Abstract: A unique identifier is used to identify products and services in media content in a method which includes receiving a request for information regarding a product or service identifiable in content being presented on a display, in response to the received request, determining a unique identifier for the product or service, determining if information for an alternate product or service should be returned in response to the request and if alternate product or service information should be returned in response to the request, determining a unique identifier for the alternate product or service. The process further includes searching for the unique identifier of the product or service in the original request or the alternate product or service in a database of unique identifiers to obtain product or service information for the product or service for which information is to be returned. The information retrieved can include sales information.

Abstract: A user who recommends media assets can have a second user link or lock onto such recommendations. The second user is then presented with the option to receive such assets, when purchased. Such recommendations can be presented on a per asset or on an asset class level. The pricing of such assets can be modified based on the number of assets that are purchased and in relationship to the number of links that the second user has to other users.