Multimedia distribution systems are disclosed in which servers communicate with clients via audio, video, overlay and/or control channels. In many instances, the audio, video and/or overlay information is transcoded prior to transmission. In many embodiments, the servers and/or clients can be updated. In several embodiments, the updates can be performed in a manner that preserves the ability of all devices connected to a network to communication. One embodiment of the invention includes a server connected to a client via a network and at least one storage device containing audio, video and/or overlay information formatted in accordance with a first format. In addition, the client includes a storage device that stores information indicative of the audio, video and/or overlay formats that the client is capable of decoding and the server is configured to transmit audio, video, overlay and control information via separate audio, video and overlay and control channels.