Abstract: A base station for use in a wireless network that communicates with wireless mobile stations. The base station comprises: 1) a transceiver for transmitting forward channel data to a first mobile station via a beam-forming antenna array; and 2) a beam-forming circuit for maximizing data throughput to the first mobile station by jointly optimizing i) selection of a beam for transmitting the forward channel data to the first mobile station, ii) a level of Walsh code multiplexing of the forward channel data, and iii) a modulation scheme used to transmit the forward channel data.

Abstract: Multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology is used in a point-to-point radio link to provide higher data rates than would otherwise be achievable in a similar system that did not use MIMO antenna technology. Particular embodiments of the invention implement channel coding, dual polarization, adaptive receiver combining and adaptive power control.

Abstract: Multi-carrier broadband wireless communication can be supported by providing identification information that identifies a group of carrier frequencies that an intended recipient of a transmission has selected for use in the transmission. A modulation and coding scheme for use in transmitting on the selected group of carrier frequencies is selected based on communication quality information indicative of communication quality associated with transmitting on the selected group of carrier frequencies. Transmission on the selected group of carrier frequencies is performed according to the selected modulation and coding scheme.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for selective equalization enablement based on modulation type may be found in a method for processing a radio frequency (RF) signal that comprises receiving a Bluetooth signal via an RF channel, detecting a modulation type of the received Bluetooth signal, and selecting an equalization circuit for processing the received Bluetooth signal based on the detected modulation type. The method may also comprise determining a data rate based on the detected modulation type.

Abstract: An AM-FM hybrid signal is created which may be used to communicate simultaneously with both RFID tags that receive AM signals and wireless devices that receive FM or PM signals. The AM-FM hybrid signal may be fed back into the system's receiver at the local oscillator in order to recover the RFID tag's FM response, thus enabling simultaneous reception and decoding of both RFID tag FM response and FM wireless device response.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: A method and system is provided processing channel information may include in a mobile FM radio system including an integrated FM radio transmitter and FM radio receiver, dynamically generating a list of local FM channels, ranking local FM channels in the generated list, and selecting one of the ranked local FM channels for use by the FM transmitter based on neighboring channel interference. The FM radio receiver may detect FM channels being transmitted or not being transmitted, detect a pilot signal or a channel transmission pause. A tuning frequency of the FM radio receiver may be adjusted for scanning and detecting the local FM channels based on knowledge of a location of the FM radio receiver, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), dynamically scanning for local FM channel based on received RDS/RDBS data or country code, and/or carrier error of a related FM signal.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless cryptographic key exchange among participants in a wireless computing network is presented. This allows the authorized participants in the wireless communication session not have the same key before the wireless computing session begins. This wireless online key exchange/generation is based on a random modulation technique and a domino match. Once the initial modulation scheme is selected, each data transmission includes an indication of what modulation scheme should be used for the next data transmission. If a given number of bits are to be used, the modulation scheme for the final transmission may be limited to complete the bit transfer. The bit value assignments within particular modulation schemes may also be varied for each subsequent transmission.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system allowing terminal hosted group activities is provided, whereby proximity and non-proximity connections between a hosting mobile terminal and participating terminals enables group hosting activity. The hosting mobile terminal guides information flow between itself, the participating terminals, and optionally, with network servers that may assist the hosting mobile terminal. The hosting mobile terminal provides group management, profiling, downloading, presence, gaming, payment/charging, and authentication functions either in terminal only mode, or alternatively in conjunction with server assistance.

Abstract: A method and system of automating two-way beaming of information from one handheld electronic device to another handheld electronic device. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method and system for selectively transmitting business cards, calendar appointments or executable programs from one device to a requesting device. The receiver makes the selection of a response. The receiver accepts the information, accepts and automatically transmits information of the same category, or rejects the information based on a user choice. If the user select the receive and transmit option, the device will automatically receives and file the information and sends information of the same category to the initiator of the transmission. The two-way transmission of information appears as one integral transmission between the users. In one embodiment, the data to be exchanged is business cards and the devices are handheld computer system.

Abstract: When a connection is made between a first communication device and a second communication device at a first connector and a second connector, information is generated and exchanged for the purpose of specifying parties to mutual wireless communication. After this information exchange, information is added by a transceiver to data transmitted and received by wireless communication for the purpose of identifying the party to the communication and, by setting the first communication device and the second communication device so that they respond only to data having that data added thereto, one-to-one communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is achieved. One-to-many communication between a first communication device and many second communication devices is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a communications port for communication over a wireless communication network. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for opening a virtual communications (VCOM) port that is configured with a particular profile over a Bluetooth network. After an attempt to open the VCOM port is received from a first application at a first electronic device, the process is suspended until a communication path is established over the Bluetooth communication network between the first electronic device and a remote electronic device within a Bluetooth network. The remote electronic device may be selected by a user from a list of available devices. In another embodiment, a user may pre-configure the VCOM port for a specific functional profile and pre-configure a remote electronic device to the VCOM port.

Abstract: Multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology is used in a point-to-point radio link to provide higher data rates than would otherwise be achievable in a similar system that did not use MIMO antenna technology. Particular embodiments of the invention implement channel coding, dual polarization, adaptive receiver combining and adaptive power control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting calls in a cellular type telecommunications system using a plurality adjacent carrier frequency bands and in which a first cell or a first site uses only a fraction of said frequency bands, the transmitted signals being subjected to peak clipping prior to application to an amplifier of a transmitter system in order to optimize the efficiency of the amplifier. Prior to being applied to the input of the amplifier, the signals (32) to be transmitted for the first cell (or first site) are subjected to filtering (28) so that the power density of the peak-clipping noise is not eliminated in adjacent frequency bands (f2, f3) that are unused by said first cell.

Abstract: A method and a device used for displaying wideband information to a user has a return channel made through a cellular mobile terminal (CMT) providing interactivity. The device (10) has a first antenna (12) and a second antenna (20), a receiver (14, 16) that is coupled to the first antenna and a transmitter (24) that is coupled to the second antenna. The method includes, prior to receiving information in a symbol-wise manner with the receiver in a first band of radio frequencies, generating a notification of reception with the receiver by asserting a DVB_RX_ON signal (16A) and, in response to the notification, requesting a change of transmitter transmission frequencies from a second band of radio frequencies to a third band of radio frequencies that is predetermined to avoid interference with the reception of the information in the first band of radio frequencies.

Abstract: In the access control system, a code transmitter-end transceiver unit and a vehicle-end transceiver unit emit signals approximately synchronously on approximately the same carrier frequency. As a result of superimposition, a new code signal arises and its code information item is compared with an expected set point code information item. When there is correspondence, an enable signal for locking or unlocking or releasing the immobilizer is generated. The synchronous transmission/reception makes illegitimate monitoring more difficult.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a service record for an application (e.g., a legacy application) running on a virtual serial port of a wireless transceiver device, such as a Bluetooth-enabled device. The virtual serial port emulates a serial connection (e.g., a serial cable) for the application. The virtual serial port for the application is opened by a virtual serial port driver. In accordance with the present embodiment of the present invention, the virtual serial port driver also provides the service name of the application. The virtual serial port driver can derive the service name from the name of the application, or the virtual serial port driver can use a default name. Thus, the virtual serial port driver performs the additional function of automatically providing a service name for a application, thereby introducing a standard, efficient and user-friendly approach for providing a readily-identifiable service name for a legacy application.

Abstract: A method (600) and a base station controller (120) for enabling a quick repeat feature are described herein. The base station controller (120) monitors an operating parameter associated with a mobile station (160). The base station controller (120) detects a condition suggesting a potential for a transmission failure to the mobile station (160) based on the operating parameter. The base station controller (120) provides a plurality of transmissions of an operating message to the mobile station (160) in response to detection of the condition suggesting a potential for a transmission failure to the mobile station (160). The operating message includes operating information associated with communication between a base station (140) and the mobile station (160).

Abstract: When channel-coded data is transmitted in a wireless communication system, coded data is divided into a plurality of bandwidths and the signal power is distributed to the bandwidths so that the communication channel capacity is increased. In addition, the transmission power is controlled on a time basis in such a way that the average power becomes larger when the channel quality is poorer so that the quality of each code word is stabilized. Alternatively, the coding rate is controlled in such a way that the data rate is decreased when the channel quality is poorer.

Abstract: A composite beamforming technique is provided wherein a first communication device has a plurality of antennas and the second communication has a plurality of antennas. When the first communication device transmits to the second communication device, the transmit signal is multiplied by a transmit weight vector for transmission by each the plurality of antennas and the transmit signals are received by the plurality of antennas at the second communication device. The second communication device determines the best receive weight vector for the its antennas, and from that vector, derives a suitable transmit weight vector for transmission on the plurality of antennas back to the first communication device. Several techniques are provided to determine the optimum transmit weight vector and receive weight vector for communication between the first and second communication devices so that there is effectively joint or composite beamforming between the communication devices.

Abstract: A signal processing device references a database of communication/navigation facilities and determines if communications are available with that facility given a current position of the user.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for ensuring reception of a communications signal. A modulating baseband signal with desired information is accepted, and a plurality of redundant spectrums is generated. Each redundant spectrum comprises the necessary amplitude, phase, and frequency information to substantially reconstruct the modulating baseband signal. It is expected but not required that the redundant spectrums will be generated at a first location and sent to a second location over a communications medium. At the second location, the redundant spectrums are independently processed to recover a demodulating baseband signal for each of the redundant spectrums. In one embodiment, an error detection process is employed at the second location to detect and eliminate those demodulated baseband signals that have been corrupted during transmission. An error-free demodulated baseband signal is selected from the remaining demodulated baseband signals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system. The method includes the steps of receiving a composite signal including a signal of interest and an interfering signal and normalizing the composite signal to produce a normalized composite signal. The composite signal is then multiplied by the complex conjugate of the normalized composite signal to produce a real signal. Then the real signal is filtered and the resulting filtered signal is multiplied by the normalized composite signal to produce an output signal. The adverse effects of the interfering signal in the output signal are reduced with respect to the magnitude of the signal of interest reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system, thereby making it easier to detect the signal of interest.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for increasing the spectrum efficiency in a radio transmission system. Advantageously, the interference phenomenon is used for transmitting two different signals, by utilizing for each of them carriers at the same frequency, thus obtaining in this way a doubling of the spectrum efficiency. Practically, the same signal is transmitted by two different antennas in order to have two coherent signal sources. On the receiving front, there are points of maximum and minimum of this signal. If the original signal is properly phase shifted with an antenna vis-à-vis the other one, the effect will be to arrange the maxima and minima on the receiving front in a corresponding way. The present invention allows for the use of dual polarization antennas (H and V or any other type of orthogonal polarization) to obtain a still higher spectrum efficiency.

Abstract: A satellite communications system provides an information channel between remotely located transmitters and receivers. A virtual satellite system provides the same service, but divides the signal either in power or in data content into subchannels such that any particular signal is conducted to the intended receiver via a plurality of traditional satellite channels. The receiving terminal accepts the plurality of signals simultaneously from a possible plurality of satellites, combining the subchannels comprising the virtual channel into the original signal content as if conducted via a single channel. The receiving antenna system receives satellite subchannel signals from a plurality of directions using multiple antennas or a single antenna with multi-direction capability. Prior to signal combining, the receiver necessarily time-synchronizes the plurality of subchannels by introducing time delay in some channels before combining the subsignals into the original composite.

Abstract: Methods that test multibeam satellite communication systems, including its antennas and transponders. The methods use input power telemetry and output noise power to test satellite transponders and antennas while the satellite is in orbit. One method that tests a satellite receive antenna employs at least two earth stations, one for RF testing and one for telemetry and commanding, with each providing a backup for the other. Other methods may use one or more earth stations to perform testing. Methods are disclosed that generate receive antenna pattern measurements, transmit pattern measurements, input chain frequency response curves, input chain transfer curves, and output chain frequency response curves.

Abstract: What is described here is an array for multi-channel signal transmission between mobile units, consisting of at least one first transmitter/receiver unit that is coupled to at least one second transmitter/receiver unit via transmitting means.

Abstract: A communications system for transferring signals from a wireless transmitter to a hub station, comprising a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a data signal using multiple sub-carriers, a plurality of base stations each configured to receive the multiple sub-carrier data signal and relay the multiple sub-carrier data signal to a hub station; and a hub station configured to receive and combine the multiple sub-carrier data signals from the plurality of base stations. The wireless transmitter may use an orthogonal frequency division modulation (OFDM) scheme to transmit portions of the data signal in parallel on multiple sub-carriers.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system. The method includes the steps of receiving a composite signal including a signal of interest and an interfering signal and normalizing the composite signal to produce a normalized composite signal. The composite signal is then multiplied by the complex conjugate of the normalized composite signal to produce a real signal. Then the real signal is filtered and the resulting filtered signal is multiplied by the normalized composite signal to produce an output signal. The adverse effects of the interfering signal in the output signal are reduced with respect to the magnitude of the signal of interest reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system, thereby making it easier to detect the signal of interest.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system. The method includes the steps of receiving a composite signal including a signal of interest and an interfering signal and normalizing the composite signal to produce a normalized composite signal. The composite signal is then multiplied by the complex conjugate of the normalized composite signal to produce a real signal. Then the real signal is filtered and the resulting filtered signal is multiplied by the normalized composite signal to produce an output signal. The adverse effects of the interfering signal in the output signal are reduced with respect to the magnitude of the signal of interest reducing FM interference in an in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting system, thereby making it easier to detect the signal of interest.

Abstract: Digital data which are transmitted from a plurality of external devices to execute data exchange at their natural communication speeds respectively via a data transfer line are multiplexed, and multiplexed digital data are transmitted to an external network. The multiplexed digital data received from the external network are distributed by inverse multiplexing, and distributed digital data are received by target external devices via the data transfer line. Accordingly, the digital data having different communication speeds mutually can be communicated via a common data transfer line.

Abstract: A satellite communications system provides an information channel between remotely located transmitters and receivers. A virtual satellite system provides the same service, but divides the signal either in power or in data content into subchannels such that any particular signal is conducted to the intended receiver via a plurality of traditional satellite channels. The receiving terminal accepts the plurality of signals simultaneously from a possible plurality of satellites, combining the subchannels comprising the virtual channel into the original signal content as if conducted via a single channel. The receiving antenna system receives satellite subchannel signals from a plurality of directions using multiple antennas or a single antenna with multi-direction capability. Prior to signal combining, the receiver necessarily time-synchronizes the plurality of subchannels by introducing time delay in some channels before combining the subsignals into the original composite.

Abstract: A picture distribution service system carries out a distribution control of picture information service in a broadband transit switching network having a hierarchical structure. The system comprises a plurality of transit switches for switching transit lines through which picture information is transmitted from a source and distributed by a center switch, a first trunk part provided for each of the transit switches for distributing the picture information from the center switch to the transit lines, a plurality of subscriber switches for switching subscriber lines through which the picture information from each of the transit lines is transmitted to a plurality of subscriber terminals, and a second trunk part provided for each of the subsriber switches for distributing the picture information from each of the transit switches to the subscriber lines.

Abstract: An entertainment system (100, 100', 100") is provided which includes a plurality of remote stations (110, 110'). Each of the remote stations includes a microphone (118), a transmit section (112b), a receive section (112a) and at least one audio transducer (116) coupled to the output of the receive section. Signals output from each of the remote stations are received by a respective reception channel (134) of a signal distribution unit (130, 130', 130", 130'"). The received signals are combined and output to each of the remote stations. The audio signals received by the remote stations are altered, utilizing one or more sound effects processors (138) located in the signal distribution unit, or a respective sound effects processor (122) incorporated into each of the remote stations.

Abstract: A method and device for distributing both high-speed data service, such as digital computer, video and multimedia data, and lower speed data service, such as POTS voice telephone signals, throughout a customer premises. High-speed digital data and lower speed POTS voice signals are separated by a POTS splitter and distributed throughout the customer premises on separate distribution networks. The lower speed POTS is carried on a wireless distribution network and the high-speed data carried on the existing customer premises wiring ordinarily used for POTS.

Abstract: A multi-station video/audio distribution apparatus having at least two preview stations, a data control mechanism, a preview station interface mechanism disposed between the preview stations and the data control mechanism, and a video display interface mechanism disposed between the preview stations and the data control mechanism. Each of the preview stations has a user input in the form of a bar code scanner to enter a video material selection, an audio output and a video display. The data control mechanism retrieves digitized video and audio material corresponding to each of the user's video material selections.

Abstract: An apparatus for seamless connectivity between a narrow-band network like the Internet and an interactive TV wide-band network and methods of operating the same support on the fly translation and routing of data between the Internet and the interactive TV wide-band network. The apparatus for interfacing between a wide-band network and a narrow-band network comprises a decoder, having a decoder input, a first decoder port, and a second decoder port, which receives wide-band data from the wide-band network via the second decoder port and decodes the wide-band data to provide decoded data in response to decoder requests from the decoder input.

Abstract: A method of interactively viewing the Earth including the steps of: selecting satellite viewpoint of a region of the Earth; reading prestored image of the region of the Earth from the satellite viewpoint; displaying the prestored image; selecting prestored wide-angle images of the region from a lower-altitude viewpoint in comparison to the satellite viewpoint; selecting and displaying portions of the prestored wide-angle images; reading and displaying prestored textual data associated with the region of the Earth; and selecting and displaying prestored terrestrial images of the region of the Earth from a terrestrial viewpoint.

Abstract: The automatic linking to program-specific computer chat rooms is disclosed. A computer detects the channel selected on a corresponding tuner. By referencing the channel and the time and date in which the computer is operating against an electronic program guide, the computer is able to determine the specific program currently on the channel. A unique identification code for the program is sent to a central server. The server links the computer to a computer chat room specific to the program for the unique identification code. This enables computer users viewing the same program to automatically enter the same chat room and chat to one another.

Abstract: A reduced cost digital data modulation and demodulation scheme for very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite communication systems combines non-coherent frequency detection with trellis-coded, multi-frequency modulation. The technique is robust to phase noise and frequency uncertainty and is capable of achieving the performance of rate one-half phase shift keyed modulation. The code width of data to be transmitted bears a prescribed relationship to the size of a multiple frequency set and the selection of a given combination of frequencies within that set for transmission during a respective baud. One portion the data is convolutionally encoded and provides a pointer to one of plural groups of orthogonal signal sets associated with frequencies into which the multiple frequency set has been partitioned. Another portion of the data identifies the frequency combination within the group pointed to by the one portion. The combined portions encode a multi-frequency waveform transmitted to the receiver site.

Abstract: A wireless remote data sensor is disclosed for use in the cable television industry. It senses the status of equipment in the field, such as battery backup power equipment, amplifiers, pilot and signal level monitors, and voltage level for powering active equipment, and transmits the status information using a low data rate cellular data service known as Cellemetry. It also allows the cable system operator to switch each power supply to a backup power source and back remotely for conditioning and battery capacity measurement. Cellemetry uses the forward and reverse control channels of the AMPS cellular network to communicate 32 bit data packets.

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 terminal for use in a multi-point video conference system that includes a plurality of terminals connected to each other via a network, the terminal includes a compressor for packetizing video data inputted from a video camera, and outputting packetized data to the network. A decompressor receives a plurality of packets transmitted from other terminals via the network in a time sharing manner, and decompresses the received packets in an order of reception. The decompressor outputs decompressed video information. A plurality of storage elements store the decompressed video information in a frame unit. The contents stored in the storage elements are displayed on a display. A switch changes over the contents of the storage elements to supply the display.

Abstract: A broadcasting and communication receiver apparatus for displaying program-associated information, in which, in addition to a predetermined display zone, another display zone is provided so that display data of specific information selected by a viewer is wholly displayed and, when the display data is displayed as omitted, a symbol indicative of the information omission is attached to the display data to display the display data within the limited display zone. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving the program-associated information including a title, start and end times of a broadcast program together with a video signal and an audio signal, a decoder for decoding the program-associated information, a display unit for displaying the decoded program-associated information thereon, a command receiver for receiving an input signal from a remote controller or from a key or keys provided to the receiver, and a display controller for controlling a display screen on the basis of the input signal.

Abstract: A communication system for simultaneously transmitting ancillary codes and audio signals via a conventional audio communications channel using perceptual coding techniques is disclosed. An encoder monitors an audio channel to detect "opportunities" to insert an ancillary code such that the inserted signals are masked by the audio signal, as defined by the "perceptual entropy envelope" of the audio signal. An ancillary code containing, for example, an ID or serial number, is encoded as one or more whitened spread spectrum signals and/or a narrowband FSK ancillary code and transmitted at a time, frequency and/or level such that the data signal is masked by the audio signal. A decoder at a receiving location recovers the encoded ID or serial number.

Abstract: A system capable of storing the application packages and thereafter reproducing a desired one of the stored application packages at any time. The application package comprises a plurality of applications. Each of the applications comprises application data which comprises forms a main body of the application and service adding information (SAI) comprising various data including an application ID of the application. The SAIs are distributed independently from and prior to the application data. Each of the SAIs can include method IDs of methods for processing object data specified by a method processing program and a plurality of link data comprising application IDs of other applications. This permits the SAIs to form a tree structure of the applications. The methods are activated in a event driven manner.

Abstract: A filter for treating a plurality of channels in a television signal cable distribution system comprises a plurality of paralel bandpass filters having a frequency which is individually controlled by frequency control voltages. A master filter provided with a filtering cell of a type identical to that used in a bandpass filter corresponds to each bandpass filter. For adjusting the central frequency of a master filter, a frequency is applied thereto by a frequency synthesizer and the cell is aligned with this frequency by acting on its frequency control voltage. This voltage is simultaneously applied to a bandpass filter for controlling the frequency, which is thus aligned with the frequency of the synthesizer simultaneously with that of the corresponding master filter. Each couple consisting of a bandpass filter and a corresponding master filter is realized by means of integration on the same semiconductor substrate (IC).

Abstract: A technique for transmitting and receiving an electronic program guide which identifies programs that are to be transmitted. Electronic program guide (EPG) data includes image data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs which are to be transmitted. The EPG data is combined with program data, the latter representing different programs transmitted on different broadcast channels, and the combined data is transmitted. On reception, the EPG data is separated from the received program data and the images of reduced, less than normal size represented by the EPG data are displayed in superposition over the received program.

Abstract: An information delivery system including a head end broadcasting a data stream of media objects, the head end being coupled to a broadcast television interface and at least one information service provider and including an encoder for encoding information in the media object is disclosed. The system may deliver and implement a programming guide delineating programming information available on the information delivery system in one or more media objects in the data stream in an encoded fashion by the encoder. A user terminal is coupled to the head-end and receives the media objects. The user terminal has an output and includes a decoder for the media objects. Also provided in one aspect is a user interface, at least partially stored in the user-terminal, which selects a user-defined subset of media objects for provision to the output of the user terminal. Further, an information navigation system for an information delivery system is provided.