Abstract: An identity of a person proximate to a display device is determined by an identity profile controller. The identity profile controller determines whether a configured viewing profile exists for the person. Upon determining that the configured viewing profile exists for the person, the identity profile controller instructs a bezel display controller to display a profile identifier associated with the configured viewing profile via a two-dimensional light-emitting diode (LED) array located within a bezel of the display device outside of the display area of the display. The identity profile controller automatically adjusts display device settings for the display device based upon the configured viewing profile. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An identity of a person proximate to a display device is determined by an identity profile controller. The identity profile controller determines whether a configured viewing profile exists for the person. Upon determining that the configured viewing profile exists for the person, the identity profile controller instructs a bezel display controller to display a profile identifier associated with the configured viewing profile via a two-dimensional light-emitting diode (LED) array located within a bezel of the display device outside of the display area of the display. The identity profile controller automatically adjusts display device settings for the display device based upon the configured viewing profile. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A configured display mode is determined for a two-dimensional light-emitting diode (LED) array located within a bezel of the display device outside of the display area of the display. Information associated with the configured display mode is retrieved for the two-dimensional LED array. The information associated with the configured display mode is displayed via the two-dimensional LED array. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: A television set-top box used as a point of sale terminal at a retail establishment such as a department store or kiosk. The television set-top box may include a swipe card reader and is coupled to a television display, an input device and a printer. The customer accesses a catalog database of merchandise and inventory using a user interface to point of sale software. The customer may also enter an order using order entry software forming a part of the point of sale software. The catalog database is situated on a disc drive within the set-top box and can be updated from a catalog server as required to maintain accurate inventory and merchandise information in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the set-top box operates in a client mode to access information from the catalog server.

Abstract: An information network, such as an interactive set-top box, is provided to a subscriber. Through interaction with the set-top box, a subscriber may indicate his or her interest in a specific television or video program to be offered by a service provider and the price he or she would be willing to pay for it. This information is communicated to the service provider over a communications link, such as the Internet. The service provider uses the information to determine the offer price of the television or video program.

Abstract: A method and structure for distributing hybrid advertisements, audio programming, video programming or other programming types. A set-top box is provided with two communications links, one for receiving conventional television programs including short duration advertisements and one for receiving corresponding extended length advertisements from a service provider. After viewing an abbreviated advertisement, a viewer of the system may indicate a desire to view an extended length advertisement corresponding to the abbreviated advertisement and the system will display the requested extended length advertisement for viewing by the viewer.

Abstract: An information network, such an interactive set-top box, is provided to enable user to receive targeted information through use of a personal information database. Through interaction with the set-top box, the user may establish a personal profile database that specifies his or her interests, preferences and other information. This information is communicated to a service provider. Based on this information, the service provider builds a personal information database and creates customized and directed advertising targeted to that user. The customized advertising may be download to the user's multimedia storage device (either within the set-top box or external to it). The user information may also be passed to vendors, but the user's identity is withheld, thereby ensuring the privacy of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting variable pop-up windows of ancillary information in television programming. Multiple instances of ancillary information is transmitted to a set-top box in association with segments of programming content. The set-top box selects a different set of ancillary information for display in a pop-up window whenever the content is presented. In one embodiment, a different set of ancillary information is presented according to the number of times the programming is presented. In another embodiment, ancillary information is selected using a randomizing algorithm.

Abstract: An advertising technique for use during playback of stored entertainment content. A set-top box notifies a service provider of the selection of playback of stored content by a user. The service provider uses user profile information and other information to select targeted advertisements for the user and the advertisements are merged with the stored content for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided whereby a user of a set-top box may customize a user interface so as to simplify the interaction between the user and the set-top box. The user interface includes a channel map, which may be customized by the user. The channel map may include a subset of broadcast television channels together with virtual channels, such as alternate video sources, networked devices, web sites and other media supported by the set-top box. The user may customize the channel map, through interaction with user interface of the set-top box, to reflect his or her preferences and may select between virtual channels in the channel map using a simple input device, such as a remote control device.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

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: 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.

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 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: 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 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: 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.