Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide advertising based on pre-computed sub-playlists are described. The sub-playlists are generated based on one or more demographic characteristics. One or more sub-playlists are used to generate a playlist for a particular user or group of users. In one embodiment, the sub-playlists are generated at a network operations center or other location remote from the device on which the ultimate playlist is displayed; however, the sub-playlists can be generated locally or on a local network device. One or more sub-playlists corresponding to the demographic characteristics of a device user or group of users are combined to provide a playlist for the user or group of users. The playlist is displayed to the user or group of users.

Abstract: A method for filtering documents includes receiving the document off of a multicast channel. It is determined whether the document includes relevant information. The document is processed if it includes relevant information. A filtering agent includes a session identification reading unit that retrieves a session identification from a document transmitted over a multicast channel. The filtering agent also includes an information classification unit that retrieves meta data from the document. The filtering agent also includes a source unit that retrieves source information from the document. An evaluation unit is coupled to the session identification reading unit, information classification unit, and the source unit. The evaluation unit determines whether the document includes relevant information based on the session identification, meta data, and the source information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a user of a networked device, such as a computer system or a set-top box, to have access privileges based on user identity and the network device (e.g., terminal) used to access the network is disclosed. In one embodiment, authorized users of the network have a user identity (e.g., login name and password) that identifies the user. Each authorized user of the network has a set of user privileges. The user privileges identify local resources (e.g., applications) and network resources (e.g., World Wide Web pages) that are available to the user. In one embodiment, user privileges to particular applications, whether local or remote, are determined based on whether the user is current in access fees (i.e., billing status). In one embodiment, each device connected to the network has associated with it a set of device access privileges that identify local resources and network resources that are provided by and allowed by the device.