Apparatus for recording, encoding, transmitting or reproducing data, sound or images; computer hardware for encoding and transmitting data in television signal format; computer hardware used to process and switch signals for interactive television; computer hardware to manage the execution of applications on processors within a cable network, over digital subscriber lines, satellite networks, and/or communications networks; computer software for encoding and transmitting data in television signal format; computer software used to process and switch signals for interactive television; computer software to manage the execution of applications on processors within a cable network, over digital subscriber lines, satellite networks, and/or communications networks