Abstract: A method for managing SI (Service Information) data stored within a receiver operable to receive digital AV (audio visual) content. The method comprises receiving (104) an SI data item; obtaining (106) the time of receipt and then storing (110) the data item and time of receipt. Concurrently, for each stored SI data item, the time of receipt of a stored SI data item is read (114); its age calculated (116) and compared (120) with a reference value; the stored SI data item is deleted (122) in dependance on the comparison. In this way obsolete data can be removed from the database without also removing valid data. By using a range of reference values according to the various types of SI data items, removal of obsolete data items can be further optimised to minimise the size of the database and reduce the likelihood of overlapping data items therein.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a signal from a plurality of signals received by a component in an AV system. An identifier is added (106) to a signal in dependence on the signal being generated by an active component of the system. For each received signal containing an identifier, one or more parameters of the identifier are determined (116), such as the start time when the component became active, or the address of the component. A signal is selected (124) from the plurality of signals received according to the determined parameters and optionally with reference to a relevant parameter such as component address sent via a separate communications channel.

Abstract: A system (200) and method are described for exchanging data such as software updates, menus and digital AV content (e.g. MPEG2 streams) between components (202, 206) of a home entertainment system (200) interconnected using analogue AV connections such as phono/RCA or (preferably) Scart (208, 214). A first component (202) indicates (222) to a second component (206) that a data exchange is planned utilising one or more available analogue AV connections (220). In response, the second component (206) adapts its processing to accommodate the data exchange, for example routing and processing exchanged data instead of handling it as analogue AV content. In this way, existing analogue AV connections (208, 214) may be used to transfer data from one component to another in a home entertainment system without perturbing normal analogue AV operation whilst saving standardisation and deployment costs associated with defining new connectors and cordsets for such data transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) arranged to control a home electronics system, the apparatus being managed independently of a user, the apparatus comprising a data processing unit (CPU (204), Program ROM (208) and RAM (210)), a first communications port (202) operable to receive a command, a second communications port (216) operable to receive a signal indicating an operative component in the system, and a third communications port (218) operable to output a substitute command to a component in the system. On receiving a command, the data processing unit may produce at least one substitute command in dependence on the operative component, which substitute command is then communicated to a component in the system.

Abstract: A method is described for a home entertainment system (500) to control the playout of audio-visual (AV) content (506) from a source component (502) (such as a VCR or DVD player), depending on a signal (508) which indicates whether the AV content is being consumed by a destination component (504) (such as a TV or audio amplifier). The method operates without requiring any dedicated user interaction. Optionally, an apparatus (510) may interpret the signal (508) and in response generate commands (512) suitable for controlling the source component, for example by emulating infrared remote control commands. Preferably, the signal (502) and commands (512) are implemented using the Project50 protocol.