Abstract: A storage media for storage of data thereon is provided. The storage media including: a first layer, the first layer being substantially transparent to a predetermined radiant energy used for reading the data; and a second layer formed on the first layer and being substantially opaque to the radiant energy, the second layer having a pattern comprising a plurality of holes, each of the holes having a largest dimension which is greater than a wavelength of the radiant energy, the data being stored as the presence or absence of a hole in the pattern. Also provided are a method for fabricating the storage media as well as an apparatus and method for reading the data stored on the storage media.

Abstract: A universal automated order processing system represents multiple (e.g., hundreds or thousands) participating merchants who offer their products through the system. Customers become qualified for using the system by supplying a set of information (e.g., name, credit card number, shipping address) that is stored in a customer database. When a customer wishes to order a product, the customer calls the system, customer identity is automatically confirmed, the customer enters a product order number and the complete order is routed to the appropriate merchant with the information necessary for the merchant to fulfill the order. Available credit verification and other aspects of credit card transactions may be handled by either the system operator or the merchant. The system operator may offer revolving credit. The system may also be used to provide potential customers of the merchants with free product information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content distribution are provided that include a broadcast transmitter for transmitting a signal that comprises content, a receiver for receiving the signal, and an optical disc recorder coupled to the receiver for recording the content to an optical disc, which may be an optically altered optical disc.

Abstract: A method for disseminating emergency notification content from an emergency originating source. The method comprising: delivering the emergency notification content from the emergency originating source to at least one transmitting party; selecting a subset of users from among a set of users for dissemination of the emergency notification content based on the subject matter of the emergency notification content; and delivering the emergency notification content from the at least one transmitting party to a device corresponding to each user from the selected subset of users.

Abstract: A player device for generating audio visual signals representative of entertainment content with advertisements includes a reader mechanism for reading entertainment content pre-recorded on a first medium and reading advertisements pre-recorded on a second medium, and a processor generating command signals inserting advertisements read by the reader mechanism from the second medium into entertainment content read by the reader mechanism from the first medium.

Abstract: A player device for generating audio visual signals representative of entertainment content with advertisements includes a reader mechanism for reading entertainment content pre-recorded on a first medium and reading advertisements pre-recorded on a second medium, and a processor generating command signals inserting advertisements read by the reader mechanism from the second medium into entertainment content read by the reader mechanism from the first medium.

Abstract: A storage media for storage of data thereon is provided. The storage media including: a first layer, the first layer being substantially transparent to a predetermined radiant energy used for reading the data; and a second layer formed on the first layer and being substantially opaque to the radiant energy, the second layer having a pattern comprising a plurality of holes, each of the holes having a largest dimension which is greater than a wavelength of the radiant energy, the data being stored as the presence or absence of a hole in the pattern. Also provided are a method for fabricating the storage media as well as an apparatus and method for reading the data stored on the storage media.

Abstract: A device for generating audiovisual display signals, including a first input terminal receiving content signals representative of an audiovisual event, the signals including insertion points indicating the output of an advertisement, a second input terminal receiving ad signals representative of an advertisement, a first buffer storing the ad signals, and a processor converting the content signals into display signals of the event and converting ad signals stored in the first buffer into display signals of an advertisement upon detection of an insertion point.

Abstract: Movies are distributed to customer households in a secure format on digital media such as optical disks for playback via proprietary set-top boxes. The movie disks preferably have a storage capacity enabling each disk to hold multiple movies, for example, ten, twenty, fifty or even one hundred or more movies. The movie disks are provided to customers at low cost or even no cost, and customers pay a viewing fee only when they choose to view a particular movie. A movie club model permits customers to obtain a disk each month with new release movies, and the option to order classic/older movie disks with compilations of related movies, for example, disks with twenty World War II movies or fifteen Julia Roberts movies.

Abstract: Movies are distributed to customer households in a secure format on digital media such as optical disks for playback via proprietary set-top boxes. A system operator produces movie disks in large quantities and delivers the disks to widely geographically dispersed distribution agents. Agents produce copies of the disks with unique agent identification codes embedded therein, and distribute the disks to local customers who have compatible playback devices. When customers view movies, information identifying the movie and a distribution agent who is responsible for the movie being distributed to that customer are communicated to the central computer of the system operator. The content providers are then paid royalties due and responsible distribution agents are compensated.

Abstract: Music is blanket transmitted (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's user station where selected music files are recorded. Customers preselect from a list of available music in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay only for music that they choose to playback for their enjoyment. An antipiracy “ID tag” is woven into the recorded music so that any illegal copies therefrom may be traced to the purchase transaction. Music is transmitted on a fixed schedule or through an active scheduling process that monitors music requests from all or a subset of satellite receivers and adjust scheduling according to demand for various CD's. Receivers store selections that are likely to be preferred by a specific customer. In those instances where weather conditions, motion of atmospheric layers or dish obstructions result in data loss, the system downloads the next transmission of the requested CD and uses both transmissions to produce a “good copy”.

Abstract: A universal automated order processing system represents multiple (e.g., hundreds or thousands) participating merchants who offer their products through the system. Customers become qualified for using the system by supplying a set of information (e.g., name, credit card number, shipping address) that is stored in a customer database. When a customer wishes to order a product, the customer calls the system, customer identity is automatically confirmed, the customer enters a product order number and the complete order is routed to the appropriate merchant with the information necessary for the merchant to fulfill the order. Available credit verification and other aspects of credit card transactions may be handled by either the system operator or the merchant. The system operator may offer revolving credit. The system may also be used to provide potential customers of the merchants with free product information.

Abstract: The invention relates to video and music distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video/audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's recording, storage and playback system. Customers may preselect from a list of available movies or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for the video/audio content that is actually viewed.