Abstract: A method for forcing a terminal to perform an action, and a corresponding terminal and public table. A system broadcasts a public table comprising code for the action. The terminal receives the table, and extracts and executes the code. In a preferred embodiment, the system is a MPEG system and the terminal a decoder. The MPEG broadcast system inserts code into a conditional access table or a programme map table and broadcasts it. The action is advantageously a reset of the decoder which, when it is switched on again, automatically makes it download the latest version of applicable code, such as the operating system. An advantage is that the system operator can make the decoder perform actions, such as upgrading to a newer software version without user interaction.

Abstract: The invention makes configuring satellite decoders easier. An automatic detection method can configure the decoder without having to determine the installation beforehand. The automatic detection method tests different configuration possibilities in order to determine the used antenna system. A series of input selection commands are sent for a remote antenna switch corresponding to a given range of switch control possibilities, the said range being independent from the used antenna system.

Abstract: The initialization method is applied to a digital decoder comprising a tuner that can receive, in succession, data on several frequencies, each frequency being able to carry a data transport stream containing forthcoming events tables transmitted by service providers. It consists in analyzing in succession the data received on each transport stream so as to detect the presence of forthcoming events tables and in recording in the decoder a list of identifiers of the service providers transmitting forthcoming events tables. Advantageously this list is utilized by a program guide in order to inform the user of the program grids available and not available according to the service providers.

Abstract: The data stream constituting an electronic programme guide EPG containing video and/or audio previews is intended to be downloaded into a digital services decoder for television receiver. It comprises first header data blocks (DD,MC,SD) containing a directory of the data blocks of the stream, a routine intended for the decoder for the loading into memory and the running of the electronic programme guide in the decoder, and screen display parameters, and second data blocks (PD1,PD2,PD3) each containing a video and/or audio preview. The first header data blocks (DD,MC,SC) are repeated in the stream between the second data blocks (PD1,PD2,PD3) so as to improve the convenience of use of the EPG service.

Abstract: A digital decoder for television receiver, comprises an input (E) for receiving a digital audio/video signal (SAV), means for demodulating and decoding the input signal into an output signal intended for the television receiver, and a first buffer memory (8) into which the input signal is diverted after demodulation (SD) when the decoder is placed in a so-called “live” mode of operation. In a so-called “playback” mode of operation, the signal recorded in the first buffer memory constitutes the output signal. This decoder comprises a second buffer memory (9) into which the demodulated input signal (SD) is diverted when the decoder is placed in the “playback” mode, the signal recorded in the second buffer memory (9) constituting the output signal when the decoder is switched from the “playback” mode to another so-called “return to live” mode of operation.