Abstract: An interactive information distribution system according to the present invention includes a session control manager having a defective channel detection module, a channel re-allocation module, and a replacement-signaling module. The session control manager is coupled to receive signals from the plurality of set top boxes, and coupled to control the digital video modulators and the assignment of communication channels to nodes. The defective channel detection module receives signals from the plurality of set top boxes, and based on the error rate and other factors determines if any of the communication channels used by the digital video modulators are defective. Upon determining that a particular communication channel is defective, the defective channel detection module signals the channel re-allocation module.

Abstract: Selective encryption is provided in a process which includes: determining whether a predetermined criterion is satisfied; setting a selective encryption status field if the predetermined criterion is satisfied; and encrypting an unencrypted payload to generate an encrypted payload, and constructing a packet with the encrypted payload, if the predetermined criterion is satisfied. The predetermined criterion may be one of several criteria, each of which reduce the required amount of encryption and decryption while maintaining a high level of security.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment. The service provider equipment contains two geographically distributed components: central server equipment and a remote video session manager. The central server equipment provides information streams to the remote video session manager in response to information manipulation commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive menu structure within an interactive information distribution system. The menu structure is embodied in a combination of software, which provides a so-called navigator and a set top terminal that provides certain functionality for the navigator and a video session manager which provides support functionality for the set top terminal. The menu structure has each menu (e.g., menu instructions, graphics and video) contained in downloadable applets which are sent upon request from the service provider equipment to the set top terminal for display. As such, the navigator functions are actually distributed between the service provider equipment and the subscriber's equipment. Such distribution provides an enjoyable, real-time interactive session that allows the user to rapidly navigate through a plethora of menus to find particular information, which they desire to view.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station for transmission of the video programming, the remote server decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then transmits the video programming to the subscriber station. In accordance with a second aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form, decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station, the remote server simply transmits the video programming. In accordance with a third aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming.

Abstract: Alpine ski (1) which can be broken down over its length into a tip area (2), a binding area (3) and a heel area (4), in which the side line is such that the binding area (3) has a minimum width level (LP), the tip area (2) has a front maximum width level (LS), and the heel area (4) has a rear maximum width level (LT) characterized in that:

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station for transmission of the video programming, the remote server decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then transmits the video programming to the subscriber station. In accordance with a second aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form, decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station, the remote server simply transmits the video programming. In accordance with a third aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive menu structure within an interactive information distribution system. The menu structure is embodied in a combination of software, which provides a so-called navigator and a set top terminal that provides certain functionality for the navigator and a video session manager which provides support functionality for the set top terminal. The menu structure has each menu (e.g., menu instructions, graphics and video) contained in downloadable applets which are sent upon request from the service provider equipment to the set top terminal for display. As such, the navigator functions are actually distributed between the service provider equipment and the subscriber's equipment. Such distribution provides an enjoyable, real-time interactive session that allows the user to rapidly navigate through a plethora of menus to find particular information which they desire to view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the personal identification numbers of customers as well as customer authorization access to an interactive information distribution system. The apparatus comprises an interactive session manager containing a central processing unit that is programmed to implement the method includes. The method of the present invention is a personal identification number (PIN) assignment routine for assigning various types of PINs to various customers of the information distribution system. The method also includes an access authorization routine for restricting access to only those customers with authorized access to particular services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking the effects of latency within an information distribution system. The apparatus comprises a set top terminal that requests and receives information from an information server within the information distribution system. The information is generally displayed upon a conventional television that is coupled to the set top terminal. The set top terminal contains a central processing unit and an information stream decoder that are programmed to implement the method. The method is a routine which is executed when a subscriber selects certain functions, usually via a remote control, that are available for the set top terminal to perform. Upon execution, the method recalls a predefined image from memory and begins to fade the presently displayed image into a predefined image, e.g., a white screen. Simultaneously, the presently playing sound is also faded into the predefined sound, e.g., no sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking the effects of latency within an information distribution system. The apparatus comprises a set top terminal that requests and receives information from an information server within the information distribution system. The information is generally displayed upon a conventional television that is coupled to the set top terminal. The set top terminal contains a central processing unit and an information stream decoder that are programmed to implement the method. The method is a routine which is executed when a subscriber selects certain functions, usually via a remote control, that are available for the set top terminal to perform. Upon execution, the method recalls a predefined image from memory and begins to fade the presently displayed image into a predefined image, e.g., a white screen. Simultaneously, the presently playing sound is also faded into the predefined sound, e.g., no sound.