Methods of defining servo patterns and data patterns for forming patterned magnetic media are described. \u2019 The variety is similar to the varieties \u2018Biscayne\u2019 and \u2018Key Largo. Signals broadcast by the communication system are monitored and signal performance metrics of the signals are identified. Alternatively, the appliance can act as a control point and request information from information storage devices that matches the categories selected by the user.