Abstract: A method of playing back audiovisual content together with associated application content, is described, for example using an extended DVD system to play back MHP broadcast content including the inter-active content. The DVD disk includes at least partially an MHP API to enhance the capabilities of a DVD player.

Abstract: An extended DVD system includes a DVD player 2 capable of playing disks 6 with extended application capabilities. On inserting a disk, a DVD video virtual machine (VM) 20 is started from a platform-independent execution environment (18), which reads the video content from the disk and provides an audiovisual display based on that content. The DVD video VM 20 determines when specified events occur and calls back to the platform-independent execution environment 18, which causes commands to be executed such as a separate application stored on the DVD disk 6.

Abstract: A method (6,7) and device (8) for recording and/or reproducing interactive television data via a digital interface (45), wherein said data is transmit inside modules through a DSMCC data/object carousel (2) with a first bandwidth. The method comprises the steps of calculating repetition rates of said modules in said DSMCC carousel (2), recording said modules, together with said repetition rates of said modules, from said digital interface (45) to a storage medium of a recording device, and/or playing back said data inside modules through a second DSMCC Data/Object Carousel (4) over said digital interface (45) and from a storage medium, preferably using the complete available bandwidth of said digital interface for said DSMCC Data/Object Carousel (4), wherein said modules are preferably re-inserted over the digital interface (45), such as into a Transport Stream, at a repetition rate being stored together with said modules on said storage medium.

Abstract: A broadcast media receiver (30) enables delivery of application programs and other data streams transmitted over broadcast media transmission networks to mobile communication devices.

Abstract: A method for enabling access to information services such as subscription television, by subscribers. Information services such as television or radio transmissions are provided to a receiver device over a first communication channel such as a satellite, terrestrial or cable broadcast network. Communication between the receiver device and one or more mobile communication devices is established using a local, short range, transient wireless network defining a second communication channel. The receiver device accesses control data stored on said one or more mobile communication devices within the local wireless network, the access control data enabling access to one or more information services received over the first communication channel.

Abstract: A method for operating a JAVA virtual machine comprises loading a module comprising a parent JAVA class file, identifying offspring JAVA class files listed within the parent JAVA class file, and preloading the offspring JAVA class files. Apparatus arranged to carry out this method comprises receiving means for receiving a digital broadcast signal, and processing means for processing the signal, the processing means comprising a JAVA virtual machine.

Abstract: An electrically releasable form of hook and loop fastener (10) allows one half of the fastener to release from the other half without applying direct physical force to either half. The hook elements (21) of the fastener are formed of a shape-memory alloy material (27) such as commercially available Ninitol. Release of the hook half (14) of the fastener from the loop half (12) is accomplished by passing an electrical current through the shape-memory alloy material to straighten the hooks (21) so that they release their engagement with the loops (18). The flow of electricity through the hook half energizes the Ninitol material (27) to change its shape, either expanding or contracting in length; the change in shape is made to act against another length of material (28) that remains fixed in length or changes shape in an opposite direction so as to cause the hook shape to straighten toward a rod shape.