Abstract: A method for encoding an audio/video (AV) program for muting on a sink device includes generating or recovering at least one digital transport stream having the AV program, augmenting the at least one digital transport stream with control information, the control information being configured to invoke a muting of at least one component of the AV program by the sink device, and transmitting the augmented digital transport stream over a digital link coupled to the sink device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for passing an on-screen display (OSD) from a source device, such as a television terminal, to a sink device, such as a high definition television (HDTV), over a serial interface, such as an IEEE-1394 interface. The source device includes a tuner adapted for receiving an active isochronous MPEG data stream and graphic data for an OSD. A serial interface at the source device enables communication with a sink device. A processor at the source device detects an action requiring an OSD at the sink device. The source device also includes an MPEG encoder adapted for encoding the graphic data as an isochronous MPEG data stream carrying the OSD. The isochronous MPEG data stream carrying the OSD may then be passed to the sink device via the serial interface.

Abstract: Simultaneous display of multiple audio/video (AV) programs transmitted over a digital link is described. At a source device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream is generated from the plurality of AV programs. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is augmented with control information. The control information is operative to invoke simultaneous display of the plurality of AV programs on a display device. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is then transmitted as augmented over the digital link. At a sink device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream having the plurality of AV programs is received over the digital link. Control information is extracted from the at least one non-composited digital transport stream. The plurality of AV programs are identified within said non-composited digital transport stream in response to the control information. The identified AV programs are then simultaneously displayed on the display device.