Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for creating and verifying e-receipts related to e-commerce transactions. The system and method allow consumers and merchants to perform e-transactions using a secure e-receipt system that includes programmable information tags such as Radio frequency identification (RFID) technolog.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating offline voice enabled consumer transactions. The system may include a voice browser and a voice recognition system. Using information contained in a voice data packet created by a user, the system can search various structured and unstructured databases to determine one or more matches relating to the voice data packet. This can be performed in a non-real time manner. If the desired item or service is found, the user can purchase the item or service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching a channel among a plurality of sources selected by a viewer are provided. The apparatus includes: a plurality of tuners coupled to receive incoming channel signals from the plurality of sources for decoding the received channel signals; a switch circuit coupled to receive the output signals from each of the plurality of tuners; and, a controller, coupled to the plurality of tuners and the switch circuit, for retrieving the output signals indicative of a desired program selected by the viewer according to predetermined channel map information. The method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of television programs from the plurality of sources; retrieving one of the television programs from the plurality of sources in response to a user selection according to a predetermined channel map data; and, forwarding the retrieved television program to the television system for display.