Abstract: Networks, particularly home networks, may be implemented using peer-to-peer technology. To relieve the user from administrative tasks, some configuration routines for such networks may be automated. Therefore a peer-group selects one of its peers as negotiation peer, having the task to communicate with single other peers or negotiation peers from other peer-groups. When adding or removing single peers, or merging or splitting peer-groups, the group label is usually modified. But it may be advantageous to keep the group label, especially if that label is known to other peer-groups. If a new peer-group in a peer-to-peer network is created by merging or splitting other peer-groups, a method for selecting a group label for the new peer-group comprises determining a negotiation peer, exchanging information between the negotiation peers in the case of merging, comparing features of the two peer-groups and based on the comparison assigning the label of one of the peer-groups to the new peer-group.

Abstract: Metadata databases shall be cleaned regularly. Those metadata which are not utilized as index information of essence anymore should be deleted. Thus, there is provided a method and a device to save the selected metadata as essence. This means that metadata seleceted by a graphical user interface are converted into a new essence by taking over the MD-essence of the metadata into the new essence. The user may find further essence data on the basis of the MD-link of the selected metadata which could be added to new essence.

Abstract: The generation of metadata shall be simplified. Therefore, a method is presented in which a metadata-template is filled with selected essence and MD-links obtained from a list of links to essence and/or a list of current metadata. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain the MD-links from further metadata or essences directly or indirectly linked with the selected essence.

Abstract: This invention deals with an architecture for a multimedia peer-to-peer home network which allows the simple definition of peer groups, or zones, where each peer is capable of automatically identifying whether other peers are members of the same group, or of another group, by using group labels, and where each peer may freely cooperate with the other peers of the same group, or with peers of previously specified other groups, e.g. exchange information or share resources. The architecture aims to map an atmosphere of trust existing between users to a technical system, namely their respective home networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to assigning a first absolute time value to an entry point, the entry point being located at a first position in a data stream sequence, the data stream having data packets with relative time stamps. A second absolute time value is provided for a second position of the data stream sequence. The absolute time value is determined for the entry point based on the second absolute time value and the relative time stamps of data packets between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An architecture for a multimedia peer-to-peer home network allows the automated definition of peer groups, or zones, by using group labels, where each peer is capable of automatically identifying whether other peers are members of the same group, or of another group, and where each peer may freely cooperate with other peers of the same group, e.g. exchange information or share resources like storage capacity. Using this architecture, it is e.g. possible that a user who is accessing a node within a peer group has also access to any other node of the peer group, without being requested for authentication. Another characteristic is that other peer groups can be defined which have access rights to network resources and services. Advantageously, the invention simplifies network creation and operation by not requiring the user to have special networking knowledge.

Abstract: According to the invention every asset (metadata or essence) is labelled with a unique identifier and with the last action applied to this asset.

Abstract: The handling of large amounts of data on storing media shall be simplified. Therefore, a method for maintaining a storage media by generating, editing or reading log data related to the content and usage of a data item stored or to be stored on a storage medium is provided. Data items are deleted or recommendations for deletion are provided on the basis of the log data from the storage medium. Thus, the user is relieved from the unpleasant and time-consuming task of deleting data items from recording media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital audio and/or video recorder and to a method for recording of program data comprised in a transport stream, the transport stream having metadata, the method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital video recorder and to a method for recording DVB data. A program association table comprising program numbers and assigned program map table packet identifiers are recorded. A program map table packet being accessible by means of its assigned packet identifier is also recorded. A data stream type is provided in the program map table and a data stream type packet identifier is assigned to the data stream type.