Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional communication, such as a cable modem, adapted to interface with a plurality of consumer electronics devices such as external storage of memory. The communications device has a first interface adapted to provide data transfer between a host device and a communications network. A second interface is adapted to provide data transfer between the host device and an external storage device or consumer electronics product having a memory storage device. The second interface circuitry is adapted to determine a type of external device coupled thereto and responsively retrieve data therefrom, the retrieved data being provided to the host device.

Abstract: An interactive television system designed to populate an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides Video-Clip Previews on Demand by automatically launching a video clip preview, after browsing and navigating through the EPG's grid guide to a highlighted program titled cell, and remaining at such highlighted cell for a predetermined delay. The display process is a “No-Touch Display” process requiring no selections by the viewer while browsing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional communication, such as a cable modem, adapted to interface with a plurality of consumer electronics devices such as external storage of memory. The communications device has a first interface adapted to provide data transfer between a host device and a communications network. A second interface is adapted to provide data transfer between the host device and an external storage device or consumer electronics product having a memory storage device. The second interface circuitry is adapted to determine a type of external device coupled thereto and responsively retrieve data therefrom, the retrieved data being provided to the host device.