Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Nokia Siemens Networks Gmbh & Co Kg

Nokia Solutions and Networks Gmbh & Co. Kg

Rudolf Stelzl

Stefan Jenzowsky

Rainer Stademann

Andreas Kalkbrenner

Giovanni Benini

Harald Schweickhardt

Axel Scheuer

Christoph Hielscher

Norbert Löbig

Martin C Mueller

Klaus Steinigke

Eckhardt Belgardt

Jörg Köpp

Gerhard Pooch

Christopher B Coles

Jeanette Herzinger

Johann Zeiner

Andreas Mayerhofer

Harald Schweikhardt

The invention relates to a method and a PVR server for storing and playing back TV programs, in particular to an improved method for operating a network PVR and to an improved PVR server (). The inventive method consists in determining the number of users storing in the personal archives thereof a determined TV program, which is stored in the memory () of the PVR server (). When the user number is less than a predefined limit value, an erasing signal occurs to them and the program is cleared during a configurable period of time if no user selects said program as to be preserved.

Method and arrangement for storing and playing back TV programmes

The invention relates to a method and arrangement () for storing and playing back TV programs, in particular to the improved method and device () for operating a PVR, in particular a network PVR (). The inventive device for storing and playing back the TV programs comprises means for selecting a storable TV program, means () for recording a TV program and means () for playing back, in a time delayed manner, said recording during a recordable TV program. Said arrangement also comprises means for determining the beginning time of transmission of the recordable TV program and means for determining the total advertising duration which passes on the screen during the TV program transmission. Said invention makes it possible to determine, as soon as possible, a time to start an advertising-free playing back according to the beginning of transmission, the total duration of the advertising and to advise a user thereabout.

Method and arrangement for storing and playing back TV programs

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to a device and/or an associated method in which a recorded television or radio program can be played back from a recording of said program without additional programs, such as commercial breaks. A current program can be resumed once the recording has been played back. Processed program segments can be retrieved while repeated segments can be tuned out during playback. The current program can be resumed more quickly if processed program segments are retrieved during playback.

Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing programs

The invention relates among other things to a method for operating a secondary computer (), in which a memory unit in an originating computer () initially stores a first data volume () and a second data volume (). During transmission of copies of the data volumes (), change reports () are processed in the originating computer () and in a secondary computer () irrespective of whether the associated data volume has already been transmitted.

Method for operating a secondary computer, switching devices for flawless operation and corresponding programme

A method for operating interface modules in an ATM communications device wherein interface modules which can be specified as active and/or redundant are connected to a central control unit. Control commands provided for this purpose are transmitted approximately simultaneously from the central control unit to the active and the redundant interface module during the establishment and clearing of at least one virtual connection, and the redundant interface module does not acknowledge receipt of the control commands. The load on the interface module is thus dynamically relieved.

Method for operating interface modules in an ATM communications device

The invention relates to a communications system and a method for establishing a broadband connection, for example a multi-media connection between two or more users, by means of exchanges in a communications network, for example an ATM network. According to the invention, when the exchanges receive a request from a calling user to establish a broadband connection, said exchanges first establish a minimal connection between the users and once the minimal connection is in operation between the users, the requested broadband connection is established. The users of broadband network capacities, which have been reserved by the network at the request of the user, are billed during the call phase. Broadband connections of this type can receive a higher priority than the upgrade of minimal connections to complete connections. A voice connection comprising audio data constitutes for example a minimal connection. The broadband connection takes place for example between video telephones.

Establishing a broadband connection that saves resources and satisfies billing conditions

In current telecommunications services, it is usual for the service provider of the initiator (e.g. the caller or the A-side) of the communications connection to determine the price and charge the A-side accordingly. The other subscribers are not usually charged. The A-side service provider pays a compensation amount (balance) to the B-side service provider. This fee charging and payment system is too rigid for modern communications services. The inventive method solves this problem.

Method for flexible charging of fees for services and resources in networks

Growing community of inventors

Dachau, Germany

Rudolf Stelzl