Abstract: A method for transmitting a priority alert to a client computer provides for the streaming of a video alert message, displaying text of a video alert message or displaying a website identifier of a video alert message to pre-selected display zones. The client computer automatically polls a remote server. The alerts are automatically transmitted without requiring input at the client computer.

Abstract: An automatic program guide for media streams automates the identification of streaming media without human intervention for both a unicast and a multicast case.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing multiple video recordings comprises inserting a series of time stamps into a live video signal and forming a video data file. A series of time stamps is inserted into a second live video signal and a second video data file is formed. The video files are synchronized by means of the time stamps and the video files are multiplexed into a synchronized multi-program transport stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automating the task of adding video content to a video server. Instructions implemented in the video server cause the video server to automatically examine each new file added to the server to determine whether the new file contains a video program. If the new file contains a video program, the video server examines the data structure of the new file to determine the format used to encode the video program. The video server attaches an indication of the encoding format to the video program and adds the video program to a list of video content available to users having access to the video server. The video server is disclosed as accessible from a client computer over an IP network, although other arrangements are possible.