Abstract: Techniques for efficiently initiating multicast data communications. Upon determining to initiate multicast network communications, embodiments determine that a first multicast group of a plurality of multicast groups is currently active. An Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Join network message for a second multicast group that is currently inactive is transmitted. Upon determining that the first multicast group is currently inactive, an IGMP Join network message is transmitted for the first multicast group of the plurality of multicast groups.

Abstract: A method of presenting content to a viewer is described. The method includes: receiving a schedule of content at a client operable by the viewer, the schedule of content including a directed graph, the directed graph including a plurality of nodes, wherein each node in the plurality of nodes is connected to one or more other nodes in the plurality of nodes by one or more paths, wherein each path represents content presentable to the viewer; traversing the directed graph by following a route between nodes and along paths of the directed graph, wherein at each node the client determines a path to follow according to state information accessible by the client; and presenting content to the viewer as each path is followed.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.

Abstract: A power saving device is described that is disposed in use between a further device and a mains power supply for supplying power to the further device. The power saving device includes: a communications channel input connected in operation to a communications channel output of the further device. The communications channel input is operable to receive control instructions from the further device. The power saving device also includes: a switch for disconnecting the further device from the mains power supply in response to the control instructions received from the further device; and an internal power source operable to provide power to the power saving device.

Abstract: A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing strings comprised in program guide data for transmission is described. The method includes sharing, in the program guide data, a plurality of strings, each string among the plurality of strings including a shared sorting key, implementing an order access of a sorted sharing index, wherein the program guide data and the shared sorting key are comprised in the same data storage structure. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for accessing a desired point in time-synchronized data within a stream, the stream being associated with time information, the method including providing a desired presentation time associated with a desired point within a time-synchronized data stream, determining a stream access point, decoding the stream beginning at the stream access point, and assigning a time associated with the stream access point as a utilization time. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing strings comprised in program guide data for transmission is described. The method includes sharing, in the program guide data, a plurality of strings, each string among the plurality of strings including a shared sorting key, implementing an order access of a sorted sharing index, wherein the program guide data and the shared sorting key are comprised in the same data storage structure. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method for accessing a desired point in time-synchronized data within a stream, the stream being associated with time information, the method including providing a desired presentation time associated with a desired point within a time-synchronized data stream, determining a stream access point, decoding the stream beginning at the stream access point, and assigning a time associated with the stream access point as a utilization time. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power saving device is described that is disposed in use between a further device and a mains power supply for supplying power to the further device. The power saving device includes: a communications channel input connected in operation to a communications channel output of the further device. The communications channel input is operable to receive control instructions from the further device. The power saving device also includes: a switch for disconnecting the further device from the mains power supply in response to the control instructions received from the further device; and an internal power source operable to provide power to the power saving device.

Abstract: A method of presenting content to a viewer is described. The method includes: receiving a schedule of content at a client operable by the viewer, the schedule of content including a directed graph, the directed graph including a plurality of nodes, wherein each node in the plurality of nodes is connected to one or more other nodes in the plurality of nodes by one or more paths, wherein each path represents content presentable to the viewer; traversing the directed graph by following a route between nodes and along paths of the directed graph, wherein at each node the client determines a path to follow according to state information accessible by the client; and presenting content to the viewer as each path is followed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing, implementing and using interactive applications and content that are digitally recorded and viewed in real-time and/or a time-shifted moded are provided. The interactive applications may be associated with television programs or may be unrelated thereto, and may be transmitted together with television programs or separately therefrom. Interactive applications that are employed in a time-shifted mode can be matched to current conditions and interactive content may be updated to include current data. Users may view and manipulate highlights of television programs and receive alerts of occurrence of real-time events during viewing of recorded material. Additional manipulations of interactive applications and content are also enabled. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.