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 transmitting and displaying information in a television distribution system (10), or the like, transmits information that is targeted to a viewer matching particular demographic data.

Abstract: A system for managing a digital video recorder includes a transceiver for receiving program signals from a media source and for transmitting the program signals to a display device. The transceiver is further operative to transmit information regarding the digital video recorder to the display device to generate a user-interface management screen on the display device for use in managing operation of the digital video recorder. The information includes data that is indicative of available recording space on the digital video recorder based on current and scheduled recordings.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and displaying information in a television distribution system (10), or the like, transmits information that is targeted to a viewer matching particular demographic data. The results of a viewer completed demographic survey are used to generate a database known as a bit mask (30) that is made up of the viewer's demographic data. The bit mask (30) is used to control the particular advertising or other related information that is received by each system viewer. In a first technique, the transmission signal carrying the program or advertisement displayed to all viewers is embedded with one or more codes. These codes are compared to the bit mask to determine whether the viewer fits the desired demographic profile, and should be provided with additional information. In a second technique, multiple ads for demographic selective receipt by each viewer are simultaneously transmitted, and are automatically selected for viewing, depending on the viewer's stored demographic data.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and displaying information in a television distribution system (10), or the like, transmits information that is targeted to a viewer matching particular demographic data. The results of a viewer completed demographic survey are used to generate a database known as a bit mask (30) that is made up of the viewer's demographic data. The bit mask (30) is used to control the particular advertising or other related information that is received by each system viewer. In a first technique, the transmission signal carrying the program or advertisement displayed to all viewers is embedded with one or more codes. These codes are compared to the bit mask to determine whether the viewer fits the desired demographic profile, and should be provided with additional information. In a second technique, multiple ads for demographic selective receipt by each viewer are simultaneously transmitted, and are automatically selected for viewing, depending on the viewer's stored demographic data.

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: Navigation techniques enable Internet web pages and other image frames to be navigated using a conventional keyboard or a television remote control, for example. In a first technique, a guide mapping application links objects in the various frames contained in an accessed web page so that when a user actuates a directional button on a remote control or a keyboard, the guide mapping application navigates the user to an object in the present frame or in another frame to which a currently selected object is linked. The guide mapping application also employs “edge of frame” indicators in those objects which are located on an edge of a frame. When an “edge of frame” indicator is detected, the application searches for and locates the appropriate adjacent frame, as well as the object within the adjacent frame that is located in the closest proximity to the object containing the “edge of frame” indicator, and then navigates the user to that object.