Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for interactive broadcasting of information such as Internet web pages, television program guide, user account information, or the like on dedicated downstream channels in a cable television system. One embodiment provides picture-in-picture capability using a single tuner. More specifically, a headend includes a scaler application that reduces the size of the video program or a content related web page, which are then combined at the headend in a picture-in-picture format and transmitted over a distribution network to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive broadcast of Internet web pages, or the like, on dedicated downstream channels in a cable television system or the like facilitates hyperlinking by a user from a broadcast television program to a web page, or between web pages, for example. In one embodiment, each user's set top is programmed with channel mapping information that maps each hyperlink request to a particular channel and time where the requested information is being broadcast in a multiplexed information stream. In response to receipt of a hyperlink request from a user actuating a remote control button, mouse or keyboard, the set top tunes to the appropriate one of the downstream channels, and downloads the web page or other information. In one embodiment to facilitate picture-in-picture capability using a single tuner, the tuner in the set top briefly tunes away from the video program to the appropriate data channel for receiving the hyperlink information.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing Internet-based and other information through a user television in a television distribution network enables a user to access and view information which is related to the programming content of a currently viewed television broadcast. This concept, known as channel hyperlinking, enables a television viewer to download Internet Web pages, and the like, which are related to a currently viewed advertisement, program, newscast, etc. To facilitate channel hyperlinking, each user of the system sends channel hyperlink requests through an upstream channel to a network headend by actuating a hyperlink button on a television remote control, for example. The network headend is interfaced to the Internet by means of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and downloads HTML Web page data from the Internet to the requesting user.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting programming guide and other information in a television distribution system permits selective access to the information. The information is formatted at a server (20) located in a network headend (12) into pages of text information, such as program listings for groups of channels at selected times of day, and preferably is broadcast continually on one or more designated channels (18) to a plurality of viewer set tops (16). Each of the set tops (16) contains a terminal processor (29) which facilitates selection and display of the downloaded information by means of a script program or application. The server (20) preferably feeds the formatted pages of text in a repeating carousel manner to a multiplexer (27) that transmits the pages on one or more digital channels to the set tops (16). Preferably, a background screen on which the program listing information is to be overlayed is separately transmitted or is stored in the set tops (16).

Abstract: A system and method for interactive broadcast of Internet web pages, or the like, on dedicated downstream channels in a cable television system or the like facilitates hyperlinking by a user from a broadcast television program to a web page, or between web pages, for example. In one embodiment, each user's set top is programmed with channel mapping information that maps each hyperlink request to a particular channel and time where the requested information is being broadcast in a multiplexed information stream. In response to receipt of a hyperlink request from a user actuating a remote control button, mouse or keyboard, the set top tunes to the appropriate one of the downstream channels, and downloads the web page or other information. In one embodiment to facilitate picture-in-picture capability using a single tuner, the tuner in the set top briefly tunes away from the video program to the appropriate data channel for receiving the hyperlink information.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing Internet-based and other information through a user television in a television distribution network enables a user to access and view information which is related to the programming content of a currently viewed television broadcast. This concept, known as channel hyperlinking, enables a television viewer to download Internet Web pages, and the like, which are related to a currently viewed advertisement, program, newscast, etc. To facilitate channel hyperlinking, each user of the system sends channel hyperlink requests through an upstream channel to a network headend by actuating a hyperlink button on a television remote control, for example. The network headend is interfaced to the Internet by means of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and downloads HTML Web page data from the Internet to the requesting user.