Abstract: There is provided in a telecommunications network comprising an optical fiber cable, and an optical component connected to a first point of the optical fiber cable, with an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) connected to a second point of the optical fiber cable so that it can emit OTDR signals along the optical fiber cable towards the optical component, a method of preventing OTDR signals from being applied to the optical component, comprising introducing one or more optical signals into the optical fiber cable at the first point thereof using the optical fiber cable to carry the optical signals to the second point thereof, and configuring the OTDR to detect the or each optical signal from the optical fiber cable and to prevent emission of OTDR signals at any time during which detection of an optical signal occurs. The optical component may comprise, for example, an optical receiver which may introduce the optical signals into the optical fiber cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor chip having a Text-To-Speech (TTS) system and an applying means for use in a communication enabled device. The TTS system converts input text messages into output audio messages, the output audio message having characteristics set by a voice parameter set. The semiconductor chip also includes at least a first memory in which the voice parameter sets are stored. Any one of the voice parameter sets can be selected as the active voice parameter set for use when a text message is received.

Abstract: A process for producing a metal article coated with a metal layer having a biaxially textured surface, which process comprises eletctrodepositing the metal layer on a biaxially textured metal substrate such that the surface of the metal layer has the same texture as that of the substrate.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a connectivity application for connecting computer devices to communication networks such as the Internet. The connectivity application, such as, for example, a dialer, communicates with an access provider to ensure the connectivity application is using current connection data. Through the management of the connection data for a large number of connectivity applications, a management server advantageously provides a system administrator the ability to manage capacity, quality and traffic flow through hardware and software systems of an access provider. Moreover, the management server advantageously provides the ability to route around access points experiencing service interruptions, disruptions, or the like.

Abstract: A data signalling system in which binary `0` is transmitted as `01` and binary `1` is transmitted alternately as `00` or `11`. This code gives good timing information for use at the receiving terminal of the system regardless of the data actually being signalled. Negative transitions of the transmitted waveform (i.e. from `1` to `0`) occur only at the ends of data bits periods and such transitions are utilised at the receiving terminal to synchronise a clock pulse generator which controls the operation of decoding apparatus at that terminal.