The present multi-media subscriber station has control unit and a plurality of communication devices. The preferred embodiment minimizes hardware complexity by using the same loaders for both MPEG-2 and alternative stream data. A protection cover is secured to the camera body, and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the protection cover, when in the closed position, closes an exposure opening formed in the camera body, and when in the open position, opens the exposure opening. In a first, relaxed state, the retention device has multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries at the intersection points, and the multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries form multiple protuberance thicknesses. The cylinder adapter always remains associated with the corresponding compressed gas cylinder.