels for communications.

Abstract: In a communication network (100) comprising a plurality of wireless devices (120), a method determines whether to change one or more communication channels over which the wireless devices (120) communicate. The method includes receiving a plurality of configuration parameters for the communication network (100); receiving information related to one or more communication channel's availability for communications by one or more of the wireless devices (120); and determining whether to change one or more communication channels over which the wireless devices (120) communicate by executing a communication channel change determination algorithm using the configuration parameters and the received information related to one or more communication channel's availability for communications by one or more of the wireless devices (120).

Abstract: A device (200) for wireless communication with at least one node in a wireless network (100) is adapted to obtain statistical data regarding one or more selected communication channels over which the device is adapted to communicate (330), and to report from the device (200) to at least one other device at least one metric related to an availability of each of the one or more selected communications channels for communications (350).

Abstract: A communication system comprises a multiplexer and a transmitter. The multiplexer is for receiving a plurality of channels and at least one zapping service. The multiplexer combines the channels and the zapping service(s) into a time sliced signal. The signal comprises time slices each including a burst of one channel and one or more zapping services. The number of zapping services in each time slice is less than the total number of channels, and each zapping service in the time slice is determined by a defined algorithm.

Abstract: A terminal (60) in a digital broadcasting system supports a virtual machine (150), such as a Java™ virtual machine, which processes applications in a first code format, such as Java™ byte code. A plug-in (110) is provided which converts applications that are received in a second code format into the first code format. The plug-in (110) can compile (120) the application into the first code format. The application can be compiled (120) upon receipt, or it may be stored (69) and compiled at a later time, such as overnight or when the virtual machine (150) has spare processing capacity (114). Applications can be converted based on monitored usage statistics (112).

Abstract: A method of playing back audiovisual content together with associated application content, is described, for example using an extended DVD system to play back MHP broadcast content including the inter-active content. The DVD disk includes at least partially an MHP API to enhance the capabilities of a DVD player.

Abstract: A copy-protected application is broadcast to terminals (60) in a digital broadcasting system such as the Multimedia Home Platform (MHP). The application comprises a launcher application (310) and a main application (320). The launcher application (310) causes a terminal to create a server, such as an HTTP server (315) on the terminal (60). An application loader, such as a DVBClassLoader (316), loads the main application into the terminal via the server (315). The main application can be an encrypted application which is decrypted as it passes through the server (315). The launcher application (310) obtains authorization from an external party before proceeding with decryption.

Abstract: An extended DVD system includes a DVD player 2 capable of playing disks 6 with extended application capabilities. On inserting a disk, a DVD video virtual machine (VM) 20 is started from a platform-independent execution environment (18), which reads the video content from the disk and provides an audiovisual display based on that content. The DVD video VM 20 determines when specified events occur and calls back to the platform-independent execution environment 18, which causes commands to be executed such as a separate application stored on the DVD disk 6.

Abstract: A broadcast media receiver (30) enables delivery of application programs and other data streams transmitted over broadcast media transmission networks to mobile communication devices.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system, such as DVB-MHP, transmits applications (320) in encrypted form to terminals (60). Details about the application, such as encryption method, cost and payment details are transmitted to terminals. Terminals use an interaction channel (85) to obtain authorization to access the application (320) from an authorizing entity (55). Authorized terminals receive a key (215) which can be used to decrypt the encrypted application (320). The functionality to authorize the terminal can reside on the terminal (60) or it can form part of a launcher application (310, FIG. 5) which is received by the terminal.

Abstract: A method for enabling access to information services such as subscription television, by subscribers. Information services such as television or radio transmissions are provided to a receiver device over a first communication channel such as a satellite, terrestrial or cable broadcast network. Communication between the receiver device and one or more mobile communication devices is established using a local, short range, transient wireless network defining a second communication channel. The receiver device accesses control data stored on said one or more mobile communication devices within the local wireless network, the access control data enabling access to one or more information services received over the first communication channel.

Abstract: In a method of verifying a user, a pass-sentence (Z1, Z2 . . . ZN), comprising a string of word blocks which in sequence form a sentence known to the user, is associated with the user at step 12. At step 13, a pass number (Y1, Y2 . . . YN) comprising a string of numbers between 0 and 9 is associated with the user. At step 14, a table having N+1 columns and ten rows is generated. The first column is filled with digits 0 to 9 sequentially from top to bottom. The word blocks Z1 to Z8 are each included in the table thus: Zp is placed in column P+1 and in row Yp. The other cells in the table are then filled with suitable word blocks so that each column contains word blocks of the same type. A user knowing their pass-sentence and seeing the table then determines their passnumber by identifying the row number for which the first word block in their pass-sentence is found, and so on, and enters it at step 16. The input is compared at step 17 to the passnumber from step 13.

Abstract: An interface module for a digital broadcast receiver comprises a transport stream generator and a storage means for holding an application, the transport stream generator being adapted to deliver an application from the storage means to the interface for reception by the receiver. In this way, the application arrives at the receiver in the manner of a broadcast application and can be dealt with in the same way. Compatibility issues are resolved since there is a standard allowing broadcast of such applications and the CI module of the invention mimics this. Third parties can deliver the application without hiring bandwidth and without having to prepare and hold inventory of multiple modules for different receivers. The module can be prepared with an application in place in situ, for example stored on a read-only memory storage means. Alternatively, the module can be supplied with a writeable and preferably non-volatile storage means to allow developers to use the module as a generic transport means.