Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: A recordable media content purchasing system comprising a memory, and a processor configured with the memory to download recordable media content at one of a plurality of various download times for purchase of the recordable media content.

Abstract: A recordable media content purchasing system comprising a memory, and a processor configured with the memory to download recordable media content at one of a plurality of various download times for purchase of the recordable media content.

Abstract: In a digital network that includes a plurality of devices, which include multiple devices that transmit transport streams, a system and method are provided for discovering and mapping the transport streams and the plurality of devices included in the digital network. One such method sends a transport stream map request to a plurality of network devices. The network devices include a plurality of network transport stream sources and a plurality of network transport stream handlers. The method receives a plurality of replies to the transport stream map request. Each reply includes information associated with the respective network device. The method generates a transport stream map based on the received replies. The transport stream map represents a flow of transport streams among the plurality of network devices.

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: In a digital network that includes a plurality of devices, which include multiple devices that transmit transport streams, a system and method are provided for discovering and mapping the transport streams and the plurality of devices included in the digital network. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that, among other things, receives network messages from the plurality of devices and determines or assigns transport stream identifiers in the network such that transport stream identifier conflicts do not occur. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of devices are adapted to respond to a first message by sending a network message to the controller, and the devices are adapted to monitor their received transport stream(s) and respond to changes by sending a second network message to the controller.

Abstract: In a digital network that includes a plurality of devices, which include multiple devices that transmit transport streams, a system and method are provided for discovering and mapping the transport streams and the plurality of devices included in the digital network. One such method sends a transport stream map request to a plurality of network devices. The network devices include a plurality of network transport stream sources and a plurality of network transport stream handlers. The method receives a plurality of replies to the transport stream map request. Each reply includes information associated with the respective network device. The method generates a transport stream map based on the received replies. The transport stream map represents a flow of transport streams among the plurality of network devices.

Abstract: A decoder checks a table within its received input signal and tunes to at least one of the listed frequencies to determine its associated service group within a subscriber television system. The associated service group associates the decoder with the modulators, transport streams, and other components providing services and programming to that particular decoder. The decoder transmits its associated service group to the subscriber television system headend. The subscriber television system then knows the services and programming available on that particular decoder. The decoder can periodically verify its associated service group and, if the service group is changed, notify the headend. By establishing decoders for auditing the system, the definition of the service groups can be established or updated when components or configurations are introduced or changed.

Abstract: A media system which includes logic configured to provide a user interface that provides a user with a plurality of media content selections available at various times, and a portable client media drive configured to receive over a secured transmission medium the media content selected by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic network information to devices in a network is disclosed. The network includes a plurality of devices that receive dynamic network information and at least one transport stream. The dynamic network information received by a device of the plurality of devices includes network information related to the transport stream received by the device. In one embodiment, the device uses the received network information to monitor the network and to determine network conditions.

Abstract: In a digital network that includes a plurality of devices, which include multiple devices that transmit transport streams, a system and method are provided for discovering and mapping the transport streams and the plurality of devices included in the digital network. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that, among other things, receives network messages from the plurality of devices and determines or assigns transport stream identifiers in the network such that transport stream identifier conflicts do not occur. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of devices are adapted to respond to a first message by sending a network message to the controller, and the devices are adapted to monitor their received transport stream(s) and respond to changes by sending a second network message to the controller.

Abstract: A media system which includes logic configured to provide a user interface that provides a user with a plurality of media content selections available at various times, and

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: A recordable media content purchasing system comprising a memory, and a processor configured with the memory to download recordable media content at one of a plurality of various download times for purchase of the recordable media content.

Abstract: A hand held data entry terminal that, upon initialization of a data entry program downloaded from a host computer, is capable of capturing product data, through either a terminal scanner or a data entry keypad, at locations remote from the host computer. A data entry program is downloaded to a battery-powered data entry terminal from a central host computer via an RF data transceiver located in the terminal. If the terminal scanner is functional and the product contains the necessary coded representations of data, the scanner may be enabled, through a first trigger located on a terminal handle, to scan the coded representations of data. Alternatively, the terminal operator may enter alpha/numeric product data through the terminal keypad. The data entry program contains a stack of key definition tables for the terminal keypad, allowing the terminal to be designed with a minimum number of data entry keys and a terminal display of maximum size.