Abstract: A resident application (RA) in set-top terminals (STTs) is updated by providing an upgrade channel application (UCA) over a network. Those STTs that are selected to receive the UCA are identified. The selected STTs download the UCA from the network. Once the UCA begins to execute on an STT, it retrieves the user parameters stored in the STT, and transmits them to a remote location for storage. A new RA is then installed in the STT. The original user parameters are converted at the remote location to become compatible with the new RA. The converted user parameters are transferred to the STT for use by the new RA.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, a broadcast program stream is transmitted to broadcast programming content, and the broadcast program stream is recorded in a headend of the system to enable a user to perform network private video recorder (NPVR) functions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding) on the programming content in the recorded program stream. In accordance with the invention, a delay is introduced into the transmission of the broadcast program stream to reduce the unsynchronization between its transmission and that of the recorded program stream. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of the delay is a function of the time required for recording the broadcast program stream and processing a user request for a recorded program stream. In another embodiment, the amount of the delay is predetermined.