Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.

Abstract: Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A user interface is implemented on a client device remote from a host device. The host device operates an application program that implements a user interface, such as an electronic programming guide or a guide for a personal video recorder, that permits a user to control at least one target device. The host device transfers to the client device an identification of at least one scene. In general, a scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of the user interface. The client device generates at least one screen display for the scene based on its interpretation of the scene. The client device then displays the screen as an implementation of the user interface. Thereafter, a user initiates, using the client device, an operation to control the target device. In response, the target device performs the operation. The host device may also display information at a client device For example, the host device may transmit information about a media currently playing at the client device.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.

Abstract: A media system includes at least a source media device and a playback media device coupled through a network. The source media device presents media to the network. The media comprises at least one digital content file with a first format. A transcoder, also coupled to the network, converts the first file format of the digital content file to a second format. The playback device receives the digital content file, formatted in the second format, over the network, and processes the digital content file in the second format to generate processed signals. The processed signals drive the playback device to play the digital content file. In another embodiment, the transcoder operates in conjunction with one or more media servers. For this embodiment, media, stored on the media, stored on the media servers, is converted to one or more different file formats.

Abstract: An applications registry provides a repository of television-based applications. The registry stores information about television-based applications registered, and allows users to view information regarding the registered television-based applications through one or more portals. The information includes a general description of the television-based applications, a description of an entitlement model for the television-based applications, and downloading information to permit a user to download the application to the home media system. The user accesses the registry, to view information about the television-based application, through a home media system. The home media system, which includes a television, accesses the portal over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.

Abstract: A media system includes at least a source media device and a playback media device coupled through a network. The source media device presents media to the network. The media comprises at least one digital content file with a first format. A playback media device plays back digital content files formatted in a second format. A transcoder, also coupled to the network, converts the first format of the digital content file to a second format. In one embodiment, the transcoder comprises a device separate from the source media device and the playback media device. In another embodiment, the transcoder comprises a device integrated with the source media device. The playback device receives the digital content file, formatted in the second format, over the network, and processes the digital content file in the second format to generate processed signals. The processed signals drive the playback device to play the digital content file.

Abstract: An applications registry provides a repository of television-based applications. The registry stores information about television-based applications registered, and allows users to view information regarding the registered television-based applications through one or more portals. The information includes a general description of the television-based applications, a description of an entitlement model for the television-based applications, and downloading information to permit a user to download the application to the home media system. The user accesses the registry, to view information about the television-based application, through a home media system. The home media system, which includes a television, accesses the portal over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An applications registry provides a repository of television-based applications. The registry stores information about television-based applications registered, and allows users to view information regarding the registered television-based applications through one or more portals. The information includes a general description of the television-based applications, a description of an entitlement model for the television-based applications, and downloading information to permit a user to download the application to the home media system. The user accesses the registry, to view information about the television-based application, through a home media system. The home media system, which includes a television, accesses the portal over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.