Abstract: A common platform for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) networks can transmit common programming among distinct DBS networks to the DBS receivers of both networks. By providing a common platform that can broadcast common television services to DBS receivers of two or more DBS networks, the DBS networks themselves can broadcast additional services, such as high definition TV and/or data services, using spectrum that is freed-up by the common platform. DBS receiving systems can include first and second DBS receivers. The first DBS receivers are configured to receive a first broadcast signal including first television services from a first satellite television network (for example, DirecTV). The second DBS receivers are configured to receive a second broadcast signal including second television services from a second satellite television network (for example, EchoStar).

Abstract: A television program stream that includes television programs and at least one original commercial, and a commercial replacement stream that includes at least one replacement commercial, are received simultaneously such that a respective replacement commercial is approximately synchronized in time with a respective original commercial. The television program stream and/or the commercial replacement stream is buffered to substantially synchronize a respective replacement commercial with a respective original commercial. Selective switching is performed between the television program stream and the commercial replacement stream, to provide a television program output that includes the television programs and the at least one replacement commercial instead of the at least one original commercial. Accordingly, commercial replacement may be provided in set top boxes without the need for mass storage devices to store the replacement commercials.

Abstract: Television program transmitting methods and systems transmit multiple program channels when at least some of the multiple program channels have different content, and transmit a single program channel in place of the multiple program channels when the multiple program channels have common content. Additional content may be transmitted on at least one of the program channels that have freed up when the multiple program channels have common content.