Abstract: A client device receives a broadcast content signal containing an interactive identifier over a managed network at a client device. The interactive identifier may be a trigger that is included in a header or embedded within the digital video data. The trigger may have a temporal component, wherein the trigger can expire after a certain period of time. In response to identification of the trigger, the client device sends a user request for interactive content over an unmanaged network. For example, the managed network may be a one-way satellite television network, IP-television network or cable television network and the unmanaged network may be the Internet. The client device switches between receiving data from the managed network to receiving data from the unmanaged network.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing a decoy identifier, such as an MPEG PID, for a non-encrypted component. By obscuring the true identifier, an MPEG receiver that can decode ‘clear channels’ can not locate, and therefore, can not decode and present the true component for the program to a display device. By using the disclosed methodology, computer program product and system a cable television system or other provider of individualized content can broadcast a requested component without needing to encrypt the component.

Abstract: Access to interactive content at a client device through the use of triggers is disclosed. The client device is coupled to a television communication network and receives an encoded broadcast video stream containing at least one trigger. The client device decodes the encoded broadcast video stream and parses the broadcast video stream for triggers. As the broadcast video stream is parsed, the stream is output to a display device. When a trigger is identified, the client device automatically tunes to an interactive content channel. The client device sends a signal indicative of the trigger through the television communication network to the processing office. The processing office can then use the information contained within the trigger signal to provide content to the client device. The content may be interactive content, static content, or the broadcast program stitched with interactive or static content. The user of the client device can then interact with any interactive content.