Abstract: An interactive information platform and method for distribution of interactive information content is shared by a plurality of disparate distribution networks. The interactive information platform includes a plurality of assignable sessions processors that render and encode the information content into a format capable of being decoded by a digital decoder associated with a television on any of the disparate distribution networks. The interactive information platform also includes an operation manager that receives requests for interactive television content from one or more digital decoders in one of a plurality of disparate distribution networks such as a cable television network, a telephone network, or a wireless network. The operation manager establishes an interactive session with the requesting digital decoder and assigns one of the sessions processors to the interactive session.

Abstract: An enhanced scrambled video signal, method for making an enhanced scrambled video signal and apparatus for enhanced scrambling of a video signal are all characterized by a pattern added to a video signal. The pattern is formed from a pair of segments, including a black segment and a white segment which forms a high contrast transition therebetween. The transitions vary in horizontal location from one horizontal line to the next. The pattern causes an unauthorized television receiver to mistakenly lock onto the transitions in the pattern, as if the transitions represented horizontal sync signals, thus scrambling the video display. The apparatus for inserting the pattern may be formed by a sync detector, a video amplifier, a multiplexor and a control logic device. The video amplifier sets the video signal to a DC reference level. The sync detector detects the horizontal sync of the video signal which is sent from the video amplifier.