Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods achieve improved communication of the text in a video stream. Text may be processed separately from the video stream to suit the capabilities of a display device or to improve the availability of the textual information to users with special requirements. The disclosed methods and systems may be used, for example, in conjunction with set-top-box decoders, mobile telephones, and portable media players with small or low-resolution display screens.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods achieve improved quality reverse playback of video though techniques for modifying the way in which video is encoded and stored. The methods and systems may be used, for example, in conjunction with a wide variety of media playing and recording devices, such as DVD recorders, set top boxes, personal video devices (PVR), and mobile phones. Any device that allows users to record video, either from a fixed source (e.g., set top box) or from life (e.g., mobile phone with built-in video camera, or a standard digital video camera), may use the disclosed methods and systems to give users a higher quality playback.

Abstract: A data transfer network is provided which comprises a TFTP server connected to transfer data to a series of client apparatus connected to the network. When data is to be transferred, one of the clients is designated the master client and the speed of requests for data from the master client determines the rate of transfer of the data to all of the clients. The rate of transfer of data to each client, when elected as the master client, is monitored and compared with predetermined transfer rates. If from the comparison it is identified that the transfer rates is longer than that which is required, the TFTP server elects another client which is available as master client.

Abstract: A system is provided for the generation and transmission of data to a number of items of electrical apparatus, such as broadcast data receivers. The system comprises a network to which a number of servers are connected. The servers are controlled to issue data for distribution through the network to the broadcast data receivers. On the basis of the data received, the broadcast data receivers adopt an operating configuration. The broadcast data receivers are provided with memory which is adapted to identify when incorrect data is issued by a server and identify the particular server or servers which issued the data.