Abstract: A trick play signal is derived from a stored, and typically encrypted video stream. The video stream comprises data representing a series of I frames and P or B frames encoded at a variable bit rate, the I-frames being decodable independent of any other frame, decoding of the P or B frames requiring reference to other frames. Selected segments of data are retrieved from the video stream. Each segment corresponds to a part of data from the stream with a selected length. Distances between successive retrieved segments are selected dependent on a trick play speed. A trick play video signal is generated that comprises an earliest first frame from each respective segment. Stream specific properties of the stream are determined that are indicative of a rate at which the I-frames occur in the stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing an analog signal. The method involves hiding a digital watermark signal in the analog signal by combining the watermark signal with the analog signal (103). The watermark signal may be detected and extracted by a device (108) receiving the analog signal. The method includes embedding a key in the watermark signal, such that the key may be extracted and used by an encoding device (108) for encrypting digital content that is based on the analog signal. The invention also relates to an encoding device, which is arranged to perform such encryption.

Abstract: An apparatus (16) for recording a selected program includes a decoder (32), a recorder (34), and a user interface (36). The user interface (36) permits a user to select the program. The decoder (32) receives a data stream including, a start data packet, content data packets, and an end data packet associated with the selected program. The decoder (32) detects the start data packet associated with the selected program and begins the recorder (34) recording. The context data packets are recorded until the decoder (32) detects the end data packet associated with the selected program and stops the recorder (34).