Abstract: A method, device and arrangement insert extra information in an input signal in the acoustical or visual domain. A representation in the electrical domain is received, a watermark including the extra information is generated, and a watermark signal representing the watermark is output to the acoustical or visual domain. The watermark signal representing the watermark is merged with the input signal in the acoustical or visual domain. Any recording unit which attempts to record the input signal will automatically record the watermark signal as well, so no unwatermarked specimens are made available. The device may be realized as a computer program product, or as a small portable unit, which may be worn by a person to automatically watermark anything spoken. The device may be used to protect physical objects against unauthorized taking of photographs, by projecting a visual watermark signal towards the source or physical object.

Abstract: In a communication system a communication device (2) is present for receiving a wideband broadcast signal from a headend. For providing a return channel to enable interactive TV services, the communication device (2) is connected to a telephone network. In order to be able to also provide a voice mail services storage unit (50) is present in the communication device (2) for storing voice messages received from the telephone network, a retrieval unit for retrieving the stored voice messages from the storage unit (50) and a supply unit for supplying the retrieved voice messages to an audio output of the communication device for playback. In an embodiment of the invention, the communication device (2) is integrated in a TV set (3).

Abstract: The transmission system according to the invention employs a transmitter (10) and a receiver (14). The receiver (14) employs a storage device (16) for storing content information (13) within the signal (11) received from the transmitter (10). The receiver further employs a control module (18) for controlling the storage device (16) in dependence on storage control information (15) associated with the content information (13), which storage control information (15) is also included in the signal (11). If the signal (11) is transmitted via a network (12), the transmitter (10) is preferably arranged for transmitting the signal (11) in dependence on the load of the network (12). In this way, content information (13) such as data, audio or video, can be transmitted during periods that the network (12) provides sufficient capacity, e.g., during the night.

Abstract: A method of enabling disintermediation in a business model, as well as an arrangement (100) therefor. Extra information related to the business model is embedded in content such as music, which is then distributed via a third party (202) to a rendering device (204). The rendering device (204) generates an audible signal (120) that can be picked up by a receiver (220) such as a mobile phone. The receiver (220) processes the signal (120) to obtain the embedded information, which is then used in the course of the business model.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device (100) and arrangement for inserting extra information in an input signal (111) in the acoustical or visual domain. A representation in the electrical domain is received, a watermark comprising the extra information is generated and a watermark signal (113) representing the watermark is output to the acoustical or visual. There it merges with the input signal (111). Any recording unit (114) which attempts to record the input signal (111) will automatically record the watermark signal (113) as well, so no unwatermarked specimens are made available. The device (100) can be realized as a computer program product, or as a small portable unit, which can be worn by a person to automatically watermark anything he says. The device (100) can be used to protect physical objects against unauthorized taking of photographs, by projecting a visual watermark signal towards the source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for adapting a graphical user interface. A skin is applied to the graphical user interface so as to influence its look and feel, in response to an event which does not originate from a user request to change the currently applied skin. Such an event may be a change of a category of presented information, a command received from a remote server, or a change of a user profile. Skins thus change dynamically without requiring an explicit user request.

Abstract: The transmission system according to the invention comprises a transmitter (10) and a receiver (14). The receiver (14) comprises storage means (16) for storing content information (13) comprised in the signal (11) received from the transmitter (10). The receiver further comprises control means (18) for controlling the storage means (16) in dependence on storage control information (15) associated with the content information (13), which storage control information (15) is also included in the signal (11). If the signal (11) is transmitted via a network (12), the transmitter (10) is preferably arranged for transmitting the signal (11) in dependence on the load of the network (12). In this way, content information (13) such as data, audio or video, can be transmitted during periods that the network (12) provides sufficient capacity, e.g. during the night.