Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system (100) in which information (AV) from a server (101) is transmitted in one direction via a first communication path to a user terminal (102), such as a PC. In response to said information, the user can transmit selection information (I), such as control commands, in the form of data packets via a second communication path. According to the invention the data packets, for example ATM cells, are transmitted in the second communication path over a non-packet switching network (107), such as a telephony network. The invention further provides a device (108; 200) for receiving and routing data packets from a non-packet switching network (107), as well as a method for implementing telecommunication services in which use is made of a communication system (100; 100') of the above-mentioned kind.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver for realizing functions approximately corresponding to those of a VCR by utilizing a time shifting service broadcasting the same program on a plurality of channels which are time-shifted from one another in broadcasting the program by varying periods of delay time. For example in resuming viewing after an interruption of viewing on the desired one of the channels to realize the function of pause, the channel is determined the delay time of which relative to the channel initially viewed is greater than and most approximate to the interruption period, and the initial channel is automatically changed over to the channel thus determined.

Abstract: In a broadband distribution system (SYS) for distributing television signals (TVS) and video signals (VOD), the return channel provided for requesting video signals is divided among the subscribers (TN) of the broadband distribution system (SYS) in such a way, that each group of subscribers (TN) is assigned a part of the return channel using time-division multiplexing, and the individual subscribers (TN) of a group have equal access to the part of the return channel assigned to the respective group. Access by the individual subscribers (TN) is monitored by a control unit (CONTROL) in the center (ZE) of the broadband distribution system (SYS). To synchronize the signals transmitted by the subscribers (TN) over the return channel using time-division multiplexing, the center (ZE) has a synchronizer (SYNC) which compensates for phase differences produced by differences in transit time.

Abstract: A combined IRD scrambler/modulator is provided in a headend. A service provider transmits a digital program signal in a digital data stream to a headend which distributes analog program signal to at least one subscriber. The headend receives an encoded digital program signal in the digital data stream from the service provider and decrypts the digital program signal therefrom. The digital program signal includes an audio and a video portion. The video portion of the signal is scrambled by a scrambler. The digital audio portion of the digital program signal and scrambled video portion of the digital program signal are converted to an analog program signal and transmitted to one or more subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention distributes digital video programs to a predetermined group of subscribers. The video programs are converted into a digital format in a central site (100) and then distributed to a remote site (110). Identification information for the digital video programs is broadcast to the group of subscribers. Each of the subscribers has the option of selecting one of the digital video programs for broadcast to the group. A continuous program which includes the digital video programs is broadcast to the group of subscribers or displayed on televisions (130-133). The order of the selected digital video programs within the continuous program is based at least in part on when the subscriber selections are received.

Abstract: An AV data transmission apparatus including an AV data storage unit for storing AV data comprising a single program and having audio data and/or video data, a reference time generating unit for generating a signal showing a predetermined reference time, a reproducing unit for reading out the stored AV data and preparing a plurality of channels of AV data comprising the single program for each channel and comprising the plurality of channels of AV data to be reproducible from the beginning of the program in order at predetermined time intervals from the reference time and comprising the predetermined time intervals to be shorter the closer to the reference time the channels are to be reproduced, and a data transmitting unit for converting the plurality of AV data into a predetermined transmission format and transmitting the same to a plurality of transmission channels and AV data server provided with a plurality of such data transmission apparatuses.

Abstract: An interactive broadcast or cable radio or television system includes methods for transmitting a telephone number to a receiving apparatus with receiver antenna and telephone-autodialer, to receive and autodial transmitted telephone number, transmitted code identification of an interactive, response-activated or emergency alert response speech synthesizer and transducer to reproduce predetermined dat representative activated by responding with at least one response option such as at least one response mode to activate a voice message addressed to the receiver or to purchase or order at least one product, service or program element, to request information concerning at least one product, service or program element or to make voice contact with an agent or marketing representative for at least one associated product, service or program element and further to purchase or order, request information concerning or make voice contact with an agent or marketing representative for at least one product, service or prog

Abstract: A radio communication analyzer tests the signal characteristics of a carrier, as a target signal to be tested, which has undergone quadrature modulation using a digital data signal output from a radio unit to be tested. A quadrature demodulation section performs quadrature demodulation of the target signal and outputs a baseband signal. A storage section stores the waveform data of the baseband signal. A clock synchronous detection section detects clock synchronization information contained in the target signal based on the waveform data. A demodulation section sequentially reads out the waveform data and obtains demodulated digital data in accordance with the clock synchronization information. A burst synchronous detection section generates burst synchronization information representing a burst start position of the target signal on the basis of the demodulated digital data or the waveform data.

Abstract: An audio/video distribution system for a multiple dwelling unit such as an apartment building provides programming which is selectable by a subscriber through the interactive use of on-screen menus. Programming and services are supplied from a headend over a distribution network to individual apartments. The distribution network includes an interdiction field unit associated with each of a group of apartments. The interdiction field unit normally interdicts those channels capable of carrying video on demand movies, interactive video games, and interactive services. When a subscriber wishes to order a movie, video game, or other service through interactive on-screen menus provided from the headend to the apartment, the headend instructs the interdiction field unit associated with the subscriber's apartment to de-interdict a channel. Selections made through a remote control to a subscriber terminal in the apartment are supplied to the headend over the distribution system.

Abstract: A communication system is described which enables efficient delivery of asymmetrical bandwidth signals over a communication network. The system includes a virtual circuit switch having a space switch coupled thereto for distributing downstream signals from a backbone network to subscribers in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A digital modulator capable of obtaining a high FM modulation index and reducing the quantization noise without increasing the sampling frequency of an A/D converter of input voice. A phase variation .phi.(Ts) of the digital data (Ts is the sampling period) produced on the basis of the output from the A/D converter is divided by a predetermined integer N (N>1) by a divider, and is fed to an integrator. The integrator integrates the divided phase variation .phi.(Ts)/N for every time interval Ts/N, thereby producing a phase component .phi.(t) of the complex envelope of the modulation signal. The phase component .phi.(t) is resolved into cosine and sine components at the time interval Ts/N. The cosine and sine signals are D/A converted into analog signals which are quadrature modulated by a quadrature modulator.

Abstract: A karaoke network system is composed of a central station for serving a plurality of song data pieces, and a karaoke terminal connected to the central station through a communication network having multiple channels for selectively receiving therefrom one song data piece so as to locally present a desired karaoke song in response to a request, command. The central station includes a transmitter for sorting the plurality of song data pieces into a multiple of groups corresponding to the multiple channels to thereby transmit each group of the song data pieces successively to the corresponding channel in an endless manner. The karaoke terminal includes a receiver for selecting one of the channels designated by the request command and for picking up one song data piece specified by the same request command from the selected channel so that the karaoke terminal can present the desired karaoke song according to the picked up song data piece.

Abstract: A communication system (KS) with a hierarchical server structure is indicated for a demand service, which makes possible a suitable compliance with requests for services from users (U1 . . . UN). To that end, the communication system (KS), as viewed by the respective user (U1 . . . UN), is divided into a central (I) and a local (II) distance zone. Movies (A1 . . . A10) frequently requested by the users (U1 . . . UN) are stored in local servers (SL1 . . . SLN) and seldom requested movies (B1 . . . B100) are stored in central servers (SM). According to the invention, in case the local server (SL1) is unable to provide a movie (B2) requested by a user (U11 . . . U13), the central server SM or another local server (SL2 . . . SLN) complies with the request through a switched connection between the requesting user (U11 . . . U13) and the central server (SM), or the other local server (SL2 . . . SLN).

Abstract: In a information distribution system, a control channel modem that provides independent communications channels for bi-directional message traffic between a service provider and a set-top terminal located within a subscriber's home. The modem transmits messages, control information and status information between the service provider and the subscriber's set-top terminal using an independent channel (downstream path) that is different from the channel (upstream path) used for sending requested information such as movies from the service provider to the subscriber's home.

Abstract: A television viewer can select among a choice of available camera angles and audio feeds when viewing a sporting event such as a football game without changing the television channel. Audio, video and control data is transmitted in a packetized data stream with control data providing a pre-assigned channel designation (e.g., channel 10 for network X). A set-top terminal receives and processes the data stream according to user-provided commands. The terminal includes software which can be downloaded via the data stream or installed locally. The control data in the data stream is used to provide an on-screen graphical display on the television that allows the user to select the audio and video which correspond to certain areas of the football stadium, for example. Optionally, the viewer may select alternative story lines in a movie or similar program. A default setting provides primary audio and video signals.

Abstract: A flexible and configurable system for distributing media (or programming) to one or more distribution networks. The system includes a media server, at least one server interface unit, a first communications path coupling the media server and a server interface unit, distribution network interface unit(s), and a second communications path coupling a server interface unit and the distribution network interface unit(s). The media server stores files of encoded (e.g., compressed) media data and files of scheduling information. Each of the distribution network interface unit(s) conditions received media data for transmission over the distribution network(s) which may be analog and/or digital distribution networks.

Abstract: A circuit for connecting multiple signal paths within a multi-mode communication device includes a double balanced mixer circuit selectively functioning as a modulation switch during an unbalanced state. As applied to a transmit section of a CDMA/FM cellular telephone, a dual-function double balanced mixer circuit connects a CDMA IF signal path with an FM audio signal path. The double balanced mixer circuit includes a double balanced mixer connected through oscillator input to an external LC (inductor-capacitor) tank connected to both a PLL (phase lock loop) and an FM audio signal. One signal input of the double balanced mixer receives a CDMA low IF signal, while the other double balanced mixer signal input is connected to a microprocessor-controlled switch for selectively unbalancing the balanced mixer while in the FM mode of operation.

Abstract: A set-top electronics and network interface unit arrangement is connected to an internal digital network interconnecting devices in the home. Entertainment services are introduced into the network through network interface units that are coupled to an external network and to the internal network. The network interface units perform the necessary interfacing between the external and internal networks, and make the entertainment services available to all terminals connected to the internal network. Set-top electronics that are separate from the network interface units connect to the internal network and convert the information in the digital data stream for display, by a television, for example.

Abstract: A television information system for distributing television information services, including interactive service, to subscribers divided among a plurality of service areas. A system manager receives requests for service from subscribers and assigns each requesting subscriber to one of a plurality of video provider elements. The video provider element provides a television information service to the requesting subscriber. An rf processing unit associated with the video provider element places the television information service on a carrier frequency assigned to the subscriber by the system manager. An rf switch controlled by the system manager directs each carrier frequency to the service area of the corresponding requesting subscriber.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise and ingress in cable return paths is disclosed in which the return frequency spectrum is divided into two regions; one frequency region being for transmissions from in-home devices such as television settops and personal computers, and another frequency region being for transmissions from communications devices called coaxial termination units located between the drop cable and the home coaxial wiring. By locating blocking filters between the drop cable and home coaxial wiring, undesirable signals emanating in the home in the second part of the return spectrum are prevented from entering the cable return system. The location of the blocking filter reduces the noise in the second part of the return spectrum substantially and allows the establishment of reliable telecommunications services on the cable return in such second part of the return spectrum.

Abstract: Audiovisual programs are transmitted over a low-bandwidth network in a compressed form in which the number of video frames has been reduced by selecting "significant" frames. The user sees a series of still images accompanying an apparently full audio channel. The frames are downloaded to the user in an order designed to assure, first, that the next few frames necessary for viewing are present, but also so that the user can scroll throughout the program even as it is being downloaded. This is accomplished by first downloading the full audio for the program portion requested by the user's viewer software, and then downloading the video frames based on requests from the viewer software, which has access to a table indicating which video frames are associated with which audio portions. The software uses the table to download frames needed immediately, as well as to download advance frames based on their significance.

Abstract: A data organization scheme for movies stored on a video server. The method utilizes the available bandwidth and space in the I/O system to avoid the data contention in the ATM. Basically, parts of the hot movies are replicated on the server unit. Most of the requests to the hot movie are directed to this unit. But if the server unit can not deliver the required video object within the required time limit (because of the large queue length) the video object is transported from the other server units through the ATM network. All the requests that are fulfilled locally by the server unit will not go through the network. Thus, the traffic through the ATM decreases on the expense of increasing the disk utilization.

Abstract: A one-way and two-way multichannel radio frequency transmission system and method employing a sectorized broadcasting technique is described. The system and method reduces the effective bandwidth of the broadcast signal by multiplexing available channels of signals into a set of formatted independent digital bitstreams--where each of the bitstreams includes all or a portion of the available channels provided by the system program provider. The independent bitstreams are transmitted to transmitting towers using point-to-point transmission methods. The transmitting towers phase modulate and amplify the bitstreams to generate a set of independent modulated signals. Each transmitter tower includes an antenna for broadcasting the modulated signals to a sectorized service area--each sector in the service area receiving a different one of the set of independent modulated signals. The antenna includes a set of individual antenna panels--each panel for broadcasting one of the set of modulated signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reception of MPEG encoded television signals from a Video-On-Demand server (1) via a network (3). Non-linear playback functions such as `pause` and `resume` require a very accurate control of the bit stream, taking account of typical network aspects such as network latency. The receiver (2) comprises a latency buffer (24) for storing the signal delivered while the reproduction is stalled. The pause and resume commands from the user are not forwarded to the server until the latency buffer reaches a predetermined fullness. This allows the receiver to resume flawlessly signal reproduction after a pause.

Abstract: Noise energy and other undesirable signals are suppressed in a return frequency band of a return path of a bidirection cable network. Data signals in a third frequency band and a prybar signal are transmitted on a user site to a mixing tap. The mixing tap contains a filter for eliminating signals in the return frequency band generated at the user site. The prybar signal is received by the mixing tap and activates a local oscillator. The third band signals and oscillation signals are applied to a mixer in the mixing tap and the third band signals are converted to return band signals. This mixing tap then applies the return band to the return path of the cable network.

Abstract: A information fulfillment system and method for providing information to a caller having a wireless communication device. Upon receipt of sensory prompting and manual or automatic input of access codes to the wireless communication device, the caller's identity and the input access code are verified. Thereafter, the call is connected through the PWN and along the PSTN to the system messaging or fulfillment center for automatic or live-operator delivery of the requested information. Automatic verification, connection, and billing modification processes are provided for implementation of the system and method.

Abstract: A network system provides video information on demand concerning real estate properties, and in principle includes a large number of real estate information server locations as viewing sites. The servers are interconnected by a dedicated hard wire network so that video information may be shared. The video information is recorded, stored, transferred, and displayed using high speed digital data handling techniques. The video information is accompanied by digitized audio sound tracks.

Abstract: A radio station tuning system enables a radio receiver installed in a vehicle to be automatically tuned to a radio station offering a desired program. In the system, a controller receives data recognized by a speech recognizing unit and a current position of the vehicle detected by a navigation unit, provides the data to a communication unit, turns a radio receiver on or off, and tunes the radio receiver to a desired radio station. The communication unit sends data to a base station data via a vehicle telephone line. Receiving the data, the base station has access to its data base storing program data (e.g. broadcasting time, frequencies and so on), retrieves desired data, and transmits them to the vehicle. The controller automatically tunes the radio receiver to the desired radio station on the basis of the received data.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for browsing through a motion picture in order to locate desired segments in the motion picture, frames are selected from sequential parts of the motion picture according to predetermined sampling critera, e.g., "by time", "by tag" or "by change". Each selected frame is reduced in size such that the screen can accommodate the simultaneous display of "n" frames. The frames are displayed sequentially at "n" sequential locations on the screen according to a predefined closed loop, each frame being displayed in its respective location for a time interval starting with a time delay "t.sub.D " after the start of the display of the frame at the preceding location in the loop and continuing until the loop has been completed with another frame displayed in its respective location. Thus, only the selected frames need be viewed in order to locate a desired segment, but each selected frame may be viewed for an extended time interval, equal to "nt.sub.D ".

Abstract: A system and method for isolating data messages received from subscribers in a CATV system are disclosed. The system includes a spectrum parallel router which receives data messages in the return spectrum of a service line at a service site. A switch at the service site directs data messages to service lines coupled to the site which have destination addresses corresponding to one of the service lines. Data messages not having a destination address corresponding to one of the service lines are provided to a transmitter for transmission to the next higher level of the CATV network over a return cable. Each service site has its own return cable which may be coupled to a distribution hub or a headend. At the distribution hub and headend, a switch is provided for each return cable and the switches are coupled to one another. At a distribution hub, data messages having a destination address corresponding to one of the other switches at the hub are routed to the corresponding switch.

Abstract: An interactive video services system for enabling store and forward distribution of digitized video programming is disclosed. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, encoded and compressed digital video signals are transmitted via satellite link from a centrally located uplink site to a plurality of hospitality establishments, where the digitized video programming is stored in the memory of a video server computer or is transmitted "real-time" to the hospitality establishment's customers. The establishment either has its own downlink facilities or shares downlink facilities with other hospitality establishments. The uplink facility and satellite can transmit a variety of video signals--including video signals for real-time viewing by customers, compressed video signals for storage and subsequent retrieval and viewing by customers, and other types of digitized data, such as advertisements and barker screens.

Abstract: A data readout time adjuster to be used for a video-on-demand system includes the following units. A readout time adjusting data storage unit stores image data for adjusting readout time to be provided to subscribers who have not been assigned the readout right and are waiting for a start of a readout operation. The image data for adjusting readout time cause no inconvenience even if a transmission of the image data is interrupted any time. A readout start position check unit checks an expected time of an occurrence of the readout right and a readout start position at the expected time in response to an additional data transmission request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting digital sound is disclosed. The method contemplates transmitting a digital radio signal (such as an FM band signal) over a plurality of sub-channels subject to some constraints on the digital signal power. A control sub-channel, sometimes referred to as an auxiliary overhead channel is used to transmit control information which is interpreted by the receiver to identify the location and potentially the mode of the digital signals.

Abstract: This invention relates to customized electronic identification of desirable objects, such as news articles, in an electronic media environment, and in particular to a system that automatically constructs both a "target profile" for each target object in the electronic media based, for example, on the frequency with which each word appears in an article relative to its overall frequency of use in all articles, as well as a "target profile interest summary" for each user, which target profile interest summary describes the user's interest level in various types of target objects. The system then evaluates the target profiles against the users' target profile interest summaries to generate a user-customized rank ordered listing of target objects most likely to be of interest to each user so that the user can select from among these potentially relevant target objects, which were automatically selected by this system from the plethora of target objects that are profiled on the electronic media.

Abstract: A distribution center according to the present invention is capable of handling requests from a plurality of subscribers for accessing programs in a central audiovisual library. The subscriber requests may specify a variable time allowance interval within which a requested program may be delivered.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing display of data relating to a predetermined application between an interactive terminal and at least one mobile interface device having a display. The at least one mobile interface device receives a user input signal and transmits the user input signal for synchronization with the interactive terminal. A set-top transceiver device is operatively coupled to the interactive terminal and receives the user input signal from the at least one mobile interface device. The set-top transceiver device also transmits a synchronization signal to the at least one mobile interface device and the interactive terminal. A central processing unit having a database is operatively coupled to the set-top transceiver device for receiving and processing the user input signal based on the database to obtain the synchronization signal for receipt by the set-top transceiver device.

Abstract: Near on-demand delivery of digital signals is accomplished by first dividing the signals into sequences of N numbered fragments, where the length of each fragment is equal to the broadcast time interval. The fragments are broadcast so that the first fragment is repeated every broadcast time interval, the second fragment is repeated every two time intervals, and so forth until the Nth fragment is repeated at least every Nth time interval. A fractal channel packing algorithm is preferably used to sequence the fragments over a plurality of channels to reduce the variability in peak bandwidth caused by fragmentation. The fragments are locally downloaded and stored during successive time intervals in response to a subscriber's request so that the first fragment is available within one time interval from the request, and the higher numbered fragments are available within their respective periods. The fragments are read out in order and integrated to seamlessly deliver the requested signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scheme for merging television schedule information received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, a microprocessor (36) mixes and sorts the schedule information received from multiple source devices (26, 28, 30 or 34). The schedule information is then displayed in a television schedule guide (50). A user can select a program (60 or 62) by pointing to that program in the displayed schedule information (50). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: A transactional server system for transferring subscriber information requests to information service providers, and methods of operating the same result in discouraging reconstruction of the subscriber information. The transactional server system comprises a subscriber platform which transfers an encrypted identification and a message request block. A transaction server is coupled to the subscriber platform to initiate a subscriber information request in response to the message request block and the encrypted identification, and transfer the message request block to the information service providers in response to subscriber information. A database server coupled to the transaction server and having a plurality of subscriber information receives the subscriber information request and decrypts the encrypted identification to provide the subscriber information to the transaction server.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for signal conditioning which reduces non-linear distortion caused by RF/FM transmitters by lowering the carrier frequency of the modem transmit signal. This is accomplished by lowering the highest frequency in the input signal to the RF/FM transmitter. In one embodiment, modem datapumps are modified so that the optimal modem carrier frequency is utilized for data modulation. The optimal carrier frequency is computed by placing the lowest frequency component in the transmit spectrum at the low band-edge of the RF channel. In other embodiments, a conventional modem transmit spectrum is shifted to the optimal carrier frequency, which is determined by the method described above. Another aspect of the present invention involves the modification of the receiving modem to operate with both conventional land-line modems and the present invention modified-carrier modems used in conjunction with the cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a serial number into a program event. The encoder embeds the serial number into the program event so that it is imperceptible to the user when the program event is played to the user. The embedded serial number is unique to the user so that any storage medium storing the program event can be traced back to the user. This encoding technique is especially useful in interactive systems where a server at the head end receives subscriber identification numbers along with subscriber requests for program events. Thus, in response to a subscriber request for a program event, the server can generate a serial number unique to the user. The serial number can include a time and date stamp, and a cyclic redundancy check code. In an interactive system, the encoder may be located in a set-top terminal, which receives the serial number from the server in the head end.

Abstract: For an interactive communication system, a method and apparatus for processing requests for video-on-demand versions of interactive applications. One embodiment initially receives a request to transmit a video on-demand version of a particular interactive application. This embodiment then determines if transmission of this video-on-demand version would constrain resources of the interactive communication system. If the system's resources would not be constrained, the interactive system provides the viewer with the video-on-demand version of the interactive application. On the other hand, if the system's resources would be constrained by the transmission of the VOD version, then the invention (1) denies the request for the video-on-demand version, and (2) directs the requesting viewer to view a near video-on-demand version of the particular application.

Abstract: An AV data transmission apparatus including an AV data storage unit for storing AV data comprising a single program and having audio data and/or video data, a reference time generating unit for generating a signal showing a predetermined reference time, a reproducing unit for reading out the stored AV data and preparing a plurality of channels of AV data comprising the single program for each channel and comprising the plurality of channels of AV data to be reproducible from the beginning of the program in order at predetermined time intervals from the reference time and comprising the predetermined time intervals to be shorter the closer to the reference time the channels are to be reproduced, and a data transmitting unit for converting the plurality of the AV data into a predetermined transmission format and transmitting the same to a plurality of transmission channels and AV data server provided with a plurality of such data transmission apparatuses.

Abstract: In order to provided information for helping a viewing user remember the contents of past viewing of a video program, in an easy-to-comprehend form and in as small an information amount as possible, a video terminal device capable of controlling video playback by a controller stores a position of the video program at which it was interrupted by the user. The interrupted position is stored in a video library of a video server. Images representative of a portion from the start or another position of the interrupted video program up to the interrupted position are extracted by a video digest making program. The extracted representative images are represented by a list display based on reduced icons or a digest image. The list or the digest image is displayed before resuming the interrupted video program.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus generates and transfers a stream of broadcast information which includes multiple video and audio information segments to a receiving device. Once received, the segments are stored in a cache and indexing information associated with the segments is made available to end users of the apparatus. The end users are then able to select which segment(s) they would like to receive, and the selected segment(s) is transmitted to the requesting user(s). In one embodiment, when a new segment is received, a determination is made as to whether it is a more recent version of another segment already stored by the apparatus. If it is a more recent version, then the older version is overwritten by the newer version.

Abstract: A distributed computer system, as for transmitting and receiving executable multimedia applications, includes a source of a continuous data stream repetitively transfering data representing a distributed computing application and a client computer, receiving the data stream, for extracting the distributed computing application representative data from the data stream, and executing the extracted distributed computing application.

Abstract: The radio subscription system of the present invention enables a subscriber to remotely define and identify one or more playlists, each specifying information content selected by the subscriber from a subscription content database, for later transmission to the subscriber's radio. The radio subscription system also permits the subscriber to use the local subscriber radio to remotely request transmission of a particular playlist to the subscriber's radio for storage and playback. The subscriber may then use the local subscriber radio to play back the particular playlist.

Abstract: Installation and method for freezing audiovisual data streams, which installation comprises a video freeze control (2) which in equipped to receive a freeze command signal (FR) to be generated by a user and to detect a predetermined marker in a videosignal read from a memory (1), and, after receipt of the freeze command signal and detection of the marker, to supply a video control signal (VSC) for a video switch (4) and a video stop signal (VS) to interrupt reading of the video signal (VID), which video switch comprises a first input, to which the video signal (VID) read out is fed, and a second input, which is connected to a video stuffing generator which generates a video stuffing signal (VIDSTUFF), wherein the video switch (4) connects its output to the second input if this receives the video control signal (VSC) and otherwise connects its output to the first input; at the point in time when reading of the video signal is interrupted, reading of an associated audio signal (AUD), if applicable, is also inte

Abstract: A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video on demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.