Abstract: A method for managing on-network data storage using a communication network. Requests for data are received within an intermediary server from a plurality of external client applications coupled to the network. Units of data are stored in one or more data storage devices accessible to the intermediary server. Each storage request is associated with a token representing the request. The token is sent to a storage management server coupled to the network and having an interface for communicating with the intermediary server. The storage management server returns specific location information corresponding to the request associated with the received token. The intermediary server accesses the data storage mechanism using the specific location information to retrieve data at the specific location. The retrieved data is delivered to the client application that generated the request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a user to preview live audio and/or video of a channel displayed in a multiple channel selection display prior to making a complete selection is generally accomplished by providing pixel information for displaying visual representations of a plurality of channels where the video representation of each channel is displayed in a corresponding channel display area (i.e., a video thumbnail). When the user selects one of the video representations in a preview mode, the video thumbnail is switched from a still image with no audio to an image that includes live audio and/or video. This preview mode remains until the user deselects the preview mode, selects full display area viewing, or a time-out period expires. In addition to the preview option, the user is provided with an editing option that allows the user to customize his or her multiple channel display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that automatically scales the channel display area (i.e., thumbnails of the channels) based on the number of channels and displaying characteristics and that provides the user with options to customize the plurality of channels displayed in the multi-channel display is accomplished by determining whether all of the channels in the user's customized list can be displayed within the given display area, which may be the full screen or a portion thereof. If all of the channels can be displayed in the given display area, another determination is made to determine the size of each of channel display areas (i.e., thumbnail). Having made this determination, visual representations of each channel in the user's customized list is displayed. While the multi-channel display is being presented, the user can select one of them for customized editing.