Abstract: An arrangement for inserting advertisement media into a streaming multimedia file destined for an end-user uses a caching inserter including a first cache for storing a loaded advertisement file and a second cache for holding the streaming multimedia file that needs to be buffered as the advertisement file is sent to the end-user. The advertisement file may be inserted at the beginning of the multimedia file, the end, or at any point during the stream. Once the advertisement begins to be sent to the end-user, the incoming multimedia stream is cached and then is played out of the cache once the advertisement has ended. As a result of the time delay associated with the advertisement, the remainder of the multimedia file must be cached then played out until the stream is complete.

Abstract: A multiple card configuration includes directional instructions on a sheet having a front side and a back side. Multiple charts are provided on the front side to respectively represent different predetermined routes and are separated by perforations so that the charts are selectively removable from the sheet. The charts include multiple reference points which are sequentially listed and distance indicators which represent a distance from a beginning of the routes to the reference points. Waypoints are also included that provide a global position of the reference points, along with symbols which correspond to the reference points and which inform a user which direction to proceed from one of the waypoints to another one of the waypoints. The multiple card configuration may be a printed publication, such as a magazine, where the perforations completely surround a plurality of the charts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling access to digital signals sent via a first communication path and retransmitted over a second communication path. The digital signals, having been encrypted by a first encryption scheme and sent over the first communication path, are received and decrypted. The decrypted signals are then retransmitted over the second communication path using a second encryption scheme that differs from the first encryption scheme.

Abstract: Specific text and/or graphic messages for individual subscribers or groups of subscribers are distributed on a communications network such as a cable television system. An addressable controller communicates with a plurality of subscriber terminals served by the network. Each subscriber terminal is assigned to a primary message group and may be assigned to one or more message subgroups. Messages are input to the addressable controller for subsequent transmission to a subscriber terminal for display. The messages are tagged with distribution data defining at least one primary message group or message subgroup to receive the message. The tagged text messages are transmitted over the network together with signals from network service providers. Global messages can be sent by leaving the distribution data field blank, or filling it with a special code such as a string of zeros. Wild card tags are also permitted.

Abstract: A cable TV security system utilizes three radio frequency signals as three data communication channels: one downstream channel and two upstream channels. A headend alarm processor transmits system commands on the downstream channel. A plurality of subscriber alarm units, connected to the cable TV system, transmit messages on the upstream channels to the headend alarm processor. The respective center frequency of both upstream channels is selectable by command on the downstream channel transmitted from the headend. In the event that one subscriber's alarm unit malfunctions whereby a continuous stream of upstream transmission jams one of the upstream channels, the headend alarm processor changes the respective transmitter frequency of the remaining subscriber alarm units to a clear channel frequency. Alternatively, the frequency or frequencies of the malfunctioning unit may be changed. In either case, system security coverage is rapidly restored.