Abstract: There is a desire to simultaneously record two or more programmes (sources 28). There is hereby disclosed a method of and apparatus for recording two or more independent video programmes simultaneously to a recordable DVD (digital versatile disk) (10) while maintaining conformance to the DVD Video specification. The DVD Video specification does not permit gaps between recorded programmes. The novel apparatus uses the multi-angle feature of DVD Video for multiplexing received data streams representing the A/V programmes from different tuners or a television multiplex into one digital video data stream (30) and recording the stream to the recording medium (10). The DVD table of contents is written so that when played back on a digital video player, the two viewing angles appear as separate programmes, and the user's ability to change angle can be disabled automatically to conceal the manner of recording.

Abstract: A system for enabling secure transfer of data comprises a receiving device (10) for transmitting a request for data to a sending device (12), a sending device (12) for receiving the request for data and for transmitting the data encrypted with a first key (14) to the receiving device (10), and a server (16) for receiving the encrypted data and identification information from the receiving device (10), the server arranged for partially decrypting the data with a second key (18), and transmitting the partially decrypted data to the receiving device. The receiving device (10) is arranged to decrypt the partially decrypted data received from the server (16) with a third key (20).

Abstract: A method of playing back audiovisual content together with associated application content, is described, for example using an extended DVD system to play back MHP broadcast content including the inter-active content. The DVD disk includes at least partially an MHP API to enhance the capabilities of a DVD player.

Abstract: An extended DVD system includes a DVD player 2 capable of playing disks 6 with extended application capabilities. On inserting a disk, a DVD video virtual machine (VM) 20 is started from a platform-independent execution environment (18), which reads the video content from the disk and provides an audiovisual display based on that content. The DVD video VM 20 determines when specified events occur and calls back to the platform-independent execution environment 18, which causes commands to be executed such as a separate application stored on the DVD disk 6.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repeatedly embedding content identification information (identifiers) into a media data stream, such as an MPEG video data stream. The identifiers are embedded into the data stream using a hash function that binds an identifier with a rapidly varying property of the data stream so that it is difficult for an unauthorised device to insert false identifier information or to edit the identifier information. The identifier may be secured also with a digital signature. The method and apparatus also provides for transcoding of the data stream and re-calculation of the embedded identifier, by an authorised device, where the rapidly varying property of the data stream may be altered by the transcoding operation.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, system, device, and signal for the protection of the integrity of TV anytime meta-data, and a signal carrying such protected information accordingly. Protection is obtained by applying a signature and certification approach. Optionally, an additional step of cannolization or a transform function is used. Data fragments can be labeled with a unique identifier so they can be referenced and separately signed individually or as a set by several different parties.

Abstract: A method of harvesting usage data from a broadcast receiver configured to detect and store such usage data comprises providing (16, 18) to the receiver a privacy policy identifying not only the usage data sought to be harvested but also the intended use for such data. At the receiver, an interactive or automated determination (22) is made as to whether a received privacy policy is acceptable; and if so, the receiver selects (30) from store the usage data identified in the privacy policy and transmits (28) the same to the sender of the privacy policy. A receiver apparatus configured to support the method is also provided.

Abstract: Method is provided for controlling access by a client computer to an on-line user group hosted by a second computer, wherein the first computer stores personal data of a user. A privacy policy (16) identifying the personal data required to be provided to permit access to the user group is transmitted (18) from the host to the client as a part of the access routine. At the host a determination is made (22) as to whether a received privacy policy is acceptable and, if so, the client selects (30) from store the personal data identified in the privacy policy and transmits (28) the same to the host A programmable device configured as a client is also disclosed.

Abstract: Digital video signals are encrypted by a broadcaster based on a key stream and transmitted to a receiver. At the receiver, the signals are decrypted using the broadcaster's keys and processed in unencrypted form to improve recording and/or playback operation. The processed signals are then re-encrypted using the broadcaster's keys, with appropriate time-shifting to align key changes with suitable boundaries in the video stream. The resulting encrypted signals are stored on a storage medium.

Abstract: A method of acquiring repetitively broadcast data comprises acquiring the data in fragments, acquiring a document comprising information on the fragments, examining the information, and re-acquiring the fragments according to the information.

Abstract: A method of creating an audio/video stream comprises multiplexing a video component, an audio component and a content reference identifier, the content reference identifier is associated with the video component and the audio component in an MPEG transport stream. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving the audio/video stream isalso described.

Abstract: A method of providing automatically verifiable trust in a content resolution process in which a PDR resolves a content reference identifier (CRID) identifying a content item using a resolution authority record (RAR) to obtain a locator identifying a location where the PDR can obtain the content item. Preferably, the measure comprises computing a digital signature over at least part of the contents of the CRID, the locator and/or the RAR. The method may also comprise encrypting at least a data portion of the CRID, RAR or locator. Digital rights needed to access the content item can be provided with the CRID, RAR or locator.

Abstract: In connection with the supply of data tokens identifying the forthcoming delivery of audio/video content, a method for obtaining content access data relating to forthcoming content is provided, together with a method for supplying such data and apparatus supporting the methods. Where a remote resolution utility (12) is available to supply access data, in the form of time and channel for broadcast, for example, in response to supply of an appropriate content identifier, the method comprises capturing, other that directly via the mechanism by which content is to be delivered, of a content identifier (16) for an item of content; determining from said content identifier said resolution utility; transmitting the captured content identifier to said resolution authority; and receiving the access data returned by said resolution utility.