Abstract: A display banner containing current and dynamically varying information is realized by a method for generating a display of a banner image, wherein the banner image occupies at least a portion of the video display. A file including certain instructions is used to define static and dynamic elements of the banner image. As the instructions from the file are executed to begin composing the banner image for display, a current content for each dynamic element is determined and the related dynamic element is updated accordingly. The static elements and the updated dynamic elements are then assembled into the current banner image for display. In this way, embodiments of the present invention are able to dynamically create banner images with current information just in time for their display.

Abstract: A method for using a message service for communication in a content distribution environment includes soliciting a response from a user where the user is instructed to respond using a message service and an advertised point of contact. In response to a received message, an action associated with the received message is initiated and the location for execution of the initiated action is identified using the point of contact information communicated by the user. In circumstances in which shoppers have text-message enabled cell phones, a shopper can be solicited, in a display presenting content, to text a message to an identified point of contact for additional related content. A play-out system can then play the requested additional content on a display in close proximity to the shopper, where the display is identified using the point of contact information communicated by the user in the message.