Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading media in a digital cinema system is described. Specifically, the digital cinema system has a received storage medium and a local storage medium. A user is prompted to present the received storage medium. Responsive to the user specifying the received storage medium, a list of image programs is displayed. Responsive to the user specifying the image program, a list of audio programs is displayed. Responsive to the user specifying the audio program, how much storage space is required to store the selected image program and audio program on the local storage medium is determined. If the storage space required on the local storage medium is insufficient to load the selected image and audio programs, a warning indicative of insufficient storage space is displayed. Each selected program is then authenticated.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a decryption key is initially arranged so that a decryption algorithm received by a control processor is passed via a first interface path to a decryption processor. The algorithm is installed in the decryption processor together with a program decryption key. The apparatus is subsequently arranged so that encrypted working decryption keys received by the control processor are passed on to the decryption processor over the first interface path. The decryption processor decrypts the encrypted keys using the program decryption key. Decryption keys are thus obtained and are transferred via a second interface path to decryptors for use in decrypting encrypted program signals input to the decryptors.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist is claimed. At least one image program and at least one audio program is displayed. Each image program comprises encoded data representing image information, and each audio program comprising encoded data representing audio information. Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified, compatibility of selected image programs and selected audio programs is verifying.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of storing trailer data and feature data on at least one storage medium. The method includes the steps of partitioning each storage medium into first portions and second portions. The compressed trailer data is stored onto at least one of the first portions. The compressed feature data is stored onto at least one of the second portions.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed allow assigning programs for presentation in a digital cinema system. In one embodiment, a scheduler 180 is implemented to generate a schedule in accordance to which decoding modules 140 control playback of data for presentation in the digital cinema systems. The decoding module 140 may operate in an automatic mode and/or manual mode. In automatic mode, the decoding module 140 controls playback based on the schedule, without user intervention. In manual mode, the decoding module 140 cues the user at the appropriate times to control playback based on the schedule.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system comprising a decoder and an auditorium manager, where the auditorium manager configured to sequence the presentation of scheduled programs, a method of cueing a theatre automation system is claimed. A cue command is received from the decoder. The cue command is configured to a format acceptable by the theatre automation system. The cue command is then relayed to the theatre automation system.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed allow assigning programs for presentation in a digital cinema system. In one embodiment, a scheduler 180 is implemented to generate a schedule in accordance to which decoding modules 140 control playback of data for presentation in the digital cinema systems. The decoding module 140 may operate in an automatic mode and/or manual mode. In automatic mode, the decoding module 140 controls playback based on the schedule, without user intervention. In manual mode, the decoding module 140 cues the user at the appropriate times to control playback based on the schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a decryption key is initially arranged so that a decryption algorithm received by a control processor is passed via a first interface path to a decryption processor. The algorithm is installed in the decryption processor together with a program decryption key. The apparatus is subsequently arranged so that encrypted working decryption keys received by the control processor are passed on to the decryption processor over the first interface path. The decryption processor decrypts the encrypted keys using the program decryption key. Decryption keys are thus obtained and are transferred via a second interface path to decryptors for use in decrypting encrypted program signals input to the decryptors.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system comprising a decoder and an auditorium manager, where the auditorium manager configured to sequence the presentation of scheduled programs, a method of cueing a theatre automation system is claimed. A cue command is received from the decoder. The cue command is configured to a format acceptable by the theatre automation system. The cue command is then relayed to the theatre automation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading media in a digital cinema system is described. Specifically, the digital cinema system has a received storage medium and a local storage medium. A user is prompted to present the received storage medium. Responsive to the user specifying the received storage medium, a list of image programs is displayed. Responsive to the user specifying the image program, a list of audio programs is displayed. Responsive to the user specifying the audio program, how much storage space is required to store the selected image program and audio program on the local storage medium is determined. If the storage space required on the local storage medium is insufficient to load the selected image and audio programs, a warning indicative of insufficient storage space is displayed. Each selected program is then authenticated.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist is claimed. At least one image program and at least one audio program is displayed. Each image program comprises encoded data representing image information, and each audio program comprising encoded data representing audio information. Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified, compatibility of selected image programs and selected audio programs is verifying.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage of a first group and a second group of data on at least one storage medium is claimed. The apparatus comprises a storage space allocator configured to partition the first storage medium into a first segment and a second segment. A comparer is configured to compare the space needed to store the first group of data with the amount of space available on the first segment and to compare the space needed to store the second group of data with the amount of space available on the second segment. A separator is configured to separate the first group of data into a first primary portion and a first secondary portion if the space needed to store the first group of data is greater than the amount of space available on the first segment, and to separate the second group of data into a second primary portion and a second secondary portion if the space needed to store the second group of data is greater than the amount of space available on the second segment.