Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that permits a variable number of disparate streams of data to be packaged together as content into a single distinct program referred to as an omnimedia package. A framework definition may be specified and created for the omnimedia package to allow a client set top box to decode the information and provide access to streams comprising video, audio and metadata information. The framework definition may be employed by a broadcast system to create a broadcast stream. A mechanism is described that permits a content provider to define a framework for delivering a package of related content. The framework definition encapsulates information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the disparate content streams. Data may be downloaded to a receiver prior to the broadcast of an associated program. The present invention may be implemented on terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL and other transport systems, including those that support upstream communication.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for simultaneously enhancing two or more unique HTML pages (information resources) using a single enhancement trigger. A content creator, (e.g., a program producer, broadcaster, affiliate, cable company, or satellite provider), embeds an enhancement trigger in a data service channel of a broadcast video signal. The embedded enhancement trigger includes a collective resource identifier that identifies two or more information resources, such as a collection of different HTML pages. The content creator can then broadcast the enhancement trigger to the several information resources to enhance them all using a single enhancement trigger.

Abstract: A program information-generating device is disclosed which can produce program guide information accurately even when a method for editing the program broadcasting schedule of simultaneous broadcasting efficiently is employed. In this device, a program guide information-generating device 203 has a simulcast range processing block 212 which receives program information and the program broadcasting schedule of each channel and generates a program broadcasting schedule by replacing simulcast range information with the corresponding program broadcasting schedule of a simulcast original channel when the simulcast range information which at least indicates that a program is to be simultaneous broadcast and which has a simulcast original channel identifier is registered in the range where simultaneous broadcasting takes place on the program broadcasting schedule. Even when the editing of simultaneous broadcasting is made efficient, the program guide information can be produced by the above replacement.

Abstract: A service gateway provides a proxy between a client protocol and a plurality of standard communication protocols. The service gateway provides asymmetrical routing, data compression and encryption to optimize client processing power and communication link bandwidth. The service gateway enables content translation between clients and service providers. The service gateway keeps track of client available memory and sequence numbers in messages to generate error codes when applicable. A store and forward message capability is provided along with abstract session identifiers. The service gateway supports user datagram protocol.

Abstract: A preview system activated from an on-screen programming guide displays a video preview of a selected particular program on the display screen. The video preview is displayed on less than the full screen so that the video can be highly-compressed to save bandwidth.

Abstract: A data slice circuit capable of generating an optimal data slice level and separating data for VBI signals of different specifications, provided with a line detection circuit for detecting any line on which a VBI signal having a CRI signal is superposed and outputting a line detection pulse only during the period and detecting any line on which a VBI signal having a reference signal is superposed and outputting another line detection pulse only during that period, a window pulse generation circuit for outputting pulses changing a period of averaging the VBI signal in accordance with the detection pulses, a data slice reference voltage detection circuit for sampling and holding an average voltage of the clamped VBI signal only while the output pulses are at a high level “H”, and a data slice level generation circuit for adding a direct current voltage changed in accordance with the detection pulsed to the output voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering interactive television (ITV) data by using the same TV scan line that also carries closed caption data. The ITV data is inserted into the scan line with CC data by detecting a gap associated with a first CC data unit. If the gap is large enough to contain all of the group of ITV data units then electronically insert the entire group of ITV data units into the gap. If the gap is not large enough to contain the entire group of ITV data units, insert a subset of the entire group of the ITV data units into the gap and continue to the gaps associated with successive CC data units, inserting subsets of the ITV data into subsequent gaps until the entire ITV message has been inserted into the gaps between CC data units.

Abstract: In a system for delivering and receiving information that includes a presentation device (600) for presenting the information to a user and for receiving embedded data. The presentation device (600) also includes a data port (635) for providing the embedded data to an external printer upon command and a command port for receiving commands from a remote control unit (500). The remote control unit (500) includes a transmitter (540) for providing the commands to the presentation device (600) and input means for receiving control signals from the user, wherein, upon reception of a print control signal from the user, the remote control unit (500) transmits a print command to the presentation device (600). The presentation device (600) then provides the embedded data to the data port (635) for printing.

Abstract: A software system for use with a Digital Television set-top box. The system uses a software bus application programming interface (API) that is specially designed to make the set-top box compatible with two standard DASE architectures: (1) the architecture wherein the procedural application engine contains the declarative application engine, and (2) the architecture wherein the declarative application engine contains the procedural. An application engine manager uses a function call router to intercept all DASE infrastructure APIs incoming from software applications downloaded by the set-top box from a DTV broadcast. All APIs are routed through the application manager, and all application engines are required to implement the software bus API. A specially-designed software interface also enables the convenient installation of additional applications by simply changing one line of software code.

Abstract: Systems and methods rewarding consumption of broadcast advertising as a means of encouraging further consumption of broadcast advertising. Further disclosed are systems and methods for measuring the effect of rewarding broadcast audience members for consumption of advertising. The system includes a broadcast infrastructure, a mechanism for verifying actual consumption of advertising by an individual audience member and a mechanism for rewarding the audience member in return for the actual consumption. The method includes the steps of broadcasting advertising to an audience verifying actual consumption of the advertising by an individual and rewarding the individual in return for the actual consumption. Measurement of effect is achieved by correlating an individual's advertising consumption to subsequent purchase behavior.

Abstract: A system and process for creating a Virtual Stage on a client device and presenting Enhanced Content on the Virtual Stage is provided. The Virtual Stage is preferably implemented on a Browser or similarly equipped presentation device. The Virtual Stage enables any presentation device to receive Enhanced Content from any provider regardless of the capabilities of the Browser or client device, the data format of the Enhanced Content, and/or the communications medium utilized to communicate the Enhanced Content to the Browser or client device. The Virtual Stage suitably includes an abstracted Show Object which provides a framework for presenting the Enhanced Content and an abstracted Receiver Object which provides a receiver for communicating with the Enhanced Content provider and receiving the Enhanced Content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition of synchronized media experiences, the coordination of multiple composers and publication in a production environment, the serving of these publications either immediately at creation time or at a later time, and finally, the distribution of these publications to possible a very large number of device users. One characteristic of the invention is that compositions can be device independent, targeting a wide variety of media capable devices at publication, distribution, or viewing time. Another characteristic is that a content provider can deliver media such as video, content, and commerce opportunities through any combination distribution methods and user devices simultaneously. Yet another feature is that a live event that is published through the present invention can be played back on demand or rebroadcast without any additional work on the part of the publisher.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object maybe interactive, and maybe used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site.

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: Internet access is provided over a digital cable television system using Internet protocol (IP) over MPEG digital video. Simultaneous Internet access and TV viewing is provided by an IP over MPEG-2 video system with channel tracking. Whenever a video channel change is detected, the viewer's Internet connection is routed from one video channel to another video channel so that the Internet connection is dynamically routed and tracks the channel changes made by the viewer. Additionally, if there is no available data carrying capacity in the video channel selected by the viewer (a “busy” condition), the Internet connection is routed to an out-of-band frequency. The Internet connection tracks the channel changes made by the viewer using a single tuner/digital MPEG decoder in the CATV settop box.

Abstract: The broadcasting unit extracts an object displayed onto the display screen of a program to be broadcasted from the program information about programs, generates the relevant information about the extracted object, generates the sync information for synchronizing the program information with the relevant information, and transmits the program information, relevant information, and sync information to a receiving unit. The receiving unit stores the received information and synchronously outputs the program information and relevant information in accordance with the stored sync information.

Abstract: The network system has a configuration so that information supplier address data transmitted together with character broadcast data is extracted and stored in the Internet address memory. Furthermore, the Web site addresses once accessed by the user or selected on a character broadcast display can be registered in an address list as being stored in the address list area, and a desired Web site can be accessed by the Internet browser 9 according to an address selected from the address list.

Abstract: A channel selection device of the invention used in a digital/analog broadcasting receiver, upon reception of a channel changing instruction sent from input device, tries to select a desired channel by referencing its VCT if it can find channel information in a memory and, if it could not find the desired channel and failed in channel selection, obtains the latest VCT to thereby select such a channel in the VCT that has the smallest sub-channel number in the same main channel or select such a channel that has the smallest sub-channel number in the same physical channel. Thus, if a channel specified in the channel changing instruction sent from the user has no broadcast therethrough and failed to be selected, an appropriate channel is selected automatically, thus avoiding a state that nothing is displayed on the display.

Abstract: Television tuning device screen saver advertising is disclosed. The television tuning device that is connectable to the Internet. While the user has his or her device connected to the Internet, advertising information may be cached. When the device enters a screen saver mode, the previously cached information is displayed. The advertising information can be targeted to the user based on demographic and other information, and can be interactive. The advertising information may also cause the device to tune to a particular channel related to the advertising information, such that both are displayed. The advertising information is unrelated to any sponsor of the television tuning device.

Abstract: An individual can upload media objects to a server and specify a manner in which the media objects are to be played as a media program to an end user. The media program can be provided to the end user via a synthetic channel, which can be tuned to by the end user as if tuning to a conventional television broadcast channel. Information related to the synthetic channel such as media program listings, can be provided in an electronic program guide. If a client terminal of the end user is tuned to the synthetic channel, the media program(s) scheduled by the individual who uploaded the media objects are streamed to the client terminal for viewing by the end user.

Abstract: A viewer can initiate and then defer a transaction conducted via an interactive television system. The transaction can involve obtaining information or ordering goods or services available from a network, such as the Internet, that is accessible via the interactive television system. As an example, while the viewer is watching a television commercial, the viewer can begin a transaction to order a product advertised in the commercial. If for some reason the viewer does not complete the transaction by the time the commercial has finished broadcasting, the viewer can complete the transaction at a later time. A user input device is useable to initiate the transaction, to store information related to the transaction, and then to use the stored information to complete the transaction if the transaction has been previously deferred.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for managing modules of interactive television applications. The system transmits modules from a broadcast station to a plurality of receiving stations through various paths, such as broadcast channels and modem channels. The receiving stations have module managers which store module requests and which monitor the various channels for modules corresponding to the requests. When modules are transmitted on the monitored channels, they are matched with the corresponding stored requests. If a module matches one of the requests, or if is an auto-loading module, it is stored in the receiving station. If a module has not been requested and is not an auto-loading module, it is ignored. The stored modules are added to a list of modules available for execution or for use by an executing application, and the corresponding requests are deleted.

Abstract: An editing system and delivery system synchronizes the transmission of interactive elements with a video signal, such that the interactive components may supplement information provided in the video signal at predefined periods. The interactive elements are transmitted in relation to the video such that the interactive elements will arrive in time to display the components concurrently with a portion of the video presentation. The interactive elements may be transmitted within a video signal to a viewer. The viewer is configured to display the interactive elements in response to a signal from the delivery system. An editing system is disclosed that may define a programming track for interactive elements that may be associated with one or more audio and video tracks. The editing system schedules transmission and appearance of the elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating an info segment which specifies interruption points at which a first content item should be interrupted in favor of a second content item. The info segment may prevent certain types of second content items from being utilized, may permit them to be avoided, may control their duration, and other aspects of their utilization. The info segment may specify with which first content item it is associated.

Abstract: A video production facility system may produce closed caption data that includes text data and timing data. The system may receive script data for a video program. The system may then determine identifiers for individual programming events that make up the program. The system may then produce closed caption data for the program. The closed caption data may include text data corresponding to the script data, and timing data provided at locations that correspond to the beginning of each of the programming events. The timing data may comprise an identifier of the corresponding programming event. Further timing data may be provided that marks the ends of programming events, or that marks individual segments within a programming event. Related embodiments may pertain to systems that implement such processing. The closed caption data may be synchronized to a video signal based on the display of corresponding text by a teleprompter system that is used in the production of the video program.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive television (ITV) includes presenting both TV channels and “virtual channels” on an ITV. A virtual channel can be a Web page stored in memory of the ITV (or remote therefrom) and accessed by a microprocessor in the ITV when a user selects the virtual channel number using a conventional TV remote control. The particular Web page can be established based on consumer data, such as demographic data supplied by the consumer or consumer responses to prompts displayed along with a channel. The Web page associated with the virtual channel can be updated or changed by sending data to the ITV through the VBI of a TV signal or via the Internet, through a modem on the ITV.

Abstract: An interactive television trigger has a time attribute value that indicates a future time when the trigger is to be executed. In many situations, the trigger is sent to the receiver unit prior to the future time (e.g., to account for bandwidth limitations or to allow prefetching of an information resource associated with the trigger). Redundant triggers may be sent as the future time draws closer. In this way, if the receiver unit did not receive a previously sent trigger for some reason, a redundant trigger is available for execution. The receiver unit may ignore duplicate triggers. The time attribute value also may indicate a life span during which the trigger is valid so that, if a user switches video channels but returns to a video channel for which execution of the trigger is desired, the trigger may be re-executed during the life span.

Abstract: Method and system for sending out-of-band (OOB) service information from a point of deployment (POD) module to a set-top box in transport streams (TS) are disclosed by an arrangement in which the OOB service information is transmitted between the point of deployment (POD) module and a set-top box using the transport stream channel. The method includes constructing OOB TS packets using the OOB service information in the data module, buffering them and sending the OOB TS packets between two consecutive transport stream packets of an original in-bound (IB) transport stream.

Abstract: A video source provides information to a communication device that results in an icon being displayed on the communications device during a preview of a television program or segment of a television program. The icon indicates to the user that a single button on a remote control or other user-controller device can be used to program the communication device, including television, video-cassette recorders, cable boxes, network computers, or the like, to display or record the desired program or program segment as the program segment is being televised or communicated. Specifically, during operation, the exact date, time, and source of the actual television program or program segment is encoded in an unused portion of a teletext data stream when the icon is present. If the communication device receives an appropriate command from its user-controlled device while the icon is displayed, a central processing unit within that communication device, saves the information together with a channel presently being viewed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for displaying closed captions encoded in a video program represented by an electronic signal in an interactive television system. In one aspect the present invention may be used to receive the electronic signal and ITV data and to determine if a conflict exists between the screen location of the closed caption and the screen location of the ITV data. If a conflict does exists the present invention relocates the closed captions to a screen location reserved for displaying closed captions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spokesperson model for interactive video advertisement packages. The interactive video advertisement package is delivered over a broadcast interactive television medium, an initial real time, predetermined video advertisement segment is delivered in a conventional advertising spot time frame. The initial video advertisement segment includes a dynamic sequence presenting a spokesperson representation having a plurality of selectable zones. Each zone is defined in relation to a unique part of the spokesperson representation and has a corresponding selectable, predetermined video advertisement segments associated with that zone. One of the selectable video advertisement segments corresponding to a viewer selected zone is delivered to the viewer in direct response to selection by the viewer of that zone.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatic insertion of interactive television (TV) triggers into a broadcast data stream. The automatic insertion of the Interactive TV trigger can be based on recognition of one or more elements within the broadcast data stream. In particular, a recognized element can trigger the insertion of the interactive TV trigger into the broadcast data stream. Furthermore, the interactive TV trigger can be pre-inserted into the stored broadcast content having the recognized element prior to being broadcast.

Abstract: The digital broadcasting station describes the first unique information as identification information in addition to the event identification prescribed by ARIB standard as opposed to LIT describing the detailed information of local event. The first unique information is for example a date of amended Julian calendar. Therefore, the digital broadcasting receiver can identify the digital broadcasting program uniquely for a long term based on the event identification and the first unique information. Besides, the digital broadcasting station and the digital broadcasting receiver with the use of program extended information such as LIT are not yet put to practical use and so the existing digital broadcasting receiver had to be changed neither.

Abstract: Encoding parameters of picture and higher layers of importance to a number of applications, and encoding parameters of slice and lower layers of no importance to all applications are converted into auxiliary packets inserted respectively into a V-blanking area and an H-blanking area of a video-data signal output by a history-information-multiplexing apparatus employed in a video-decoding system. On the other hand, a video-encoding system extracts back the auxiliary packets superposed on the V-blanking area and the H-blanking area from an input base-band video signal. As a result, a technique of superposing information on data can be changed in accordance with the importance of the information and required information can be fetched with ease.

Abstract: A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.

Abstract: A client-side intelligent device having background caching of web pages within a digital television (DTV) system and method of same. The present invention includes a digital television system having an intelligent device for interfacing with a user/viewer and controlling the display of information on a display screen. The intelligent device, in one embodiment, is a set-top-box, but could be any intelligent electronic device or computer system. The set-top-box is configured to receive a DTV signal (e.g., land based cable or digital satellite system) that includes audio/visual information as well as data signals in a datacast format. The datacast format includes web pages, e.g., in the HTML (hypertext markup language) format of the world wide web. The DTV broadcasters support multiple channels of information on which content providers can supply a domain of web pages on a periodic basis. The present invention is able to display viewer-selected web pages on the DTV system.

Abstract: An interactive television that combines the video/audio content, delivered by existing broadcast methods, with the interactive Internet capabilities, delivered by existing network methods. In this approach, mixed media, including fall frame-rate high definition video, audio, text, and graphics are delivered via mixed transmission mediums, both traditional broadcast and the Internet. This provides for personalized content, both video and Internet, and allows interactive content to be developed by third parties.

Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.

Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.

Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.

Abstract: The present application relates to the use of the vertical blanking interval (“VBI”) to broadband communications including digital data transmission on the VBI or for a dual VBI/PCS System Capable of enhancing rapid deployment of wireless VBI communications or PCS services to a remote transceiver where no or marginally profitable infrastructure exists. Specifically, the present invention provides a wireless digital communication system having a broadcast interface for encoding message information on the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a video signal, the message information is encoded to a VBI format so as to form a pre-formatted signal. A broadcast device for transmitting an out-going signal having the pre-formatted signal modulated or otherwise embedded in the VBI of the video signal. The pre-formatted signal is received from the broadcast interface and is transmitted on a carrier of the out-going signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of digital data which can be processed to generate video, audio and/or auxiliary data for television programmes and related information. As part of the data transmission a data stream of Out of Band (OOB) data is typically transmitted. However this requires additional components to be provided in the broadcast data receivers (18). The present invention allows for the transcoding and reformatting of data at the broadcast location (2) which allows the transmission of data between the broadcast location (2) and the broadcast data receivers (18) without the need for an OOB tuner and/or modem to be provided at the broadcast data receiver.

Abstract: A system of distributing electronic content includes a satellite and a network operations center uplinking electronic content to the satellite. The electronic content may contain advertising and various other information including television, movies, and music. An over-the-air broadcast center receives the electronic content from the satellite and generates a digital channel signal over at least a first portion of said allocated frequency spectrum and generating digital over-the-air electronic content over a second portion of said allocated frequency spectrum vertical blanking interval of an analog broadcast signal. The electronic content is received in a user device that removes the electronic content from the over-the-air signal.

Abstract: A system for distributing electronic content includes a satellite and a network operations center uplinking electronic content to the satellite. The electronic content may contain advertising and various other information including television, movies, and music. An over-the-air broadcast center receives the electronic content from the satellite and generates over-the-air signal having digital electronic content therein during a vertical blanking interval of an analog broadcast signal. The electronic content is received in a user device that removes the electronic content from the over-the-air signal.

Abstract: A portable user appliance for receiving a digital video stream embedded excess over-the-air television signals such as within a vertical blanking interval of a broadcast television signal or excess bandwidth of a digital over-the-air-signal includes a television tuner for receiving the over-the-air broadcast signal. A vertical blanking interval frame grabber receives the digital video stream. A digital decompressor decompresses said digital video stream into a decompressed video stream. A display displays the decompressed video stream.

Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.

Abstract: In a digital television broadcast that contains executable code segments that are associated with specific video segments, a context duration time is defined for each executable component. The context duration time is determined so as to correspond to the context of the video segment that is associated with the executable component. In a preferred embodiment, the context duration time for the executable component is determined when the corresponding video segment is being prepared for encoding into the transport stream. The context duration time is subsequently included in the encoding of the executable component in the transport stream. When the executable component is decoded from the transport stream, the context duration time is used to effect a termination of the executable component after the context duration time has elapsed.

Abstract: An information distribution and processing system contains a central site, a transmitter and a receiving device. The central site contains a first set of digital data. The transmitter delivers a second set of digital data to the receiving device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device contain a timing device for automatically receiving the second set of digital data at predetermined times. In another embodiment, the transmitter transmits an alert signal indicating a transmission of the second set of digital data. The second set of digital data contains a first set of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, at least one non-displayable symbol, and at least one linking reference associated with the second set of displayable data. If desired, a user can select the second set of displayable data. The associated linking reference is sent to the central site.