Abstract: With a conventional digital satellite broadcast receiver, it is occasionally impossible to obtain satisfactory reception performance, as under poor reception conditions. To overcome this, the digital satellite broadcast receiver of the invention has a tuner circuit for selecting a broadcast signal of a desired channel from among signals fed thereto, a demodulator circuit for demodulating the broadcast signal selected by the tuner circuit, and a control circuit, having a reception condition evaluator, for controlling the demodulator circuit by varying the settings thereof according to the reception conditions. This makes it possible to obtain satisfactory reception performance under any reception conditions.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A satellite television ground system, particularly for a make or break satellite television signal system, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are in communication with each other via a single coaxial cable and an optional separate single conductor for power. The satellite television ground system is operative to measure and reverse frequency conversion errors utilizing DSP techniques, allowing for more precise generation and transmission of uplink signals from the satellite television ground system. Control data for the system is sent via a low data rate connection on a power cable thereof, or by a narrowband signaling channel via a coax cable. The system also utilizes a single reference oscillator to drive the various frequency synthesizers and the like. The satellite television ground system utilizes related oscillators for the uplink and downlink sections. Carrier frequency offset in the downlink is measured in a carrier tracking loop part of a television signal demodulator.

Abstract: A satellite-broadcasting receiving converter includes a plurality of output terminals each of which is connected to an external receiver, to each of which a selection control voltage in which a high-frequency voltage is superposed on a DC voltage is sent from the external receiver, and from each of which one type of a receiving signal is selected according to the selection control voltage and output; and a regulator for generating a power-source voltage from the selection control voltage. Since a high-frequency attenuation unit is connected in series between each output terminal and the regulator in the satellite-broadcasting receiving converter, even if a plurality of selection control voltages are input in common to the regulator, the plurality of selection control voltages different from each other do not affect each other and thereby only one regulator is required.

Abstract: A system for distributing separate multiple satellite communication services signals to receivers at a local earth site on a single cable line. A dual satellite antenna receives the signals from two separate satellites, each of which can correspond to a respective satellite communication service. The received satellite signals are processed into two separate frequency bands. A frequency converter using frequency division multiplexing converts at least one of the received frequency bands so as to position both of the frequency bands adjacent to each other. A summer receives the adjacent frequency bands and distributes them on a single cable line to receivers so that the receivers have access to the separate multiple satellite communication service signals on a single cable line.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of reducing a time required for channel switching, and selecting or searching a user request channel quickly by storing a packet identifiers of a video and an audio signal of a digital television channel, extracting the stored packet identifiers according to a channel switching request of a user, and outputting the video and audio signal corresponding to the user select channel.

Abstract: A flat panel display unit (210), detachable or non-detachable type, of a portable computer (60) is used to display video and audio multimedia information generated by televisions, digital radio, cellular telephones, portable computers, and all other peripheral devices. By connecting the newly invented receiver (200) to the display unit (210) of the portable computer (60), a user can watch television programs, listen to radio, or browse Internet at any time and at any locations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a commercial to a television viewer. The method has a first step of: (a) transmitting a television signal such that a first area of a television monitor screen displays a commercial, and such that a visually distinct stripe runs horizontally across the bottom of the television monitor screen. The stripe displays information that is descriptive at least of an Internet address of a site that is related to goods or services depicted in the commercial. The method has a second step of: (b) either during the commercial or after the commercial, operating a device that provides Internet access to reach the site using the displayed information. In the preferred embodiment the television monitor screen has a total height, and the stripe has a height that comprises about 12% of the total height.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: A multimedia apparatus provides a graphical chat user interface on a display by receiving a broadcast video signal, receiving text communications from at least one other television viewer, displaying said broadcast video signal in a first display area, determining the identity and the theme of the television programming, selecting a background image from an image database so that the background image matches the theme, inserting the background image as a background in a second display area and superimposing the text communications on top of the background image. The graphical chat user interface is can display avatar and action images as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PSIP converter which comprises: a protocol data extractor for demultiplexing a terrestrial broadcasting TS or a satellite broadcasting TS, extracting audio/video data and PSIP/PSI data from the terrestrial broadcasting TS and audio/video data and SI/PSI data from the satellite broadcasting TS; a protocol data converter for using the PSIP/PSI data or the SI/PSI data to generate PSIP/PSI data of a corresponding digital cable television broadcasting standard; a protocol data inserter for inserting the digital cable television broadcasting standard PSIP/PSI data into the audio/video data extracted by the protocol data extractor through TS multiplexing, and generating a digital cable broadcasting TS; and a system controller for checking the protocol data extractor, the protocol data converter, and the protocol data inserter, and controlling their operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing device that can transfer and set a condition in front end processing according to the procedure based on the rule of I2C or transfer the condition in the form of a command set. An application 31B generates control data to be transferred to a front end, and supplies the control data to an interface 31C through OS 31A together with information indicating a transfer pattern (first transfer pattern (a pattern in which the control data are transferred according to the procedure based on the rule of I2C) or a second transfer pattern (a pattern in which the control data are transferred in the form of a command set)). An interface 31C stores the control data in a transfer format by a storage method based on the transfer pattern indicated by the information, and transfers the control data to a microcomputer of the front end. The present invention is applicable to IRD.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver (mobile's receiver terminal) 1 for receiving a digital broadcast signal DS carrying many contents and also outputting the content based on thus received digital broadcast signal DS, including a content accumulation portion (database) 1c for accumulating received contents, a reception state detection portion for detecting whether the digital broadcast signal DS can be received normally, and a switch-over portion (reproduction/switch-over portion) 1b for switching from output of the content received to reproduction of the content accumulated in the content accumulation portion 1c if the reception state detection portion detects that the digital broadcast signal cannot be received normally.

Abstract: In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive and analyze tracked and reported broadcasted data errors, based on a path of the broadcasted data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, error correction is utilized, based on an analysis of the reported data errors. In an aspect, a method and system is provided to receive broadcast data, and track and report data errors based on a path of the received data, regional factors including terrain, dynamic factors including weather and season, and retransmission factors. In an aspect, data is received having error correction based on an analysis of the reported data errors.

Abstract: In A direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems, local over the air channels are not included in the satellite signal or in the program guide provided by conventional direct broadcast satellite systems. Rather, over the air channels may be received from a television antenna or a cable television system. The disclosed system for providing an electronic program guide for both over the air channels and direct broadcast satellite channels includes a VCR (80) with an RP tuner. The RE signal carrying the over the air channels is connected to the RF input (64) of the DBS receiver (50), combined with all RF modulation on channel 3 (or 4) of the DBS channel tuned by the DBS receiver. The combined RF signal is sent to the RF tuner in the VCR, which tunes either channel 3 (or 4) for the DBS channel or the appropriate RF channel for a local over the air channel. The output of the RF tuner is output on the VCR's baseband video output (84) which is connected to a baseband video input (66) on the DBS receiver.

Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A satellite television system includes a satellite television receiver and method of operation adjusts itself to properly receive satellite television signals that have been determined to exist outside of an expected frequency spectrum location. Received satellite television signals include data regarding location of a particular television signal within a predetermined frequency spectrum location within a frequency band. Particularly, each satellite television signal includes data regarding its location within a predetermined frequency spectrum location within a frequency band. The system and method can determine whether received satellite television signals have been processed by a high-side injected local oscillator stacker. In one form, the satellite television system and method detects spectral inversion of the received satellite television signal within a frequency band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating the transmission of audio-video segments to digital signatures over a wireless or non-wireless medium to allow for real-time substitution and processing of audio and video programs. In one embodiment at least one digital signature having a correlated audio-video segment is transmitted as a digital waveform within an analog modulated signal representing the audio-video segment. The analog modulated signal is transmitted to a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver demodulates the digital waveforms while concurrently playing the correlated audio-video segment. An electronic user interface enables the wireless receiver to define conditional preferences to actively scan a plurality of channels and Internet addresses to substitute a currently playing audio-video segment with a preferred audio-video segment. In an alternative embodiment, a distributed computer network is the broadcast system transmitting digital signatures to either a wireless or non-wireless computer.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) apparatus comprises has a program information acquiring device, a storing device, and a display device. The program information acquiring device acquires program information about the plurality of programs. The storing device stores coordinates of a plurality of program-table sections formed by dividing a program-table display area in accordance with positions of a plurality of operation keys arranged on an operation device. When any of the operation keys is operated, the display device makes reference to the coordinates stored in the storing device to display a certain program-table section selected from the plurality of program-table sections in response to coordinates of a certain program-table display area corresponding to the operated operation key. With easier operations, a desired program can be searched quickly.

Abstract: A method of displaying program-related information while the user views a program video mainly and a broadcasting program displaying device to implement the method without making the user's operation complicated and confusing. A picture plane is constructed by two picture planes having a television picture plane (picture plane 1) for displaying the program video which is outputted from a broadcasting program displaying device and further a property state picture plane as another picture plane (picture plane 2). The program video is displayed to the picture plane 1 and an operation picture plane of the broadcasting program displaying device and the program related-information are displayed to the picture plane 2. A broadcasting program displaying device for two-screen construction has functions for display, recording, replay, reservation recording, and the like in response to an instruction from a device which the user operates.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data transactions and web information and services to a user integrated with conventional television program viewing, such as provided by a DSS is taught. The system requires no additional communication hardware, such as a modem. The system also employs the users existing browser to view information. An application to automate delivery of such data transactions and web information and services and to users who may not have access to a conventional ISP is also taught.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved receiver capable of receiving either a satellite broadcast signal or a cable TV signal associated with a TV. The inventive receiver comprises a first BPF for filtering received broadcast signals, a first local oscillator for generating a first oscillation signal, a first mixer for generating a first IF signal, a SAW filter producing a waveformed band signal, a second local oscillator, for generating a second and a third oscillation signal, a second mixer for generating a second and a third IF signal, a switching block for switching the second and the third IF signal, a second BPF for producing a baseband channel signal selected from the cable TV signal, a first LPF for producing a baseband I signal of satellite broadcast channel, a shifter for shifting a phase of the third IF signal, a third mixer for generating a phase-shifted third oscillation signal, and a second LPF for producing a baseband Q signal of satellite broadcast channel.

Abstract: A system for downloading different versions of software or data modules into a plurality of terminals having different compatibility interfaces includes an authoring component for generating the different module versions, a downloading source including a descriptor table which associates each module version with a list of compatibility requirements needed to download the module, and a plurality of terminals coupled to the downloading source. The downloading source transmits the descriptor table to each terminal and also continuously transmits the modules over the network. Each terminal extracts the descriptor table and, based on a match between an entry in the descriptor table and an internally stored table, determines which version of a particular module should be downloaded. The system avoids the need for two-way communication between each terminal and the downloading source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing indications of items such as a television program or programs watched by user, television program or programs to be watched by the user, an activity or activities in which the user has participated, and an activity or activities the user is scheduled to participated.

Abstract: A method for providing region-specific data content to a plurality of platforms traveling in a plurality of satellite coverage regions as the platforms leave one region and enter another region. Each platform includes a mobile communications system configured for bidirectional communication with a ground segment via satellite link. Within each of the coverage regions, data content selected for the region is multicast to platforms via an associated ground station and satellite. As a platform leaves one of the coverage regions and enters another of the coverage regions, the mobile communications system on the entering platform is configured, via the ground station associated with the coverage region being left, to receive the multicast in the coverage region being entered.

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a TV Planner icon which, if selected by the user, causes the televison to display a monthly calender (or recording/reminder list) that indicates which programs are purchased and/or selected for recording by a VCR. A “Purchase” icon appears adjacent purchased programs and a “Record” icon appears adjacent programs to be recorded. If the user selects “Purchase” icon, the user is visually presented (e.g., via a pull-down screen) with the cost, date, and time of the program purchased or to be purchased.

Abstract: In the device: at least one set of links sends packet formated digital information to the satellite, on at least two different frequencies; at least one satellite-borne module receives, multiplexes and re-formates the information on only one downlink; at least one of the links works in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode.

Abstract: System to increase the capacity of the satellite intermediate frequency signal distribution networks, of the kind that are comprised of a header, which receives the channels (CH) with the original signals in QPSK format, it processes them and sends them to a converter, which sends its output signals to the user's receiver, characterised because in the header at least some of the channels (CHP) are processed at QAM format and because the converter converts the QAM modulation format into QPSK modulation format.

Abstract: A satellite data distribution method and system in which a subscriber can receive a data distribution service via a mobile communication system. The satellite data distribution system includes a mobile communication system having at least one base station unit communicating with the subscribers. The data to be distributed is transmitted from a center station of the satellite data distribution system to a satellite. The data is distributed from the satellite to the base station unit of the mobile communication system. Then, the data is distributed from the base station unit to the subscribers via the mobile communication system. Thus, a satellite data reception unit is not necessarily provided to each of the subscribers.

Abstract: In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, digital broadcast signals provided by a digital broadcast method are supplied to various types of external units and are effectively utilized. In the above apparatus, a descrambler descrambles a transport stream output from a front end unit and supplies it to a digital interface and a demultiplexer. The demultiplexer extracts from the transport stream a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal of a program specified by a user, and supplies the extracted signals to an MPEG decoder. The MPEG decoder decompresses the supplied video signal and the audio signal and supplies them to the digital interface, an NTSC encoder, and an audio signal D/A converter. The digital interface supplies either of the transport stream or the decompressed data to a digital external unit under the control of the controller.

Abstract: Order-delivery service via interactive systems (TV set with cable box or satellite dish network, Wireless or Pro/Wireless, PDAs, handhelds, pocket PCs) providing customers with access to menus of fast food restaurants, other restaurants and dining places and ability to order and receive a fast delivery using a remote control device for a TV set, cable box, or satellite dish network box.

Abstract: A differential mixer includes DC currents that reduce flicker noise in the mixer circuit without increasing local oscillator drive requirements. The differential mixer circuit includes an RF transconductance circuit and a local oscillator (LO) switching circuit. The RF transconductance circuit converts a differential RF input signal to a differential RF current. The LO switching circuit commutates the differential RF input signal according to a local oscillator signal to frequency translate the RF input signal. The DC currents or bleeder currents are added directly to the field effect transistors in the RF transconductance circuit, which reduces the flicker noise produced by the mixer. The DC currents do not pass through the FETs in the LO switching circuit so there is no increase in the LO drive requirements.

Abstract: A satellite broadcasting system includes a multi-channel transmitter and a multi-channel receiver. The transmitter transmits data signals on first and second communication channels via satellite, and the receiver receives the data signals on the first and second communication channels. The receiver includes a tuner responsive to a selected communication channel indication for tuning in a particular one of the first and second communication channels identified by the selected communication channel indication. The transmitter transmits to the receiver on the particular communication channel based on the selected communication channel indication.

Abstract: A satellite data receiver, a satellite data receiver controller, a method, an article of manufacture, and a propagated signal, which process polarization information from another satellite data receiver in order to permit multiple types of signals to be received by a conventional outdoor unit of a satellite reception system. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal also utilize decoding techniques to ensure no data is lost during a polarization switch. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal provide upgraded service without upgrading the outdoor unit and without requiring an installer to enter the consumer's home.

Abstract: A methods for displaying upcoming program information in a broadcasting system. According to one embodiment, a display options menu is generated. The display options menu contains several selectable display options including an upcoming program display option. The upcoming program display option further contains an ON and an OFF option for allowing a user to select and display information relating to an upcoming program on a channel. A display of an upcoming program is generated by selecting the upcoming display ON option. The display includes a title, starting and ending time of the upcoming program.

Abstract: System and method of common synchronisation for bursts transmitted over an uplink connection in an integrated multispot satellite communication system (S) in a multimedia broadcasting network for setting up bi-directional communication with a satellite with return channel.

Abstract: A method of displaying program-related information while the user views a program video mainly and a broadcasting program displaying device to implement the method without making the user's operation complicated and confusing. A picture plane is constructed by two picture planes having a television picture plane (picture plane 1) for displaying the program video which is outputted from a broadcasting program displaying device and further a property state picture plane as another picture plane (picture plane 2). The program video is displayed to the picture plane 1 and an operation picture plane of the broadcasting program displaying device and the program related-information are displayed to the picture plane 2. A broadcasting program displaying device for two-screen construction has functions for display, recording, replay, reservation recording, and the like in response to an instruction from a device which the user operates.

Abstract: In a transmission apparatus, still picture outputting control information is multiplexed to a transmission signal and in a receiving apparatus, still picture is extracted from moving picture. Still picture data to be outputted can be processed and the charge can be set for each kind of processing. A broadcasting system and a receiver can output the still picture data of which the copyright is protected in accordance with use.

Abstract: An Internet system includes an original server that transmits its contents to a platform server. The platform server collects the contents, and broadcasts them to receivers through satellite channels via a communications satellite. When the contents transmitted from a satellite Internet subnetwork includes contents requested by user terminals, the receivers select the desired contents, and deliver them to the user terminals. When the contents do not include the desired contents, the receivers receive them from a CATV Internet subnetwork or a terrestrial Internet subnetwork, and delivers them. Thus, the Internet system can selects the channels in response to the traffic of the channels or to the desired contents.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals, in which a distribution module is coupled to each of a plurality of outlets by respective first and second cables. Each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both a first-type signal and a second-type signal between an outlet and the distribution module, the second-type signal comprising one of left-handed and right-handed polarized type signals. The first cable carries a combined first-type signal and one of a left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet. The second cable carries the other of the left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet and carries a local first-type signal from the outlet to the distribution module. The combined first-type signal is provided by the distribution module by combining the local first-type signal with a master first-type signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining an RF signal at one frequency band and carried by a selected nominal wavelength of light with a RF signal at a different and separate frequency band and carried by another source of light having the selected nominal wavelength onto a signal optical fiber.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A receiver, such as that used in broadcasting, is provided with a simplified structure for storing and updating the receiver's control program and for preventing a loss of the control program because of a power outage during such updating. The structure includes a first storage means comprising an erasable, non-volatile memory and a second storage means comprising a volatile memory. The control program is stored in the first storage means and is executed to download and store a second program in the second storage means. The second program then is executed to download and store an updated version of the control program in the first storage means.

Abstract: A tuner includes an analog block, a digital block, and an analog/digital conversion stage connected therebetween. The analog block includes a first attenuator/controlled-gain amplifier stage connected upstream to a frequency transposition stage. The overall mean power of the entire signal received by the tuner is calculated during a phase of initialization. This overall calculated power is compared in the digital block with a first predetermined reference value corresponding to a maximum power desired at a predetermined location of the analog block. The gain of the first attenuator/amplifier stage is adjusted to minimize the deviation between the overall calculated power and the reference value. In a phase of normal operation, one of the channels of the signal received is selected, with the gain of the first attenuator/ amplifier stage being fixed.

Abstract: A receiver invention includes an antenna circuit unit having a high-frequency amplifier circuit connected to a reception antenna, a receiving circuit having a channel selection key, and a coaxial cable for connecting the antenna circuit unit and the receiving circuit. The receiving circuit includes a voltage adding circuit for adding, upon channel selection based on an operation of the channel selection key, a DC voltage corresponding to a frequency band to an AGC signal to supply it to the high-frequency amplifier circuit through the coaxial cable. A high-frequency gain of the high-frequency amplifier circuit is changed by using a voltage corresponding a frequency band of a received broadcasting frequency and an electric field intensity thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying still video images related to video content in an interactive broadcast television system. The system and method of the present invention may also be used for simulating an Internet home page on an interactive television system. The present invention thus supports hyperlinked web-like navigational capabilities in an interactive television system. According to the method of the present invention, the video delivery system provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels each comprising video content and also provides or broadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality of still video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. The user or viewer can select options displayed on the television screen to view desired information.

Abstract: A data transmitting method comprising the steps of generating parameter setting data for various items of hardware, embedding the parameter setting data into a control code and transmitting that control code. The parameter setting data sets parameters for a plurality of hardware versions and includes parameter setting data common to at least first and second hardware versions, parameter setting data limited to a first hardware version, and parameter setting data limited to a second hardware version. Thus, the first version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it while the second version of hardware utilizes parameter setting data intended for it.