Abstract: A protocol converter appropriately converts communications directed from a device operating under a first protocol to a device operating a second protocol. The converter is coupled to the two devices and converts communications between the devices into the appropriate format for the receiving device. The converter preferably includes a programmable microprocessor which manipulates communications into the proper format for the receiving device and then transmits the manipulated communications to the receiving device. Preferably, the converter is coupled between two bus structures of different protocols, where one of the bus structures is an IEEE 1394-1995 bus structure. Alternatively, the converter and the devices are all coupled to the same bus structure. A protocol conversion program is preferably stored within a read only memory (ROM) and used by the microprocessor to perform the appropriate conversions.

Abstract: A seller of the content, such as a program production company or a movie production company, possesses a personal computer. A buyer of the content, such as a terrestrial, BS, CS, or cable television broadcast company, also possesses a personal computer. The personal computers of the seller and the buyer are connected to a content distribution intermediary system via a network. An unregistered user is able to make registration in the services offered by the content distribution intermediary system by using a personal computer of the user. The seller registers data of the content to be sold in a database of the content distribution intermediary system. Then, after conducting negotiations for a purchase-and-sale contract by using the services provided by the content distribution intermediary system, the seller and the buyer are able to settle the contract.

Abstract: A video recording device includes the ability to record a video broadcast or video program while concurrently replaying a previously recorded video broadcast. This previously recorded video broadcast can be the same video broadcast that is recording or a different video broadcast. The record and playback operations are preferably triggered and controlled through a television on which the user can watch the playback of the recorded program. The viewer enters the data and commands for recording and playback preferably using a remote control device. Video programs are preferably recorded on a mass storage device. Preferably, the mass storage device is a hard disk drive coupled to the television through an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Alternatively, any other appropriately configured memory device can be used to store the video programs.

Abstract: A video editing device captures and stores selected video images currently being displayed on a television or other video viewing device and the accompanying audio information. The saved video images and accompanying audio information are preferably stored in a memory storage device for later retrieval and further editing by the viewer. Preferably, the memory storage device is a hard disk drive coupled to the television through an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Alternatively, the memory device is included within the television for storing the series of images. Preferably, the viewer initiates the record operation when viewing a video stream by pressing an editing record button on a remote control device. In response to an editing record signal from the remote control device, the television will then initiate the recording of the information currently being displayed by routing the information to the memory storage device.

Abstract: A computer system or other internet access device is programmed to automatically access specified web pages periodically and download the information from the web page to the computer system. Through a user interface, a user programs the computer system by entering an internet address of the web page and an access interval. The access interval is the interval at which versions of the web page will be downloaded; e.g. hourly, daily or weekly. On that periodic basis the computer system or other internet access device then automatically accesses the specified web page and downloads the available information. This information is stored within a memory device associated with the computer system. The user can then access the downloaded information and view the web page without connecting to the internet to determine if there is anything of interest to the user on the web page.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) displays graphical images representing devices coupled to a bus structure. The bus structure is also graphically represented and illustratively coupled to each of the graphical device images. Preferably, the bus structure is an IEEE 1394 serial bus. The system is preferably a computer system. Alternatively, the system is a television, monitor or other display system coupled to and capable of communicating over the serial bus and including a control processor and a display device. When a device is added to the serial bus, a graphical image representing that device is automatically displayed in the graphical user interface. Similarly, when a device is removed from the serial bus, the graphical image representing that device is grayed out, leaving a shadow of the graphical image until the device is either re-coupled or the system is powered off.