Abstract: An audio-visual content service provider processor (201) receives (101) audio-visual content from at least a first content provider (203), which audio-visual content is to be distributed to end users (205) of the audio-visual content service provider processor. That audio-visual content service provider processor then facilitates distribution (103) of the audio-visual content to the end users (pursuant, for example, to a corresponding broadcast schedule). This audio-visual content service provider processor also receives (104) metadata that comprises conditions regarding the audio-visual content.

Abstract: An audio-visual content service provider processor (201) receives (101) audio-visual content (302) from at least a first content provider (203), which audio-visual content is to be distributed to end users (205) of the audio-visual content service provider processor. That audio-visual content service provider processor then facilitates distribution (102) of the audio-visual content to the end users (pursuant, for example, to a corresponding broadcast schedule (304)). This audio-visual content service provider processor also, however, locally records (104) the audio-visual content, in the absence of any corresponding specific requests from the end users, to thereby hold a recorded version of the audio-visual content for subsequent re-broadcasting to the end users.

Abstract: An audio-visual content service provider (200) processor (201) receives (102) an end user (203) selection of at least one particular Internet media content channel via an audio-visual content service provider-end user interface. The audio-visual content service provider then provides (103) on-demand access to this at least one particular Internet media content channel to this end user as a selectable viewing channel along with other televised audio-visual content channels. By one approach, the audio-visual content service provider can receive the described end user selection via a browser-based interface.

Abstract: An audio-visual content service provider (400) processor (401) receives (101) at least one on-demand broadcasting request for particular audio-visual content from an end user (405). The processor then determines (102) at least one future time at which the on-demand broadcasting request can likely be satisfied and provides (103) a corresponding dynamic programming guide to the end user that comprises, at least in part, this at least one future time.

Abstract: An information object from a server is loaded onto a portable device by transmitting metadata associated with the information object from the portable device to a load point device, transferring the information object from the server to the load point device in accordance with the metadata and, at a later time when the portable device may be linked with the load point device, transferring the information object from the load point device to the portable device.

Abstract: Digital Rights Management (DRM) requirements are removed from aggregators (206) that store digital content. DRM is then utilized in the end-client (107) to render the digital content. Aggregators thus become “un-trusted” devices that store DRM-protected (usually encrypted) content. Client devices that wish to render the DRM-protected content will need to execute the appropriate DRM protocols with a rights issuer in order to do so.

Abstract: A digital signal processor operates in conjunction with a scheduler hardware module and a scheduler software module in executing a highest priority runnable event among a plurality of events. The scheduler hardware module communicates an interrupt request signal to the DSP that is indicative of any change in a highest priority runnable event. The scheduler software module is executed by the DSP in response to the interrupt request signal indicating a change in highest priority runnable event. An execution of the scheduler software module by the DSP implements one of a various modes of an interrupt request routine.

Abstract: A digital signal processor operates in conjunction with a scheduler hardware module and a scheduler software module in executing a highest priority runnable event among a plurality of events. The scheduler hardware module communicates an interrupt request signal to the DSP that is indicative of any change in a highest priority runnable event. The scheduler software module is executed by the DSP in response to the interrupt request signal indicating a change in highest priority runnable event. An execution of the scheduler software module by the DSP implements one of a various modes of an interrupt request routine.