Abstract: Content is received by a device through a port and is analyzed based on a set of predetermined criteria to determine if it matches the characteristics of the device and/or the preferences of a user. The content characteristics are recognized by analyzing the content itself or from tags attached to, associated with or embedded into the content. Acceptable content is then rendered to the user.

Abstract: A player is provided that is capable of playing discs of either a first or a second configuration. Both types of discs can be double-sided optical discs formed with data tracks. In one configuration, the tracks on one side follow one spiral while the tracks on the other side follow a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, and therefore being mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from both sides of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc. In the other configuration, the tracks follow identical spirals. The disc is then rotated in one direction for one side and the other direction for the other side.

Abstract: Content is received by a device through a port and is analyzed based on a set of predetermined criteria to determine if it matches the characteristics of the device and/or the preferences of a user. The content characteristics are recognized by analyzing the content itself or from tags attached to, associated with or embedded into the content. Acceptable content is then rendered to the user.

Abstract: Double-sided optical discs, such as a DVD-18 disc, are mass produced with data tracks on each layer. The tracks on one side of the discs are oriented along one spiral while the tracks on the other side are oriented along a different spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, so that they are mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from either side of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc while normal data reading is proceeding. The process for making the discs includes forming master discs corresponding to the data layers and using these master discs to produce molded optical discs.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating content codes for the scenes of a program includes a scene detector that detects the start of new scene, and a selector that allows a viewer to enter one or more content codes for the scene. The content code(s) and data identifying the scene are then stored for later use. The apparatus also includes a new-scene indicator that is activated when a new scene begins and is then deactivated after content code(s) have been inputted for the scene.

Abstract: A double-sided optical disc, such as a DVD-18 disc, is formed with data tracks on each layer. The tracks on one side are oriented along one spiral while the tracks on the other side are oriented along a different spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed normally from the respective sides. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from either side of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc while the data is being read. The player determines whether a newly inserted disc is oriented properly and, if necessary, the direction of the disc rotation is reversed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating content codes for the scenes of a program includes a scene detector that detects the start of new scene, and a selector that allows a group of viewers to enter or select one or more content codes for the scene, the content codes being related to the audio and visual contents of the scene. The content code(s) and data identifying the scene are then stored for later use. The apparatus also includes a new scene indicator that is activated when a new scene is detected and is then deactivated after content code(s) have been inputted for the scene. Content codes may also be obtained from a set of viewers with a single content code being generated based on the entire set.

Abstract: A double-sided optical disc, such as a DVD-18 disc, is formed with data tracks on each layer. The tracks on one side are oriented along one spiral while the tracks on the other side are oriented along a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides. A player with two laser read heads is provided for reading the disc. Each laser read head is disposed adjacent to a respective disc side. The data is read from the two sides, either in sequence from one side and then the other, simultaneously, or in some alternating fashion.