Abstract: A multimedia display board capable of storing and displaying information is provided. The display board facilitates communication through a plurality of messaging surfaces and a digital text display. The display board also includes an audio recording and playback mechanism. The combination of display surfaces, a scrolling text display, and an audio recording and playback device allows users to easily store and access both written and verbal information.

Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that allows users to place wagers wirelessly. Users may use wireless user devices in the home to communicate with in-home user equipment such as a set-top box or personal computer. Wagers may be created using the wireless user devices and submitted to computer equipment for processing over a wireless link with the in-home user equipment and a communications network. The system may support multiple users. Users may use wireless user equipment that communicates with the communications network. The wireless user equipment may use protocols such as the wireless application protocol to allow the users to submit wagers.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Abstract: An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.