Abstract: An auxiliary display device is used in conjunction with a cable television (CATV) system to process television content metadata extracted from a transport stream received by a set-top box (STB) and sent to the auxiliary display device. Text and/or images defined by the metadata are presented on a display of the auxiliary display device adjacent to a predefined image (e.g., an advertisement, supplemental data) retrieved from a memory of the auxiliary display device. The predefined image is presented in an area of the display of the auxiliary display device that is designated by the metadata as being reserved for displaying a broadcast television channel video image. The predefined image can be changed on a periodic basis, or in response to the auxiliary display device receiving new metadata from the STB.

Abstract: An auxiliary display device, capable of remotely controlling a set-top box (STB) and/or television to select a program channel, is used to navigate a web browser in the auxiliary display device to a web site associated with the selected channel. A web page associated with the selected channel is presented on a display of the auxiliary display device. When the channel is selected, current tuned channel information is transmitted by the set-top box (STB) and/or television to the auxiliary display device, irrespective of whether the auxiliary display device was used to select the channel. In an alternate embodiment, the STB and/or television forward channel information to the auxiliary display device via a cable head-end.

Abstract: A user's remote wireless device is used to send messages to targeted destinations within the user's home environment via an in-home network. The remote wireless device presents a user-friendly menu that enables the user to select the format of the messages (e.g., audio, text and/or graphics). The messages may be set to be sent at a particular time (reminder messages) or sent immediately (intercom messages). An application program running on the remote wireless device emulates on a display of the remote wireless device a plurality of control buttons used to select the destination, format and time, and to control the selection of program channels displayed on a television.