Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines characteristics of a user that is viewing a video and analyzes presentation data describing products within a presentation. A product opportunity is selected based on the characteristics of the user and the presentation data for a product. The method selects first metadata for the presentation data and second metadata for the product associated with the presentation data. Then, the method dynamically inserts the first metadata for the presentation data and second metadata for the product into a portion of the video and sends the portion of the video to the user. The product is displayed in the video using the presentation data at the product opportunity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling a viewer to watch television in the usual manner, while providing the viewer with an opportunity to indicate interest in products contextually associated with, but not necessarily displayed, in the television programs viewed, are described. Viewer interest might be indicated, for example, by launching a widget from an icon located on the TV video receiver using a handheld remote controller in communication with a set-top box during the program. The program being viewed may then be identified, for example, by the selected channel, the name of the program, the episode, and the time of the selection, or a combination of these indicators. The selections are transmitted by the set-top box to a remote search server, which returns information to the viewer on a portion of the TV video receiver concerning available products contextually related to the program being viewed at the time the widget was launched by the viewer, as well as purchase information.

Abstract: Viewers of presentations of entertainment, news, education and other the like, often observe unadvertised products of interest therein. However, in order to avoid degrading the artistic or objective integrity, producers and distributors of such presentations, do not provide sufficient product description information to permit the viewer to identify and/or purchase the product. The present invention describes methods and systems for permitting such users to research and/or purchase products observed to be involved in presentations by accessing presentation appearance data, product description data, and issuance data prepared, stored and associated in a non-transitory computer-readable database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling a viewer to watch television in the usual manner, while providing the viewer with an opportunity to indicate interest in products contextually associated with, but not necessarily displayed, in the television programs viewed, are described. Viewer interest might be indicated, for example, by launching a widget from an icon located on the TV video receiver using a handheld remote controller in communication with a set-top box during the program. The program being viewed may then be identified, for example, by the selected channel, the name of the program, the episode, and the time of the selection, or a combination of these indicators. The selections are transmitted by the set-top box to a remote search server, which returns information to the viewer on a portion of the TV video receiver concerning available products contextually related to the program being viewed at the time the widget was launched by the viewer, as well as purchase information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling a viewer to watch television in the usual manner, while providing the viewer with an opportunity to indicate interest in products contextually associated with, but not necessarily displayed, in the television programs viewed, are described. Viewer interest might be indicated, for example, by launching a widget from an icon located on the TV video receiver using a handheld remote controller in communication with a set-top box during the program. The program being viewed may then be identified, for example, by the selected channel, the name of the program, the episode, and the time of the selection, or a combination of these indicators. The selections are transmitted by the set-top box to a remote search server, which returns information to the viewer on a portion of the TV video receiver concerning available products contextually related to the program being viewed at the time the widget was launched by the viewer, as well as purchase information.