Abstract: A method for encoding an audio/video (AV) program for muting on a sink device includes generating or recovering at least one digital transport stream having the AV program, augmenting the at least one digital transport stream with control information, the control information being configured to invoke a muting of at least one component of the AV program by the sink device, and transmitting the augmented digital transport stream over a digital link coupled to the sink device.

Abstract: Simultaneous display of multiple audio/video (AV) programs transmitted over a digital link is described. At a source device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream is generated from the plurality of AV programs. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is augmented with control information. The control information is operative to invoke simultaneous display of the plurality of AV programs on a display device. The at least one non-composited digital transport stream is then transmitted as augmented over the digital link. At a sink device, at least one non-composited digital transport stream having the plurality of AV programs is received over the digital link. Control information is extracted from the at least one non-composited digital transport stream. The plurality of AV programs are identified within said non-composited digital transport stream in response to the control information. The identified AV programs are then simultaneously displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A Download Control Message instructs a set-top terminal in a cable television system to located and immediately begin downloading a code or other data object available over the cable system. The Download Control Message specifies, for example, the size, name, version and location (URL or transport stream and PID) of the object to be acquired by the set-top terminal. The terminal accordingly can begin immediate acquisition of the object. An address or other characteristic associated with the Download Control Message allows the system operator to target the Message to a particular set-top terminal or group of terminals.