Abstract: A method in a network switch for improved multicast functionality includes receiving information regarding for which group or groups of receivers content is intended, comparing the received information with stored information regarding which receivers belong to which group or groups of receivers to identify receivers belonging to the group or groups of receivers for which the content is intended and multi-casting the content to the identified receivers. In one embodiment, the group or groups of receivers are pre-established using a device group control protocol and are distinguished using a unique identifier for each group. In an alternate embodiment, the group or groups of receivers are established by the network switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing automatic device configuration are disclosed. A portable device contains information relevant to configuration of a second device. The second device obtains the relevant information from the first device, and configures itself according to configuration information obtained based on the relevant information.

Abstract: A networked bypass controller of the present invention receives IR codes transmitted from an IR transmitter (often a handheld device) and the controller is configured to either process the IR codes normally, or to perform actions, such as translation or association of the codes with stored function commands, on the IR codes transmitted. The networked bypass controller of the present invention can then send the resulting commands to one or more playout devices over a network to a device controller(s) for causing a response/change in an associated device(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for synchronizing the playlists of department channels or groups of department channels. In one embodiment of the present invention, the playlists of department channels or groups of department channels are synchronized to endpoints defined in a global playlist schedule. That is, channels not having a termination/end point consistent with the endpoints defined by said global playlist schedule are padded with respective filler content (media) to coordinate the termination points of the channels to be synchronized. The amount of filler content needed for each channel is determined respectively for a channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for a synchronized playlist calculation, which is used to calculate playlists and filler media for seamless transitions during the alternation of individual and common channel programming. In various embodiments of the present invention, an optimum switching (synchronization) point is determined for the individual channels. Subsequently, channels not having a termination/end point consistent with the determined switching point are padded with respective filler content (media) to coordinate the termination points of the channels to be synchronized. The amount of filler content needed for each channel is determined respectively for a channel. Similarly, a switching (synchronization) point is determined for the common channel to provide accurate transitions.