Abstract: A subscriber class leases and provides programming for a digital television channel using the two way communication capabilities of a digital set-top box. Programming content is uploaded by members of the subscriber class to a service provider using upstream communication such as a cable modem forming a part of the set-top box. A schedule arbiter schedules the programming and the programming is multicast to the class of subscribers for playback.

Abstract: An interactive television system uses a cache memory system that mirrors pages associated with a URL embedded within the interactive content. When a subscriber chooses to download the page associated with the interactive content, a server first searches the cached pages to determine if the requested pages can be downloaded to the subscriber from cache memory. If not, the requested pages are downloaded via the Internet. In another embodiment, the cache memory can be situated at a subscriber's set-top box.

Abstract: A system for displaying images on a portable device such as a PDA or cellular telephone. A camera captures a still or moving image and sends it to a digital set-top box. The processor of the set-top box reformats the image to an appropriate size and format for display on the display of the PDA or cellular telephone. The image is then transmitted to the portable device using a URL, telephone number, email address or other address.

Abstract: An Electronic Game Console is connected to a television set-top box. The set-top box can access a game server or other game controllers via the Internet to download game software to a mass storage device residing in or associated with the set-top box. The Electronic Game Console can then access the set-top box mass storage to run the game software.

Abstract: A quote and information system for use within the home. A subscriber utilizes a set-top box as a vehicle for navigating a menu system to solicit quotes from vendors using a service provider as an intermediary. Requests for quotes are anonymously forwarded to appropriate vendors and quotes returned to the subscriber. In other embodiments, the menu system can be used to obtain hierarchical categorized information or to register products in order to receive offers from local vendors relating to those products.

Abstract: Interactive programming ancillary data are displayed on a local network appliance. A user elects to receive the ancillary data by making a control selection resulting in a set-top box obtaining the ancillary data and transmitting the ancillary data or information generated from the ancillary data to a local network appliance. The local network appliance displays the data so that the television viewing experience is not disturbed by windows or other intrusive means obscuring a portion of the television display.

Abstract: A television set-top box incorporates a swipe card reader for reading credit cards, debit cards or automated teller cards or the like. A credit card can be activated by swiping the credit card through the set-top box credit card reader to automatically initiate a process of activation of the card with a remote server serving as an activation center or clearing house. Moreover, the card reader can be used to simplify on-line purchases from merchants over the Internet or for interfacing with a credit card authority to manage the user's credit card account.

Abstract: An advertisement method and apparatus. A user is presented with a menu of advertisements and/or advertisement types for selection. Upon selection of the desired advertisement and/or advertisement type, advertisements are downloaded to the user's set-top box storage for merging with entertainment content for presentation to the user.