Abstract: The invention concerns a method for synchronizing data in a multimedia document (50), said document comprising at least two separate computer files (track1, track2) called the first file, the second file, etc., in which method: there is stored in the first file, in the second file, etc., respectively data of a first type, of a second type, etc., said data being grouped in the form of at least one event-related command characterizing an event, said event being either important or unimportant,—at least one synchronization command is inserted in each file, characterized in that said synchronization command is inserted before each event-related command characterizing an important event.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for storing data in a multimedia file, the multimedia file containing an absolute time base indicator and at least a track wherein the data are stored. Said data comprise time values. The method is characterised in that it consists in associating with each track; at least a relative time base indicator which is a function of said absolute time base, and in determining some or all the time values contained in a track, with respect to a relative time base indicator associated with said track.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for synchronizing data in a multimedia document (50), said document comprising at least two separate computer files (track1, track2) called the first file, the second file, etc., in which method:—there is stored in the first file, in the second file, etc., respectively data of a first type, of a second type, etc., said data being grouped in the form of at least one event-related command characterizing an event, said event being either important or unimportant,—at least one synchronization command is inserted in each file, characterized in that said synchronization command is inserted before each event-related command characterizing an important event.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for displaying data on a display screen, comprising at least two zones, respectively a first and a second zone for data display, the position of the second zone being determined relative to a reference point in accordance with a first location relationship. The invention is characterised in that said reference point is determined relative to said first zone, in accordance with a second location relationship.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for storing data in a multimedia file, the multimedia file containing an absolute time base indicator and at least a track wherein the data are stored. Said data comprise time values. The method is characterised in that it consists in associating with each track; at least a relative time base indicator which is a function of said absolute time base, and in determining some or all the time values contained in a track, with respect to a relative time base indicator associated with said track.

Abstract: To compress a MIDI format file it is converted to a format 0 file. The format 0 file is then scanned to reduce the number of possible instruments to 16. MIDI commands having no sound output are then eliminated and NoteOn and NoteOff commands are replaced by a PlayNote command. This eliminates instances of &Dgr;time equal to 0. Based on the characteristics of an appliance that has to play the compressed file, the notes are recentered in a bandwidth compatible with the appliance, after which the file is scanned to seek instances of polyphony. If an instance of polyphony exceeds the capacities of the appliance it is reduced in accordance with an instrument priority list and a note pitch.

Abstract: To compress a MIDI format file it is converted to a format 0 file. The format 0 file is then scanned to reduce the number of possible instruments to 16. MIDI commands having no sound output are then eliminated and NoteOn and NoteOff commands are replaced by a PlayNote command. This eliminates instances of &Dgr;time equal to 0. Based on the characteristics of an appliance that has to play the compressed file, the notes are recentered in a bandwidth compatible with the appliance, after which the file is scanned to seek instances of polyphony. If an instance of polyphony exceeds the capacities of the appliance it is reduced in accordance with an instrument priority list and a note pitch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in a system including first and second devices interconnected by a data communication link via respective first and second interfaces in the first and second devices by sending a message over the link to put the interface in one device on standby. This message is sent by the interface in the other device. The first or second interface is reactivated by the other interface by electrical means via a physical medium of the link.