Abstract: Idle video-on-demand (VOD) and/or other streaming media channel capacity is used to deliver promotional content to selected set-top boxes (STBs) in a cable television network. Commercial segment cues are used to instruct a set-top box to switch away from a broadcast program to the streaming media channel during a commercial segment, and then switch back again to the original broadcast program at the end of the segment. More particularly, a promotion server determines an asset to be distributed such as a targeted promotion item (e.g., a commercial), and a list of STBs that are to receive it. The promotion server causes the video promotion content to be stored in VOD/streaming media servers located at the head ends. A scheduler process then delivers schedule messages to head end message servers which identify each promotion asset, and an STB which is to receive it.

Abstract: Idle Video-On-Demand (VOD) channel capacity is used to deliver promotional content to selected set-top boxes (STBs) in a cable television network. Commercial segment cues are used to instruct a set-top box to switch away from a broadcast program to the VOD channel during a commercial segment, and then switch back again to the original broadcast program at the end of the segment. More particularly, a promotion server determines an asset to be distributed such as a targeted promotion item (e.g., a commercial), and a list of STBs that are to receive it. The promotion server causes the video promotion content to be stored in VOD servers located at the head ends. A scheduler process then delivers schedule messages to head end message servers which identify each promotion asset, and an STB which is to receive it. The head end message server notifies its associated VOD server which then cues the asset by loading the asset, starting the asset, but pausing it.

Abstract: A system for displaying promotions on a viewing device associated with a network device. The system includes a display, for example, a full-screen or partial-screen electronic program guide viewable on the viewing device while a person is using the viewing device. The system also includes a selector which when triggered causes a promotion to be shown on the display. When shown, the promotion may cover all or a portion of the viewing area of the display. Multiple promotions may be displayed simultaneously, and each promotion may be individually selectable. The selector may be triggered by the interaction of the person with the network device, for example, when the person changes channels or channel surfs, or a trigger may be embedded in a broadcast stream.

Abstract: A system for reporting counted impressions in a network device. The system includes a data warehouse which collects event data pertaining to viewership history on the network device. Through a user interface, such as a web browser, a user can retrieve information about the counted impressions of the network device which displayed specific promotions. The event data may pertain, for example, to channel change events, channel surfing behavior of the viewer, time events, connections to peripherals, network locations of the network device, viewing behavior of the viewer, and subsequent event data after a promotion was displayed. A trigger may be embedded in the promotion such that when the promotion is displayed an impression is counted.

Abstract: Idle Video-On-Demand (VOD) channel capacity is used to deliver promotional content to selected set-top boxes (STBs) in a cable television network. Commercial segment cues are used to instruct a set-top box to switch away from a broadcast program to the VOD channel during a commercial segment, and then switch back again to the original broadcast program at the end of the segment.