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 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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 hand-held control device is disclosed for communicating with and controlling the operation of a remotely located electronic apparatus such as a television, VCR or other device. The control device has a display screen for displaying control functions and information for the operation of the remote electronic apparatus and a transmitter and a receiver for communicating between the remote electronic apparatus and the hand-held control device. A user interface, such as a touchpad or soft keys allows a user to make control selections for operating the remote electronic apparatus. A removable, programmable memory is provided for storing therein control and other format information for a particular electronic apparatus to be operated. The removable memory attaches to the control unit via a port for receiving the removable memory module.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning an antenna. Signals broadcasted over a number of channels for each of a plurality of orientations of the antenna may be received. From such received signals, information pertaining to at least one of (i) an error rate, (ii) a signal level, (iii) equalizer tap coefficients, and (iv) error correction for each orientation of the antenna for each channel is obtained and used to determine an acceptable orientation for the antenna for each channel.

Abstract: An autoprogrammer is provided for a television receiver capable of receiving conventional analog (NTSC) channels and DTV (8VSB) channels. First, conventional analog channels are identified and then skip channel data for each of the channels is stored in a memory. Subsequent executions of the autoprogramm function map DTV channels. Skip channel data is entered in the memory for these additional DTV channels. Mapping DTV channels occurs without deletion or overwrite of previous channel mapping information. Additionally information is stored in the skip channel memory giving antenna location for mapped DTV stations. DTV autoprogramming can be carried out at different channel positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling a device by a remote controller. A receiving unit receives a first signal emitted by the remote controller and converts the received signal into a data stream. A communication medium carries the data stream from the receiving unit. A transmitting unit receives the data stream from the communication medium and converts the received data stream into a second signal compatible with the device.