Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing information exchange between a host computer facility and a remotely located user terminal. The host facility includes an audio memory under the control of a host computer which, in response to requests from the user facility is actuated to transmit audio information to the user terminal. During this audio mode of operation, carrier tones are removed and telephone interface components associated with the user terminal and host facility are enabled. The system further includes an interactive audio mode of operation wherein two-way telephonic communication is established between an intermediary or operator associated with the host facility and the user terminal. The related computer programs of the host facility and user terminal are configured such that control over the user facility from the host facility is emphasized.

Abstract: A viewdata system and decoder apparatus for providing interactive communication between a host computer and a consumer which utilizes, without modification, a conventional television receiver. The system utilizes telephonic communication, the handset of a telephone being positioned upon an acoustic coupling arrangement of the housing of the decoder. The decoder automatically carries out logon and logoff procedures through the utilization of memory retained character sequence which are transmitted at predetermined rates. A small, hand-held keypad provides for user interaction with the host computer, such keypad being coupled with the decoder housing through an elongate cable.