Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for connecting a computer to electronic addresses in sync with an audio/video broadcast. Simultaneously with the broadcasting of audio/video programming, an address transmitter transmits an address, such as a URL, identifying an on-line service which contains information about the audio or video programming. This address is received by a computer and used to automatically access the on-line service. Preferably, the process is repeated with different addresses corresponding with different programming. It is also preferred that the addresses be sent via a paging system.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes a central exchange and a plurality of consoles variously located at residences of viewers of TV programming. Each console includes a code reader capable of reading program codes, which are broadcasted with the TV signals of programs as unique identifiers thereof. A viewer, upon seeing a TV program of interest, actuates a button, and the console transmits to the central exchange an uniquely identifying console code together with the program code currently being read by the code reader. The central exchange then initiates a facsimile transmission or a datafile transmission of program data, retrieved from a database and associated with the received program code, to the console identified by the received console code.

Abstract: A m Methods and apparatus is systems are provided for connecting a directing computers to communicate with a data service using electronic addresses in sync with an corresponding to audio/ or video broadcast programming content. In one embodiment, S simultaneously with the broadcasting of audio/ or video programming, an address transmitter transmits an address, such as a URL, identifying an on-line a data service, such as a web site, which contains information about the audio or video programming. This The address is received by a computer and used to automatically access the on-line data service. Preferably, the process is repeated with different addresses corresponding with different programming. It is also preferred that the addresses be sent via a paging system. Optionally, the computer may be directed to display content of the data service.