Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a multichannel program includes an audio converter adapted to convert said multichannel program at least partially into a modified program requiring less channels than said multichannel program. The audio converter including control elements used to modify the conversion process used to generate said modified program. A coefficient generator coupled to said converter to generate a coefficient indicative of the operation of said controls. A mixer is arranged to mix the coefficient with program data. A recorder is arranged to record the mixed data on a medium, whereby the medium can be played either using a multichannel player device or a reduced channel player device by using said coefficient.

Abstract: The invention is a system for recording and reading both program data and acoustical control data and playing back the data to optimize performance of audio reproduction and recreate the effect of an original acoustic environment. The system has a recording apparatus, a playback apparatus and a recording media. The recording apparatus produces recording media having both acoustic control information and audio data. The playback apparatus gives the user some ability to override otherwise automatic parameter adjustments. Optionally, a metadata display system takes information about the physical arrangement of instruments and other characteristics of the recording session and the recording studio and makes that visually available to the listener. A player type register identifies the characteristics of the playback device to cause an adjustment of the characteristics of the playback system.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying automatically that a plurality of derivative audio (or other multimedia) files have acceptable sound quality. In one embodiment, each derivative file is compared on a byte-by-byte basis to a corresponding original file to generate a difference. The difference is compared a threshold value (that may be determined empirically). If the difference is too large for many bytes, the derivative file is tagged as having an unacceptable sound quality. In another embodiment, segments of the original and derivative files are converted to the frequency domain and analysis is performed in this domain. The resulting signal could be a tag indicating that whether the derivative file is acceptable, or could be a more comprehensive signal indicative what kind of errors were detected and in what temporal and/or spectral region for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A test signal generator adapted to generate a test signal for an audio program having at least a left and right program track, the test signal generator including a memory means holding digital data descriptive of a unique image; and converter adapted to convert the digital data into a pseudo audio test signal having a left test track and right test track. The pseudo audio test signal is attached or mixed with the respective audio program and the resulting composite signal is recorded on a respective media and/or transmitted by other means to a remote location. At the remote location, the test signal is separated and displayed using the left track and right tracks as two orthogonal components to generate a reproduction of the image. The relative orientation, spatial and geometric characteristics of the reproduced image is indicative of various parameters of the received audio program.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: A program distribution system is disclosed for the simultaneous release of a program at a plurality of locations. The locations may include local broadcasters, or even individual devices. A program is modified so that it cannot be played without a release control signal and is then copied and distributed .either fixed in a media or electronically, i.e. via private network, the Internet, etc.) At the receiver the receiver first detects the release control signal and then replays the program at will. The program may include a time stamp in which case the receiver cannot replay the program until a control indicative of a current time/date corresponding to the date stamp. Alternative the program can be encrypted in which case the release control signal includes the decryption key. The release control can be broadcast over a tv channel, a radio channel and so on and is preferably imbedded into the signals of the standard tv or radio signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: A dual format optical disc (10) on which a musical selection is recorded in two different formats, such as CD and DVD. For example, standard 2-channel rendition of the selection can be stored CD format and a 5.1 channel rendition of the same selection can be recorded using a DVD format. The disc can be used in standard CD player with a provided spacer (44) arranged and constructed to allow the player's head (42) to read the CD information. The disc can also be played with a DVD player in which case the spacer (44) may be removed. Alternatively the disc can be formed with an integral disc, in which case, a DVD player includes an adjusting member to adjust reading head (40) of the player to read either a standard DVD disc or the inventive disc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter for replaceable flash memory cards which can be used in existing stereo systems having a standard cassette player interface. The adapter is constructed and arranged to interface with a conventional stereo system so as to maintain full functionality of the included cassette player even when used with an adapter. Disposed within the housing is a flash card, or other solid state memory, which contains digital data. Audio data is retrieved form the card, decompressed, converted into corresponding analog signals and then fed to the play head of a standard cassette player. Circuits are provided to maintain substantially all the function of the cassette player, including fast forward and reverse.

Abstract: An analog signal, for example in a sound recording process, is converted into an input series of digital signals and is then encoded using a special differential encoding scheme. The scheme involves generating two series of signals, one series corresponding to some of the terms of the input signals, while other terms of the input series are excluded. For example the first series may include every second term of the input series. The second series includes terms corresponding to a difference between at least two terms of the input series, at least one of which is not included in the first series. Preferably the two terms of the input series defining a term of the second series are sequential or at most separated by one other term. The two series can be combined and can be either transmitted to a receiver or recorded on a medium. A high quality output is then obtained by reconstructing the input series from the two series.

Abstract: A method for making a DVD-18 disc using primarily just conventional CD-type injection molding and sputtering equipments. Three substrates are molded. Each of two of the substrates has just one metallic information layer, with the opposite side being flat. The third substrate has two metallic information layers on its opposite sides. The three substrates are arranged in a sandwich configuration, with the substrate having two information layers being in the middle. Each of the outer substrates has a semireflective (gold) information layer that faces inwardly of the sandwich. The middle substrate has two fully reflective (aluminum) information layers. A very thin layer of glue is placed between the semireflective information layer on each of the outer substrates and one of the fully reflective information layers on the middle substrate.

Abstract: An ABX testing device for comparing for example two video or audio programs is provided to determine if the two programs can be distinguishable. The device selects randomly one of the programs and the tester can listen or view and compare sequentially the random selection to either of the programs. The tester then can vote by designating one of the programs as being the randomly selected program. The designations are accumulated and statistics are generated regarding the same. Preferably the device includes a control box, a switch mechanism and a PC coupled to both by standard parallel cable.