Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) may be efficiently distributed through a CDN by breaking the EPG into elements including EPG info element that provides an indication of the current EPG version and a length of schedule blocks within the EPG. The EPG info can be retrieved periodically, and when a change of the EPG version is detected, EPG Channels info can be retrieved that provides a list of all channels in the EPG as well as an indication for each schedule block of the channel of the EPG version in which the schedule block was last changed. The schedule block version information may be used to retrieve the particular schedule block information when required, and if the correct version of the schedule block is not available at the device. The individual schedule block provides an indication of what programs are airing during the schedule block. Further details of each program may be retrieved as required for each program.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) may be efficiently distributed through a CDN by breaking the EPG into elements including EPG info element that provides an indication of the current EPG version and a length of schedule blocks within the EPG. The EPG info can be retrieved periodically, and when a change of the EPG version is detected, EPG Channels info can be retrieved that provides a list of all channels in the EPG as well as an indication for each schedule block of the channel of the EPG version in which the schedule block was last changed. The schedule block version information may be used to retrieve the particular schedule block information when required, and if the correct version of the schedule block is not available at the device. The individual schedule block provides an indication of what programs are airing during the schedule block. Further details of each program may be retrieved as required for each program.

Abstract: Pairing is achieved between a host communications device and a peripheral communications device, in order to establish an ad hoc wireless or wired network. A device identification, relating uniquely to the peripheral device, is displayed on the host device. In order to accept the pairing, the user confirms that the device identification displayed on the host device matches that printed on the peripheral device, and then completes the pairing procedure by pressing a key on the peripheral device, or, if Near Field Communication (NFC) techniques are implemented in the devices, by placing the peripheral device in contact with, or sufficiently close to, the host device. Thus, secure pairing is achieved, without requiring a complex user interface on the peripheral device.

Abstract: Pairing is achieved between a host communications device and a peripheral communications device, in order to establish an ad hoc wireless or wired network. A device identification, relating uniquely to the peripheral device, is displayed on the host device. In order to accept the pairing, the user confirms that th.—device identification displayed on the host device matches that printed on the peripheral diwice, and then completes the pairing procedure by pressing a key on the peripheral device, or, if Near Field Communication (NFC) techniques are implemented in the devices, by placing the peripheral device in contact with, or sufficiently close to, the host device. Thus, secure pairing is achieved, without requiring a complex user interface on the peripheral device.

Abstract: A magnetic brake for a timepiece including a seconds wheel and a fixed magnet. The wheel is fashioned from magnetic steel. The magnet is located in vicinity of the wheel periphery and radially offset with respect to the teeth thereon.