Abstract: According to one embodiment, a service provider determines whether to inform one or more users of an interactive television service of available content. Responsive to determining to inform the one or more users of the available content, a hot key signal is generated. The hot key signal is sent to the users via a side channel out-of-band with one or more channels for content. The hot key signal from the out-of band side channel is received by a terminal device. The terminal device determines whether the hot key signal is relevant to a user currently viewing content from the service provider. Responsive to determining the hot key signal is relevant to the user, an indication that the hot key signal has been received is displayed. Responsive to receiving an indication that the hot key is accepted, the user is directed to the available content indicated by the hot key signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that provide message notification to users of an interactive television service. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method comprises determining whether to inform a user of the interactive television service of receipt of an email message. Responsive to determining to inform the user of the receipt of the email message, a hot key signal is generated indicating availability of the email message. The hot key signal is inserted into a content signal transmitted to the user from the interactive television service provider via a network. Once the hot key signal is received, a determination is made whether the hot key signal is relevant to the user. Responsive to determining the hot key signal is relevant to the user, an indication that the hot key signal has been received is displayed on a screen.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present invention, methods and systems are provided for informing users of an interactive television service of available content during an advertisement or via an electronic program guide. A hot key signal is inserted into a content signal transmitted to the one or more users from an interactive television service provider via a network with which the one or more users and the interactive television service provider are connected. If the hot key signal is relevant to the user, an indication that the hot key signal has been received is displayed on the screen. If the user accepts the hot key, the user is redirected to the alternate content or is provided additional information regarding the available content.