Abstract: Media content obtained from a content source (11) comprises a plurality of content items (31) which are accessible by an interactive menu structure (60, 65). A preview presentation mode automatically presents a portion of each of a set of the content items (31) to the user in a sequence which represents a navigation path through multiple levels of the menu structure. This shows a user a preview of content items available for presentation without requiring the user to manually navigate various branches of the menu structure. The menu structure can be explored automatically, or a script (33) can specify which items are to be presented. The script (33) can be supplied by the content source (11) or can be obtained from a separate source. During the preview presentation mode information about the current item, or the current position within the menu structure, can be displayed.

Abstract: Media content obtained from a content source (11) comprises a plurality of content items (31) which are accessible by an interactive menu structure (60, 65). A preview presentation mode automatically presents a portion of each of a set of the content items (31) to the user in a sequence which represents a navigation path through multiple levels of the menu structure. This shows a user a preview of content items available for presentation without requiring the user to manually navigate various branches of the menu structure. The menu structure can be explored automatically, or a script (33) can specify which items are to be presented. The script (33) can be supplied by the content source (11) or can be obtained from a separate source. During the preview presentation mode information about the current item, or the current position within the menu structure, can be displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for upgrading software held in read-only storage are described comprising non-reprogrammable read-only memory (116) which stores a file manager program (120), program file A (122) and program file B (124) and a Flash® RAM (118) which stores file X (132). Under control of the file manager program (120), when an upgrade program file B+(126) is acquired, for example via the Internet, it is stored within Flash® RAM (118) and file X (132) is updated. When the software executes, file A (122) calls file B+(126) in preference to calling file B (124), in accordance with the contents of file X (132).

Abstract: An electronic key and reader apparatus for a lock include a key (400) incorporating a display (402) on which is rendered an image representing a keycode (410), the keycode being adapted in relation to the operation of the key. A reader incorporated in the reader apparatus scans the keycode using a sensor array (408) and may interact with the key by exchanging message data (406) using communication port (404).

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and an associated broadcasting system BS and viewer apparatus VUI for providing interactive media coverage for a real time video broadcast of a live action event, the method comprising; i) in a first data stream 4, broadcasting video of the live action event for receipt by one or more viewer apparatus; ii) locating the position of subjects S1, S2, S3, S4 of the live action event in real time, and iii) in a second data stream 2, transmitting position data acquired in step ii) to the one or more viewer apparatus VUI substantially simultaneously with the first data stream 4.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for upgrading software held in read-only storage are described comprising non-reprogrammable read-only memory (116) which stores a file manager program (120), program file A (122) and program file B (124) and a Flash® RAM (118) which stores file X (132). Under control of the file manager program (120), when an upgrade program file B+(126) is acquired, for example via the Internet, it is stored within Flash® RAM (118) and file X (132) is updated. When the software executes, file A (122) calls file B+(126) in preference to calling file B (124), in accordance with the contents of file X (132).

Abstract: An electronic key and reader apparatus for a lock are described comprising a key (400) incorporating a display (402) on which is rendered an image representing a keycode (410), the keycode being adapted in relation to the operation of the key. A reader scans the keycode using a sensor array (408) and may interact with the key by exchanging message data (406) using communication port (404).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring energy to a gas by means of a glow discharge. A transmission line is charged to a voltage of approximately twice that of the steady-state voltage of the glow discharge. A prepulse voltage source, having a higher voltage sufficient to initiate the glow discharge, is first connected to the discharge electrodes. After the discharge is initiated by the prepulse, the transmission line is connected and transfers its energy to the discharge. In a second embodiment, the transmission line is replaced by a capacitor.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck for holding a simiconductor wafer flat in a charged particle beam machine has thermally conductive portions for supporting the wafer. An electrically conductive member, for example a grid, has parts which extend between the thermally-conductive portions and is separated from the wafer by a dielectric layer. The wafer is clamped against the chuck by the electrostatic force set up across the dielectric layer when a potential difference is applied between the conductive wafer and the conductive member. Heat generated in the wafer by the bombardment of charged particles can be dissipated readily via the thermally conductive portions. The wafer can be electrically contacted at its back surface if the portions are also electrically conductive. To enhance thermal conduction away from the wafer, the conductive portions can protrude from the dielectric layer.