Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a multimedia device, a data stream representing multimedia content, the data stream comprising first timing information for the multimedia content, and metadata representing interactive event information associated with the multimedia content, the metadata comprising second timing information for the interactive event information. During the playback of the multimedia content, a first user interactive event is identified that is associated with a first time point in the playback of the multimedia content based on the interactive event information, and the first user interactive event is performed concurrent with the first time point in the playback of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a multimedia device, a data stream representing multimedia content, the data stream comprising first timing information for the multimedia content, and metadata representing interactive event information associated with the multimedia content, the metadata comprising second timing information for the interactive event information. During the playback of the multimedia content, a first user interactive event is identified that is associated with a first time point in the playback of the multimedia content based on the interactive event information, and the first user interactive event is performed concurrent with the first time point in the playback of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a multimedia device, a data stream representing multimedia content, the data stream comprising first timing information for the multimedia content, and metadata representing interactive event information associated with the multimedia content, the metadata comprising second timing information for the interactive event information. During the playback of the multimedia content, a first user interactive event is identified that is associated with a first time point in the playback of the multimedia content based on the interactive event information, and the first user interactive event is performed concurrent with the first time point in the playback of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A retrofit auto-indexing system for a turret punch press is described in which a predetermined location is provided to which both the upper and lower turrets of a non-indexing turret punch press are rotated. Upper and lower punching tools are mounted respectively in the upper and lower turrets in such a manner so as to be rotated simultaneously, using a single servomotor, to a desired angle. The auto-indexing system is controlled using a microcomputer which is connected to receive the numerical control programmed data, determine whether the code it is receiving relates to the auto-indexing function and, when it does, institute the instructed auto-indexing function. Otherwise, the microcomputer passes the numerical control programmed data directly to a minicomputer which operates the turret punch press in a known manner.

Abstract: An optical fibre capable of monomode transmission in, and having a wavelength of zero dispersion in, the 1.55 .mu.m window and having a core comprising silica and germanium dioxide and a cladding comprising silica is drawn from an appropriate preform at a temperature in the range from 1900.degree. C. to 2000.degree. C. Fibres thus produced have low loss compared with fibres drawn at higher temperature.