Abstract: A method and apparatus for the identification and verification of audio transmission segments, such as may be broadcast by a radio station, consists of the generation of a data stream corresponding in duration to the length of the program segment and including both cumulative time data and segment identification data. The data stream is combined with the program segment to which it relates in a manner in which the data is inaudible on conventional reception apparatus and which does not significantly degrade the audio quality of the program segment. A reception facility is provided to extract the data stream from the recorded audio and compare the data therein with reference data for the transmission, including intended length and time of the segment. By such a comparison verification of the broadcast can be accomplished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the proper airing of television programs having a digital identification code recorded on a preselected scan line which is not normally visible to the television viewer. A plurality of television channels are automatically simultaneously monitored by a primary monitoring system at a site 30 within the reception area and broadcast encoded programs are identified and timed and appraised as to their audio and video signal quality. The information generated is stored locally for later comparison with centrally stored 62 information specifying the programs that should have been aired. Each of the channels is sequentially monitored for a preselected fixed time interval, which depends on the number of channels being monitored, under the control of a programmable sequential controller 54. A secondary monitoring system is provided for use as a backup or for monitoring cable channels.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for identifying and verifying the proper airing of television broadcast programs wherein from the television broadcast, it can be assured that the programs were televised and received properly and aired at the scheduled time. The invention utilizes prerecorded or live video programs in which imprinted on a preselected scanning line is a digital encoded identifying number. These video programs with digital encoding are then distributed to network and/or local broadcast stations to be televised with this identification. A plurality of selected aired television channels are then automatically simultaneously monitored at a typical reception site whereby the encoded broadcast is appraised as to the quality of its audio and video, identified and timed, and which information is then stored for a later comparison to that which was actually intended to be aired.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for identifying and verifying the proper airing of television broadcast programs is disclosed wherein from the television broadcast, it can be assured that the programs were televised and received properly and aired at the scheduled time. The invention disclosed utilizes prerecorded or live video programs in which imprinted on a preselected scanning line is a digital encoded identifying number. These video programs with digital encoding are then distributed to network and/or local broadcast stations to be televised with this identification. A plurality of selected aired television channels are then automatically simultaneously monitored at a typical reception site whereby the encoded broadcast is appraised as to the quality of its audio and video, identified and timed, and which information is then stored for a later comparison to that which was actually intended to be aired.