Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method and apparatus for a client and server to communicate across a network. The client initiates a communication using a reliable protocol, and transmits in parallel a data request. The data request may be sent using an unreliable protocol. The server begins processing the data request before the connection using the reliable protocol is established. Once the reliable connection is complete, the client retransmits the data request, to which the server responds using the reliable protocol.

Abstract: A digital picture frame or other device which displays for some period of time a background image and a foreground object in a rest state. After the period of time elapses, some or all of the foreground object is temporarily animated. Thus, for example, a digital picture frame may display an image of a person who occasionally winks, smiles, waves, or performs some other action before returning to the rest state.

Abstract: A method for authenticating different rendering devices with different service providers and/or different servers in a network. A controlling device identifies a tuner associated with a rendering device. The tuner includes a unique identification. The rendering device is registered with the controlling device. Registration includes storing the rendering device identification and storing the capabilities of the rendering device. At the completion of the registration process, the controlling device assumes control of programming the rendering device. An administrator is enabled to select services that can be used on the rendering device. The tuner of the rendering device is programmed according to the selections made by the administrator. The controlling device acts as an authorization agent to enable media to flow from the selected services to the rendering device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to allow implicit service payments in client-server environments. According to one embodiment, the present invention includes receiving a request from a client for a connection to a server, sending, to the client, information regarding a computational task to be performed by the client; receiving a result of the computational task, the result representing an implicit payment for access to a resource associated with the server, and allowing the connection between the client and the server to be established.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method and apparatus for a client and server to communicate across a network. The client initiates a communication using a reliable protocol, and transmits in parallel a data request. The data request may be sent using an unreliable protocol. The server begins processing the data request before the connection using the reliable protocol is established. Once the reliable connection is complete, the client retransmits the data request, to which the server responds using the reliable protocol.

Abstract: A digital picture frame or other device which displays for some period of time a background image and a foreground object in a rest state. After the period of time elapses, some or all of the foreground object is temporarily animated. Thus, for example, a digital picture frame may display an image of a person who occasionally winks, smiles, waves, or performs some other action before returning to the rest state.