Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to audiovisual content authoring methods and systems and in particular to novel menu systems and the production thereof, for example implemented for DVD-Video discs. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of authoring an audiovisual product, for example a DVD-Video disc, comprising the steps of providing audiovisual content, generating at least a first menu (505) and a second menu (510), each menu comprising at least one menu option (506, 511), arranging the first menu (505) to be displayed during playback of the audiovisual content and arranging a menu option (506) of the first menu to cause display of the second menu during playback of the audiovisual content. Such a method facilitates hierarchical menu generation for DVD-Videos and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for safeguarding digital objects consisting of digital assets. The system includes a unique identifier and an impairer in each digital asset, the impairer distinct from the unique identifier. A database is provided with a record of each unique identifier. A client is in communication with the database. The client is adapted to receive a subset of the digital assets and analyze each digital asset to determine the unique identifier embedded therein. The client is further adapted to query the database with the determined unique identifier to validate each received digital asset. In response to proper validation, the impairer is removed from the received digital asset. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for safeguarding digital objects consisting of digital assets. The system includes a unique identifier in each digital asset and a database with a record of each unique identifier, the database further structured and arranged to correlate at least two digital assets as distinctly related. A client is in communication with the database. The client is adapted to receive a subset of the digital assets and analyze each digital asset to determine the unique identifier embedded therein. The client is further adapted to query the database with the determined unique identifier to validate each digital asset, the validation further including confirmation of distinctly related digital asset received. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing system including means to play an interruptible or skipable video sequence; and a random number generator for generating a random number associated with an interruption of the interruptible or skipable video sequence.

Abstract: Access to an audiovisual product is controlled by obscuring data. Cells 420 of audiovisual data A, B, C are reproduced by a sequence instruction 410 (e.g. a PGC or Program Chain). One such sequence instruction 410a correctly reproduces the audiovisual data A, B, C, but is hidden amongst many other sequence instructions 410b which incorrectly reproduce the sequence of cells 420 (e.g. as BAC, ACB, CAB, etc.).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to audiovisual content authoring methods and systems and in particular to novel menu systems and the production thereof, for example implemented for DVD-Video discs. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of authoring an audiovisual product, for example a DVD-Video disc, comprising the steps of providing audiovisual content, generating at least a first menu (505) and a second menu (510), each menu comprising at least one menu option (506, 511), arranging the first menu (505) to be displayed during playback of the audiovisual content and arranging a menu option (506) of the first menu to cause display of the second menu during playback of the audiovisual content. Such a method facilitates hierarchical menu generation for DVD-Videos and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a remote controller for controlling audiovisual apparatus to playback protected audiovisual content. In the embodiment, the controller comprises means for receiving access information associated with the protected audiovisual content, generator means for generating playback data, using received access information, and transmitter means for transmitting a playback signal, embodying the playback data, for controlling the audiovisual apparatus to playback the protected audiovisual content.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to copy protection of media products. Exemplary media products are DVD products and the like. According to some embodiments, such media products (745) may carry, in a data area (740), presentation data (325), navigation data (330) and read barriers (AV3), the navigation data (330) providing a plurality of selectable playback paths and providing selection logic (SLn) for selecting a playback path during playback of the product. At least one selectable playback path (MP2) of the product encounters a read barrier (AV3) and at least one other selectable playback path (MP1) does not encounter a read barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow scrolling and/or zooming operations, comparable or substantially similar to those performed by a computer, to be realised and implemented using, for example, a conventional DVD and conventional DVD player.