Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for efficient collection and identification of program information contained in a plurality of multimedia transport streams. Requests for program information are matched against incoming program information as they are received from the incoming multimedia transport streams. The processing of the requests and the collection of program information are done asynchronously and simultaneously. This enables processing of program information from forty or more MPEG transport streams in such a way that their collection rate is reduced from several minutes to less than one second.

Abstract: A method identifies, prior to runtime, a first device that is added to a system. Further, the method generates, prior to runtime, a statically precompiled database for the device that provides a first set of error handling data. In addition, the method identifies, during runtime, a second device that is added to the system. Finally, the method generates, during runtime, a dynamically allocated database for the second device that provides a second set of error handling data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a source of an audiovisual program configured for distribution among a plurality of user terminals is described. In one example, a first real-time digital bitstream and a second real-time digital bitstream are received. The source is mapped to the first real-time digital bitstream. A request is received from a remote controller. The request is operative to switch the source of the audiovisual program. The source of the audiovisual program is switched to the second real-time digital bitstream in response to the request. Time stamp data in the second real-time digital bitstream is adjusted to provide a continuous time base for the audiovisual program.

Abstract: A method identifies, prior to runtime, a first device that is added to a system. Further, the method generates, prior to runtime, a statically precompiled database for the device that provides a first set of error handling data. In addition, the method identifies, during runtime, a second device that is added to the system. Finally, the method generates, during runtime, a dynamically allocated database for the second device that provides a second set of error handling data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a source of an audiovisual program configured for distribution among a plurality of user terminals is described. In one example, a first real-time digital bitstream and a second real-time digital bitstream are received. The source is mapped to the first real-time digital bitstream. A request is received from a remote controller. The request is operative to switch the source of the audiovisual program. The source of the audiovisual program is switched to the second real-time digital bitstream in response to the request. Time stamp data in the second real-time digital bitstream is adjusted to provide a continuous time base for the audiovisual program.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for efficient collection and identification of program information contained in a plurality of multimedia transport streams. Requests for program information are matched against incoming program information as they are received from the incoming multimedia transport streams. The processing of the requests and the collection of program information are done asynchronously and simultaneously. This enables processing of program information from forty or more MPEG transport streams in such a way that their collection rate is reduced from several minutes to less than one second.

Abstract: A feature-rich transport multiplexer and a number of associated methods, systems, subsystems, software features, graphical user interfaces and control systems are disclosed. The disclosure includes GUI's that enable operators to easily monitor and manipulate content streams flowing through a transport multiplexer in real-time. The disclosed interfaces include screens that supply operators with identity, structure, configuration, bandwidth utilization and/or status information for system hardware and software. The disclosed features also provide computer assisted routing configuration for present and future routing events through simple manipulation, such as drag and drop operations, of graphical objects. Routing control is further simplified by permitting operators to configure routing control of individual content stream components as well as groups of such components simultaneously.