Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for “instant replays” and “quick skip” functionality in a media playback device. In the case of an instant replay, under user control, the media playback moves temporally backwards. In the case of quick skip, under user control, the media playback moves temporally forward. In one embodiment, the temporal movement is based on a predetermined time (e.g., move back 5 seconds, move forward 30 seconds). In another embodiment, the temporal movement is based on scene change analysis.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) for navigating through multimedia content is described comprising: a left menu region comprising a first plurality of selectable menu elements, one or more of the first plurality of selectable menu elements having a plurality of sub-elements associated therewith; a selection element to identify one of the first plurality of selectable menu elements; and a right menu region adjacent to the left menu region, the right menu region to display a first plurality of sub-elements associated with an identified one of the first plurality of selectable menu elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods for storing video information. The apparatus includes a means for receiving video information, a means for converting the received video information into digital video information, and a means for storing the digital video information. Converting the received video information into digital video information can include converting it into an MPEG-compatible digital format. The apparatus can include an MPEG-compatible digital encoder, which can include separate audio and video MPEG encoders. The digital video information can be stored on an electromagnetically writable disk drive with an optimized MPEG file system (OMFS) configured to receive the digital video information and store the digital video information on the disk drive, where the OMFS is configured to divide the received digital video information into one or more packets, each packet having the same number of bytes as a sector on a disk in the disk drive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for “instant replays” and “quick skip” functionality in a media playback device. In the case of an instant replay, under user control, the media playback moves temporally backwards. In the case of quick skip, under user control, the media playback moves temporally forward. In one embodiment, the temporal movement is based on a predetermined time (e.g., move back 5 seconds, move forward 30 seconds). In another embodiment, the temporal movement is based on scene change analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for “instant replays” and “quick skip” functionality in a media playback device. In the case of an instant replay, under user control, the media playback moves temporally backwards. In the case of quick skip, under user control, the media playback moves temporally forward. In one embodiment, the temporal movement is based on a predetermined time (e.g., move back 5 seconds, move forward 30 seconds).

Abstract: A flip float is fishing float comprising a floatation ball having differently, distinguishably colored first and second halves with a shaft extending through the floatation ball perpendicular to the interface between the halves. A stem assembly containing an internal weight and stops on either end of the stem assembly is disposed to slide within the shaft between the stops contained at the ends of the stem assembly. When the float is inverted, the stem assembly shifts from one stop to the other and changes the center of gravity of the float which causes the float to remain inverted. A fisherman can tell at a glance, by noticing which color is out of the water, whether his line has been struck. Attachment of differently colored, reflecting material to the ends of the tube allows the fisherman to shine a light on the float at night to determine whether his line has been struck.

Abstract: A flip float is a fishing float having differently, distinguishably colored first and second halves with a tube extending through the float perpendicular to the interface between the halves. The tube contains a weight which shifts when a fish pulls on the fishing line and inverts the float. The weight moves between stops contained within the ends of the tube but outside of the float body which allows the weight to move at least partially outside of the body of the float. When the float is inverted, the weight shifts from one stop to the other and changes the center of gravity of the float which causes the float to remain inverted. A fisherman can tell at a glance, by noticing which color is out of the water, whether his line has been struck. Attachment of differently colored, reflecting material to the ends of the tube allows the fisherman to shine a light on the float at night to determine whether his line has been struck.