Method for Transmitting Information in a Multicast Environment

2:

• A method according to claim 1 wherein said end-user device processes the individual information in the case that the identification number equals or is related to a unique code of said end-user device.

3:

• A method according to claim 1, wherein the individual information comprises an announcement informing said end-user device that information is available at server.

4:

• A method according to claim 1, wherein said end-user device is a set-top box.

5:

• A method according to claim 4 wherein the identification number corresponds to a unique code of the set-top box.

6:

• A method according to claim 1, wherein the access infrastructure comprises a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM).

7:

• A method according to claim 1, wherein the individual information is contained in a data packet and the identification number is contained in the header field of said data packet.

8:

• A signal adapted for use in a barker channel between a server and an end-user device in an environment comprising a network that is connected to the server, and an access infrastructure that connects a customer environment to the network, the signal comprising individual information and an identification number.

9:

• A signal according to claim 8, wherein the individual information is contained in a data packet and the identification number is contained in the header of said data packet.

10:

• A signal according to claim 8, wherein the identification number corresponds to a unique code of said end-user device.

11:

• A multicast environment comprising a network that is connected to a server, an access infrastructure that connects a customer environment to the network, and means for transmitting individual information and an identification number via a barker channel between the server and an end-user device comprised by the customer environment.

12:

• A multicast environment according to claim 11, wherein said end-user device is a set-top box.

13:

• A multicast environment according to claim 11, wherein the individual information is contained in a data packet and the identification number is contained in the header field of said data packet.

14:

• A set-top box comprising means for reading an identification number received via a barker channel in a multicast environment between the set-top box and a server.

15:

• A set-top box according to claim 14, the set-top box comprising means for processing individual information received via said barker channel.

16:

• A server comprising means for generating individual information and an identification number, the individual information and the identification number being able to be transmitted to an end-user device via a barker channel between the server and said end-user device.

17:

• A server according to claim 16, wherein the individual information is contained in a data packet and the identification number is contained in the header of said data packet.