MXPA01001271A - A system and method for synchronizing television-related product content and internet-delivered information - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method in which one or more television products are augmented by Internet-delivered television-related information is provided. The Internet-delivered television-related information may include markup language documents that define display screen content and functionality. The content of the markup documents may be maintained in a central database. Because the information and markup language documents may be centrally managed, additional interfaces for television products such as passive program guides, promotional video channels, and interactive guides may be presented consistently in all the products. In addition, the content that is provided over the Internet may be synchronized with the current video content displayed by the video products.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING THE CONTENT OF PRODUCTS RELATED TO TELEVISION AND INFORMATION PROVIDED BY INTERNET Background of the Invention This invention relates to television programming and promotional information systems. Cable, satellite and broadcast television systems provide viewers with a large number of television channels. Traditionally, users have consulted printed television programming guides to determine the programs that are being broadcast at a particular time. More recently, electronic television programming guidelines have been developed that allow information from television programs to be displayed on a user's television. Promotional channels such as presentation channels have also been developed, advertising various promotions of special channels and paid programs. Passive television programming guidelines have been developed. The passive guides are supplied in a specialized television channel. Users tune in to the channel and are presented with a list of program announcements, which can be scrolled or set by pages. The TV Guide Channel is a passive programming guide in which users are presented with videos or promotional advances on one portion of the screen, and program announcements on the other. The interactive television programming guides, which are typically implemented in boxes that are placed on the ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Ski ^ l TV (set-top box), allow the user to browse through advertisements of television programs, using a remote control. In a typical programming guide, various television program ad groups are displayed, in predefined or user-selected categories. Program announcements are typically displayed on a grid or table. Interactive guides based on a client-server layout and online interactive guides have also been developed. In guides based on a client-server arrangement, the data in the programming guide are typically supplied to the box that is placed on the television, in response to orders from the guide, which are processed by a server in a cable system terminal. In the online guides, users can access a website with their personal computer or with the box that is placed on the television, enabled for the Internet, to obtain advertisements for programs and other information related to programs. Another type of programming guide is the hybrid passive / interactive television programming guide. A hybrid guide can be based on a passive guidance channel containing a part of program announcements, on which an interactive guidance part has been superimposed. 20 The presentation channels are promotional channels that show promotions of paid programs in full screen. A presentation channel may overlay such promotions with the price, order, event code, and schedule information, and may instruct the user on how to order the promoted payment program.

Each of these types of products provides users with access to information related to the programs. However, each product typically has its distinct interface. In addition, the functionality of the products may be limited by the arrangement of the system in which a product is implemented. In passive guides, there is no way to provide a user with an opportunity to obtain additional information about programs without accessing an interactive or hybrid guide. The functionality of interactive guides is generally limited by the amount of memory and processing power associated with the box that is placed on the user's television. The presentation channels typically do not allow the user to request a program directly. Users must request paid programs by telephone or using a pulse order scheme in which they first tune to the channel on which the payment program to be ordered is being issued. 15 Online guides may be inconvenient for some users. Usually, users must start their computers, start a web browser, and access an appropriate website, to access information related to television. Users who have boxes that are placed on the TV enabled for the Internet must execute also the last two steps while watching television. Many users do not own computers or do not understand much about computers, and may consider it convenient to start a web browser and surf the Internet to obtain information about programs. For example, PCT International Application Publication No. WO 97/13368 describes a system A television program guide that provides the user with access to information in a remote database, such as a database on the Internet. In addition, much of the information referred to television that is displayed by each of these products is similar, however the functionality of the products is very different. There is no way to coordinate the appearance and functionality of the products. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to enhance the functionality and content of one or more television products, within a television programming and promotional information system. It is another object of the present invention to provide a television programming and promotional information system, in which the appearance and functionality of a number of products related to television are coordinated. It is another object of the present invention to provide a television programming and promotional information system, in which the changes in the data sources of the television products are transparent to the user. It is another object of the present invention to provide a television programming and promotional information system, in which the information provided by the Internet can be synchronized with the real-time video of one or more video products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention, providing a system in which a number of products related to television are supplied. An illustrative product is a guide to passive television programming such as the TV Guide Channel, in which users are presented with video promotions, advances and informative segments, on top of a visual presentation screen, and they are presents program announcement information at the bottom of the visual presentation screen. Another illustrative product is a product of the modified presentation type, or channel of promotional videos. The promotional videos channel shows video promotions in full screen, short videos (ie videos whose length is less than three minutes), and advances aimed at providing users with information about television programming, related products, and other topics related to television. An additional illustrative product is an interactive television programming guide that provides users with an opportunity to access program announcements and other information related to programs. The functionality of these and other television products can be enhanced by means of information related to programming, which is provided by the Internet. It can be given to such information, for example, the format of one or more documents with markup language. The control circuits in a user's television equipment can detect when a user has accessed any of the products and can consult an Internet server about any document with dialing language that is available. The documents can define visual presentation screens that can be displayed in place or in addition to other visual presentation screens presented by television products. By making use of Internet resources, the functionality and content of these products can be enhanced in ways that would not otherwise be possible if the resources of the user's normal television equipment are taken into account. A potentially greater number of new display screens and functions can be provided, thus providing users with a source attractive data related to television and, for example, marketing opportunities or other intensified functions. If desired, the content and user interface for these products can be coordinated continuously, maintaining a single database of information related to the television. Copies of the database can be maintained by multiple data sources, in one or more facilities. The centrally managed content may be distributed, for example, in the form of one or more documents with markup language. Since information and documents with markup language can be administered centrally, the interfaces for television products such as passive programming guides, promotional video channels and interactive guides, can be presented in a coherent way in the three products. In addition, the content that is provided by the Internet can be synchronized with the current video content, displayed by the video products.

Other features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative system, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 2a and 2b show illustrative display screens for a passive interactive television programming guide, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2c shows an illustrative display screen for a product that is a channel of promotional videos. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of television equipment illustrating the user, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4 is a generalized schematic block diagram of the parts of the television equipment illustrating the user, of Figure 3, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 shows an illustrative main menu screen for an interactive television programming guide, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 6, 7, 8a, 8b and 8c show illustrative displays of program advertisements, for an interactive television programming guide, in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate how different documents with markup language can be used to define the content and functionality of the display screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 10a and 10b are illustrative flow diagrams of television products that can be provided by intensifying the content and functionality of the video products, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 11 shows an illustrative display screen for a product that is a channel of promotional videos, intensified in accordance with the present invention. Figure 12 shows an illustrative "more programs" screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 13 shows a program advertisement screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 14 shows an illustrative program information screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 15 shows an illustrative screen of a projection room, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 16 shows an illustrative screen for merchandise, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 17 shows an illustrative order confirmation screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 18 and 19 show indicators, WOW " (Incredible!) Illustrative to indicate to a user that a special business opportunity is available. Figure 20 shows an illustrative overlay for confirmation of orders, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 21 shows an illustrative program information screen, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 22 shows an illustrative "WOW" offer screen (unbelievable!), In accordance with the present invention.

Figure 23 shows a modified illustrative screen for goods, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 24 shows an illustrative screen for confirmation of orders, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 25 shows an illustrative indicator of gratitude for placing the order, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 26 shows an illustrative overlay for payments per event, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 27 shows an illustrative reminder window, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 28 shows an illustrative reminder, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 29 shows an illustrative window of rejected order, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 30 shows an illustrative video product screen, intensified in accordance with this invention. Figures 31a and 31b show illustrative passive guide displays of Figures 2a and 2b, intensified in accordance with the present invention. Figure 32 shows an intensified display of programming announcements, for an interactive television programming guide, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 33 shows a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved to provide users with an opportunity to purchase goods and to provide reminders, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments In Figure 1 an illustrative system 103 is shown, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The main installation 12 can be any suitable installation or facilities for supplying data related to television programming (for example, identifiers, schedules, channels, titles, descriptions, categories of the programs, information about available goods, or other suitable information related to the programming television) from the data source 14 to one or more television distribution facilities 16. Typically, the main installation 12 distributes data in parallel to numerous television distribution facilities. However, in Figure 1, only one distribution facility has been shown. television 16, to avoid complicating too much the drawing. The data source 14 can be any suitable computer or suitable computer-based system, to obtain data (for example, manually from an operator, electronically through a computer network or other connection, or through storage media) , and give the data an electronic form for distribution by the main installation 12. The main installation 12 can also supply one or more video products to the television distribution facility 16. The videos of the video products can be transmitted in real time by the main installation 12 to the television distribution facility 16, for real-time distribution to the television set 22 of a number of users. As an alternative, the main installation 12 can transmit videos to the television distribution facility 16, where they are stored. The television distribution facility 16 can then distribute the videos to the television crew 22 of a number of users, in real time. This method can be called the "store and transmit" video distribution scheme. If desired, a combination of the two methods can be used. The systems in which the videos are distributed in real time and also stored and transmitted are described, for example, in Kern et al, U.S. patent application. Serial No. 09 / 332,448, filed on June 11, 1999 (File of Representative No. UV-102), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Video products can include, for example, channels for passive television programming guide, such as the TV Guide Channel, promotional video channels such as a presentation type channel, or any other suitable video product by which information related to television is provided to the users in the form of promotional videos such as short videos (that is, videos whose length is less than three minutes), video advances that promote a television program, or the like. The short videos and the advances can be supplied by the source of videos 17. The source of videos 17 can be based, for example, on a library of short video ("video clips") stored in an automatic disc player (a system storage of multiple compact discs or digital video discs) or any other suitable combination of equipment and computer programs to store such videos. The videos can be supplied in any suitable format. For example, the video signals may be supplied in an analog signal format, using the television video type National Television Standards Commission (NTSC), or in a digital signal format such as a format like the Image Expert Group. On the Move (MPEG) • One or more of the video products provided by the main facility 12 may include data that is supplied by the data source 14. A passive programming guide channel, for example, may display advertisements for broadcast programs. television provided by the data source 14. A channel of promotional videos, for example, may display information on labels (for example, price information, ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ orders, schedule and event code) provided by the data source 14. The data and video of the television products, for the video products, can be transmitted by the transmission system 24 to the television distribution facility 16, through the link 18. The link 18 can be a satellite link, a link by telephone network, a link by cable or fiber optics, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other appropriate communication link. If desired, video signals can also be transmitted (for example, television) over the link 18. The transmission system 24 can encode the data and videos of the television product, for the video products, and supply the encoded video and data to the transmitter 25. The transmitter 25 is preferably an uplink transmitter digital satellite, but it can be any suitable transmitter of analog, digital, radiofrequency, optical, microwave, terrestrial type, or other type of transmitter. The transmission system 24 can encode the data, for example, in the form of component object model (COM) objects, which are transmitted using an Internet-based transmission scheme, and network and data protocol protocols.

Internet-based transport, such as the user datagram protocol (UDP) and the Internet protocol (IP). In Gollahon et al, U.S. patent application. Serial No. 09 / 332,624, filed on June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes electronic programming guide systems that ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ K ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ j ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ J ^^^ f ^^^^^^^ jj ^^^^^^^ transfer UDP packets and COM objects, using a UDP / IP protocol stack. The television distribution facility 16 can be any television distribution facility (e.g., a cable system terminal, a broadcast distribution facility, a satellite television distribution facility, or any other suitable type of distribution facility of TV) . The television distribution facility 16 may have a reception system 23 for receiving the videos and data from the transmitter 25, using the receiver 27. The receiver 27 is preferably a digital satellite downlink receiver, but can be any suitable analog, digital, radio frequency, optical, microwave, terrestrial receiver, or other type of receiver. The television distribution facility 16 may have a screen generator 28 to generate visual presentation screens of video products, which contain the videos and data. The screen generator 28 can be implemented using any computer and computer program, or combination thereof. The screen generator 28 can be, for example, a Windows NT process that works on a personal computer with a Pentium II microprocessor. The screen generator 28 can use an object-oriented method to generate visual presentation screens for video products. The use of COM objects, for example, may allow changes to the format and functionality of some of the functions of the system, without require changes in other components of the system. Such a method may allow a main installation 12 to supply and manage a number of different video products, for a central location. Screen generators that can be used to create visual display screens for video products, for multiple video products, are described in Kern et al, U.S. patent application. Serial No. 09 / 332,539, filed on June 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The television distribution facility 16 may also have a television distribution equipment 21, for distributing display screens of video products and, if desired, television programming to multiple users via the communication channel 20. Each user It has a user's 22 TV set to watch the products for video and television programming. The distribution equipment 21 may include, for example, a cable terminal modulator, and may include any other equipment or additional equipment suitable for transmitting television programming and visual presentation screens for video products, via the communication channels 20. As Alternatively, the distribution team 21 may include equipment and computer programs suitable for delivering videos in real time or in substantially real time, through the Internet (for example, using the "M-bone" -Multicast Backbone, Internet service for audio and video in real time-). The communication paths 20 preferably have sufficient bandwidth to allow the television distribution facility 16 to distribute 6 television programming to the user's television equipment 22, and transmit at least some video display screens, using a single specific television channel. If desired, television programming and video products can be provided by separate means of communication. For the purposes of the illustration, three types of television products will be described: a product that is a guide channel of passive television programming, a product that is a channel of promotional videos, and a product of programming guide interactive television. The main installation 12 can supply one or more of these products or any other suitable television product. First illustrative display screens are described in which the products have not seen their user interfaces and their functionality intensified, by means of the information related to the television, supplied by Internet. The illustrative presentation screens in which the products have seen their interfaces and functionality intensified are described in detail, by the information related to television, provided by the Internet. Figures 2a-2c show three screens of suitable, illustrative visual presentation of video products. The visual presentation screens for video products can be divided into visual presentation zones. The visual presentation zones may include, for example, video display areas, graphic display areas, text display areas, and display areas. program announcements, or any suitable combination thereof. The video presentation zones can display video promotional material. They can provide, for example, a video clip of a paid program that is being promoted, such as a video clip from the movie "Terminator". Text display areas may display text describing the promotional video ("label" information). The program ad zones may display advertisements for television programs in any suitable format, such as any suitable list, table or grid.

The visual presentation zones can be dimensioned so that they occupy predefined parts of the screen. Said zones can be dimensioned, for example, to fit in the right or left quarter of the screen, in the upper or lower half of the screen, in the upper or lower third of the screen, in the upper or lower two thirds of the screen. 15 screen, in the form of full screen, etc. The visual presentation zones can display promotional events that correspond to the type of visual presentation zone (for example, text, video program announcements, etc.). Figure 2a shows a suitable combination of visual presentation zones for a passive television programming guide. The illustrative display screen of video products, 80, may include, for example, the video promotion zone 82, the text display area 84, and the program advertisement area 85. The visual presentation area video 82 can be dimensioned, for example, to fit in the upper left quarter of the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ *? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ fe ^^ ¿^^^^^^^^ b ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The video display area 82 may display video clips, such as a video clip from the movie "Terminator". The text promotion area 84 may be sized, for example, to fit in the upper right quarter of the screen, and may be used to display label information about when "Terminator" is broadcast and on which channel it is broadcast. The video promotion field 84 and the text promotion zone 82 can be exchanged, if desired. Figure 2a also illustrates the visual display of the program announcement grid 88 in the program announcement area 85. The program announcement area 85 has been sized, for example, to fit in the lower half of the screen. The program announcement grid 88 can be divided into a number of columns corresponding to the programs' broadcast schedules, and which can have an equal spacing (for example, thirty minute steps), and a number of rows 92 where each row 92 corresponds to a different channel. The program announcement grid 88 may be continuously displaced or its pages may be periodically changed, to display advertisements for additional channel programs. Program announcements can be displayed in the grid, in subsets, according to one or more organization criteria, and classified in various ways. The current time can be displayed by the clock 101. Figure 2b shows another illustrative product display screen for video, for a passive guide. The passive guide visual display screen 81 of the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Figure 2b can include, for example, the video display area 91, and the program announcement area 86. The video display area may be sized, for example, to fit in the upper middle portion of the passive guide display screen 81. Figure 2c shows the display screen visual product for video 83, for a product that is a channel of promotional videos. The promotional video channel display screen 83 may include, for example, the video display area 87 and the text display area 89. The video display area 87 may be sized to fit on the entire screen, and the overlay text display area, 89, is displayed when required. The visual video presentation zone 87 can display promotions, short videos and progress, in order to provide users with information on television programming, related products, and other topics related to television. The text display area 89 may be displayed when you want to use text information, to complement or explain a displayed video. An example of such information may include requesting information from paid programs. However, there may be times when there is no text information available for a video, or when the display of text information is unnecessary for a video. Such videos may include, for example, movie review segments, "mini-advertising", or other similar short videos. The display screens of promotional material 80, 81 and 83 of Figures 2a-2c are illustrative only, and any combination and suitable arrangement of display areas can be used by the system 103 to supply a number of different video products. , with different screens of visual presentation of products for video that differ in their appearance. Another television product that can be supplied by the main installation 12 is an interactive television programming guide. For clarity, an interactive television programming guide is described in relation to a The system layout, in which the data for the programming guide is distributed from a main installation to an interactive television programming guide implemented in the user's television equipment 22, through the television distribution facility 16. Other adequate system implies provisions in which the data are distributed to a programming guide implemented on the user's television equipment 22, using other suitable distribution schemes. If desired, the interactive television programming guide application can be implemented using a client-server architecture in which the main processing power is supplied by a server located, for example, in the television distribution facility 16 or in the main installation 12 (not shown), and the user's television equipment acts as a client processor. In bidirectional environments, the distribution equipment 21 can be provided with the ability to process orders from the user's television equipment 22 :?. ^ ^ níAJ ^^? c ...............? A, ^ ».." "" - .., .... ^ ^, _ ^^ fei ? fe - = - ^ -i-1- áia- ^ a ^^ (for example, for paid orders, and similar). In another method, the visual presentation pages of the programming guide can be generated in the television distribution installation 16 using mechanisms for graphics or video production equipment, with quality termination. The visual presentation pages are then encoded in an MPEG format or in any other suitable digital format, for distribution. The visual presentation pages of the programming guide can be decoded by the user's television equipment 22, to produce screens of visual presentation of the programming guide that are seen by the user. The guides of this kind, based on a client-server arrangement, are described, for example, in the U.S. patent application. Marshall et al, Serial No. 09 / 330,501, filed June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 15 The interactive television programming guide can also obtain data for the programming guide from the Internet, through, for example, a cable modem and an Internet link. In yet another suitable method, an interactive television programming guide can create a passive-interactive hybrid television guide, for example, by superimposing data from the programming guide on a passive guide channel. In Knudson et al, U.S. patent application. Serial No. No.09 / 357, 941, filed on July 16, 1999 (Proxy File No. 114), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes various architectures for television programming guide systems Interactive The data related to the television programming that is supplied by the data source 14 may include data from the programming guide. The data in the program guide may include data from television programming (eg, identifiers, schedules, channels, titles, and program descriptions) and service data that is not television program advertisements (eg, help text, information on paid programs, weather information, sports information, music channel information, associated Internet network links, associated computer programs, etc.). The data of the programming guide can be distributed by the main installation 12 to the television distribution facility 16, through the link 18. The television distribution facility 16 can distribute the data of the programming guide with the distribution equipment 21. The distribution equipment 21 of Figure 1 may include any suitable equipment for supplying data from the programming guide to the user's television equipment 22, via the communication channel 20. The distribution equipment 21 may include, for example, a computer equipment (hardware) for suitable transmission, for distribute data from the programming guide in the vertical suppression interval of a channel television, using a digital signal in band, using an out-of-band digital signal, or by any other suitable data transmission technique. The distribution equipment 21 can also distribute analog or digital video signals (for example, from television programs) to the user's television equipment 22, via the communication channels 20, for example. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ jg ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ example, in multiple television channels. The communication paths 20 can be any suitable communication channel for distributing data of the programming guide. The communication paths 20 may include, for example, a satellite link, a link by telephone network, a link by cable or fiber optic, a link by microwave, a link by Internet, a link by cable modem such as a link by specification of cable data transmission service interface (DOCSIS), a combination of such links, or any other suitable communication link. The communication paths 20 preferably allow the programming guide distribution facility 16 to distribute television programming to the user's television equipment 22. Typically, there are multiple devices of the user's television equipment 22 and multiple associated communication channels. If desired, television programming can be provided by separate means of communication. The separate communication paths 20 and the part of the Internet links 19 that connect the user's television equipment 22 to the Internet service system 61, have been shown in Figure 1 as separate links. These links can be supplied by the same physical route, if desired. For example, television programming channels, video products, and data from the interactive television programming guide can be supplied by a single coaxial cable or fiber that has the capacity to support both data and video. By means of such a coaxial cable or fiber, an Internet or DOCSIS link can be provided, to give data and / or video support. The data can be transmitted by the main installation 12 to the television distribution facility 16, using any suitable method. The data files can, for example, be encapsulated in the form of objects, and transmitted using a transmission scheme and a stack of suitable protocols, both based on the Internet (for example, a stack that uses the user datagram protocol). UDP) and Internet protocol (IP)). The systems in which the data is transmitted from a main installation to the television distribution facilities are described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application. Golla on et al, Serial No. 09 / 332,624, filed June 11, 1999. Before describing illustrative display screens of the programming guide, a description of an illustrative arrangement of the invention is presented below. television user equipment 22, in order to understand how the display screens of the programming guide and other visual presentation screens can be generated. An illustrative layout of the user's television equipment 22 is shown in Figure 3. The user's television equipment 22 of Figure 3 receives video and data from the television distribution installation 16 of Figure 1, at the entrance 26. While watching television normally, a user tunes the box that is placed on the television, 28, on a desired television channel. The signal of that television channel is supplied in the video output 30. The signal supplied in the output 30 is typically a signal of radio frequency (RF) in a predefined channel (for example, channel 3 or 4), or an analogue demodulated video signal, although it may also be a digital signal supplied to the television 36 by an appropriate digital "bus" (e.g., a bus that uses the 1394 norm of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)). The video signal at the output 30 can be received by the secondary storage device 32. The interactive television programming guide and other applications (either separate or integrated into an operating system) can operate in the box 28, on the television 36 (if the television 36 has suitable processing and memory circuits), in an appropriate analog or digital receiver connected to the television 36, or in the digital storage device 31, if the digital storage device 31 has adequate processing and memory circuits. The interactive television programming guide and other applications can also work cooperatively in an appropriate combination of these devices. Interactive television application systems in which an interactive television programming guide application operates on multiple devices, are described in the U.S. patent application. Ellis et al, Serial No. 09 / 186,598, filed on November 5, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The secondary storage device 32 may be any suitable type of player or analog or digital program storage device (eg, a VCR, a digital versatile disc player (DVD), etc.). Recording programs and other functions can ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ j ^^ j ^^ g ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ l ^^^^ to be controlled by the box 28, using the control path 34. If the secondary storage device 32 is a VCR , for example, a typical control path 34 may involve the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to the infrared receiver in the VCR, which normally accepts commands from a remote control such as the remote control 40. The remote control 40 may be used to control the box 28, the secondary storage device 32, and the television 36. If desired, a user can record programs, data from the programming guide, or a combination thereof, in a form digital, in the digital storage device 31. The digital storage device 31 can be an optical storage device in which it can be written (such as a DVD player capable of handling DVD discs in which it can be recorded), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device. Interactive television programming guidance systems having digital storage devices are described, for example, in the U.S. patent application. Hassell et al, Serial No. 09 / 157,256, filed September 17, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The digital storage device 31 may be contained in the box 28 or it may be an external device connected to the box 28 through an exit door and an appropriate interface. The digital storage device 31 may be, for example, contained in the local media server 29. If necessary, the processing circuit of the box 28 gives the received video, audio and data signals a digital file type format. Preferably, the file format is an open file format as indicated by the MPEG-2 standard of the Group of Experts in Moving Images (MPEG) or the standard of the Joint Group of Experts in Photography (MJPEG). The resulting data is directed to the digital storage device 31 via an appropriate bus (for example, a bus using the 1394 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)), and stored in the digital storage device 31 In another method In this way, a data stream or series of MPEG-2 files can be received from the distribution equipment 21 and stored. The television 36 receives video signals from the secondary storage device 32 through the communication path 38. The video signals in the way of communication 38 can be generated either by the secondary storage device 32 when playing a pre-recorded storage medium (eg, a video cassette or a recordable digital video disc), by the digital storage device 31 when reproduces a pre-recorded digital medium, can be passed through the box 28, can are directly supplied to the television 36 from the box 28, if the secondary storage device 32 is not included in the user's television equipment 22, or can be received directly by the television 36. While watching television normally, the signals of video supplied to the television 36 correspond to the desired channel in which the user The box 28 has been tuned. The video signals can also be supplied to the television 36 through the box 28 when said box 28 is used to reproduce information stored in the digital storage device 31. The box 28 can have a memory 44. The memory 44 can be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a "flash" memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., which is suitable for storing instructions for the application of the programming guide or instructions for other applications and data of the programming guide or other data for use by the control circuit 44. The box 28 may also have the communication device 37 for communicating with the Internet server 15 through the Internet service system 61 and the Internet link 19. The communication device 37 may be a modem (for example, any normal analogue modem). or suitable digital, a cellular modem, or cable modem), a network interface card (eg, an Ethernet card, a signal ring card, etc.), or another suitable communication device. In an alternative arrangement, the television 36 may have a suitable communication device 37. A more generalized embodiment of the user's television equipment 22 of Figure 3 is shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the programming guide data from the television distribution facility 16 (Figure 1) are received by the control circuit of the television equipment of the user 22. The functions of the control circuit 42 can be supplied using the box arrangement that is placed on the television of Figures 2a and 2b. As an alternative, these functions can be integrated into an advanced television receiver, a television with personal computer (PC / TV), or any other suitable arrangement. If desired, a combination of such provisions may be used. The user's television equipment 22 may also have a secondary storage device 47 and a digital storage device 49 for recording programming. He The secondary storage device 47 can be any suitable type of analog or digital storage device for programs (for example, a video recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.). The recording of programs and other functions can be controlled by the control circuit 42. The digital storage device 49 can For example, a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disc drive or a DVD drive) can be used. a digital tape), or any other digital storage device. The user's television equipment 22 may also have a memory 63. The memory 63 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory "flash", a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing ^^ ¡¿^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ K ^^^^^^^^^^ instructions for the application of the programming guide, and data of the programming guide for its use by the control circuit 42. The user's television equipment 22 of Figure 4 may also have a communication device 51 to support communications between the programming guide or other application and the Web service 15, through the system Internet service 61 and the Internet link 19. The communication device 51 can be a modem (for example, any suitable analog or digital normal modem, a cellular modem, or a cable modem), a network interface card (for example, example, an Ethernet card, a signal ring card, etc.), or another suitable communication device. A user controls the operation of the user's television equipment 22 with the user's data entry device, 46. The data entry device 46 can be a pointing device, a wireless remote control, a keyboard, a pad touch, a voice recognition system, or any other device suitable for data entry by the user. To watch television, a user instructs the control circuit 42 to display a desired television channel on the display device 45. To access the functions of an interactive television programming guide, an intensified video product, or another product related to television, a user can enter appropriate commands using the data entry device 46. To access the functions of an interactive television programming guide, for example, a user can instruct the programming guide to generate a main menu or other visual display screen of the desired programming guide, for display on the display device 45. The programming guide can provide users with an opportunity to access the functions of the programming guide through from a main menu. A main menu screen, such as the illustrative main menu screen 100 of Figure 5, may include the menu 102 of selectable functions of the programming guide, 106. If desired, the functions of the programming guide, 106, can be organized according to the type of function. In menu 102, for example, the functions of the programming guide 106 have been organized into three columns. The column indicated with "TV GUIDE" is for functions related to program announcements, the column indicated with "VITRINA MSO" is for functions related to multiple systems operator services (MSO), and the column indicated with "TELEVIDENT SERVICES" is for functions related to the services to the viewer. The interactive television programming guide can generate a visual presentation screen for a particular function of the programming guide, when a user selects that menu function 102. The main menu screen 100 may also include other screen elements, such as the active display element 112. The active display element 112 may be any graphic element, animation element, graphic element. interactive or animation, video clip or other suitable visual presentation element. The active display element 112 may exhibit, for example, a brand logo, * l video that is distributed at that time as part of a video product, or any other suitable graphic or video type, related to television. The current time can be displayed in the visual display region of the clock, 116. In addition, an appropriate indicator, such as the indicator graph 118, can be used to indicate to a user that an email from a cable operator is waiting for a user, if the programming guide supports message transmission functions. The interactive television programming guide may provide users with access to any number of functions, as indicated by the selectable functions 106. For brevity, only an illustrative subset of such possible functions is described, to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The interactive television programming guide can provide, for example, a user, an opportunity to view advertisements for television programs. A user may indicate a desire to view advertisements of television programs, for example by placing the highlighting region 151 on a desired function of the programming guide, 106. Alternatively, the programming guide may present program announcements when a user presses an appropriate key (eg, a "list" key) on the remote control 40. When a user indicates a desire to view advertisements for television programs, the programming guide generates an appropriate program announcement screen for his ^^^^^^^^^? | ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ display 45 (Figure 4). The program advertisement screens can be superimposed on a program that is being viewed by a user, or superimposed on a part of the program, in a "search" mode. A program advertisement screen may contain one or more groups or lists of program announcements, organized according to one or more organization criteria (for example, by schedule, by channel, by program category, etc.). The programming guide can, for example, provide a user with an opportunity to view program announcements by schedule, by channel, according to a number of categories (for example, movies, sports, children's programs, etc.), or it may allow a user to search for a program advertisement by title. Program announcements may be displayed using any suitable list, table or grid, or other suitable visual presentation arrangement. If desired, the ad screens of programs may include selectable advertisements, logo graphics of product brands, brand graphics of service providers, watches, or any other suitable indicator or graphic. A user may indicate a desire to see program announcements by time, channel or category, for example selecting a selectable function 106 from menu 102. The programming guide may display program advertisements on a suitable screen of program advertisements, on the user's television equipment 22. Figure 6 illustrates the visual display of program listings by schedule . The program announcement screen 130 of Figure 6 may include the region highlighting 151, which highlights the current program advertisement, 150. A user may place the highlighting region 151 by entering appropriate commands with the data entry device 46. For example, if the data entry device 46 has a keyboard , a user may place highlighting region 151 using "up" and "down" arrow keys, or other suitable keys. A user can select a program announcement, for example by pressing an "OK" or "info" key, or by triggering (starting a function by means of a pulse). Alternatively, a touch-sensitive screen, a trackball, a speech recognition device, or other suitable device may be used to move the highlighting region 151 or to select program announcements without the use of the speech region. highlighted 151. In yet another method, a user can speak to a voice order recognition system, to enter a television program advertisement. These methods of selecting program announcements are merely illustrative, and can also be used in an intensified video product. If desired, any other suitable method may be used to select program advertisements or interact with television-related applications, using the user's television equipment 22. A user may see advertisements for additional programs for the time segment indicated in the time bar 111, for example by pressing an "up" or "down" arrow, or a "PgUp" or "PgD" key on the remote control 40. The user may also see program announcements for the next period 24 hours, or the last 24-hour period, by pressing a "day forward" or "day back" key, respectively, on the remote control 40. If there are no announcements that start exactly 24 hours before or after, depending on the indicated direction, the programming guide can take programs that start closer or further away from the moment when they are 24 hours with respect to the current time. A user can see program announcements for other time segments, for example by pressing the "right" and "left" arrows on the remote control 40. Figure 7 illustrates the display of program announcements by channel. A user can scroll up and down to view program announcements for additional time segments, and can scroll left and right to view program announcements from other channels. If desired, the day for which the program announcements are displayed may be included in the display area 147, with the channel number, as shown. The programming guide can give users an opportunity to view ads for programs classified by category. A user can, for example, press a special category key on the remote control 40 (eg, "movies", "sports", "children's programs", etc.), you can select a category function selectable from the screen of main menu 100 (Figure 5), or may indicate a desire to see program announcements by category, using any other suitable method. Figure 8a is an illustrative program advertisement screen in which advertisements for programs relating to films are displayed. Figure 8b is a screen illustrative of program announcements in which advertisements for programs related to sports are displayed. Figure 8c is an illustrative program advertisement screen in which advertisements for children's programs are displayed. Ads for programs that are within lists such as lists 129 of Figures 8a-8e can be divided into predefined time segments such as 30 minute time segments. Between each hour segment, a separator 128 may be displayed to indicate to a user that a user has moved the program advertisements or has moved their pages from one time slot to the next. In Figure 7, for example, a user is moving from program announcements in the hourly segment from 11:30 PM to 12:00 AM. If desired, the name of the next working day may be displayed. In Figures 8a-8c, for example, a user is shifting from program announcements in the 12:30 PM time slot to program announcements in the 1:00 PM time slot. When the user scrolls within the advertisements, the highlighting region may skip the separator 128. Interactive guidance systems that display separators within lists are described, for example, in the aforementioned U.S. patent application. Knudson et al, Serial No. 09 / 357,941, filed July 16, 1999 (File of Attorney No. UV-114). The display screens of program announcements, such as the screens of Figures 6, 7, 8a, 8b and 8c, may include various other display elements. The Display screens for program announcements may include, for example, graphics, clocks, message indicators, or any other suitable screen element. What has been described so far is a system in which a number of separate products related to television are supplied to a number of users, to be displayed on the user's television equipment. Three illustrative products have been described: a product that is a passive television programming guide, a product that is a channel of promotional videos, and a product that is a guide of interactive television programming. Each product has one or more visual presentation screens containing information related to television (for example, data referring to television programming, data of the programming guide, etc.). The content and functionality of each of these products can be intensified by information related to television, which is provided by the Internet. The content and user interface of these products can be coordinated by maintaining a single database of information related to television, copies of which can be maintained by multiple data sources located in one or more installations (for example, the main installation 12). If desired, the display screens of each of these products may have a similar appearance, so that the user may not be aware of the particular source of the information related to the television being presented.

The main installation 12 of Figure 1 may distribute data related to television, from the data source 14 to the user's television equipment 22 through an Internet server 15 located in the main facility 12, and the Internet link 19. If desired, multiple Internet servers can be used. The Internet servers 15 may be located in the main installation 12 or may be remote from the main installation 12, or a combination of both. The remote Internet servers 15 can communicate with the main installation 12 through the Internet or any other suitable means of communication. The Internet server 15 may be any combination of equipment and computer programs suitable for supplying data relating to television programming, from an Internet site, such as a website. The Internet server 15 can, for example, supply data in transferred files using the file transfer protocol (FTP). Preferably, the Internet server 15 formulates web pages (for example, using the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)) that include data related to television programming, and provides web pages to users through an appropriate Internet-based protocol, or a combination of protocols (for example, using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) ) by a link of type Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP)). The user's television equipment 22 can access the Internet server 15 through the service system of Internet 61 and the Internet link 19. The Internet service system 61 may use any suitable combination of equipment and computer programs capable of providing Internet access to the user's television equipment 22. If desired, the Internet service system 61 may be located in an installation that is separate from the television distribution facility 16. The control circuit 42 (Figure 4) of the user's television equipment 22 may be programmed to intensify the display screens and the functionality of the devices. different products, using any suitable method for each type of product. For video products such as a passive video programming guide or a promotional video channel, the control circuit 42 can superimpose interactive web pages on the product display screen, to create a product form passive / interactive hybrid. The television distribution facility 16 can distribute to the television set of the user 22 an identifier, which identifies whether a given television channel (analog or digital) is associated with a particular product. The identifiers can be distributed by the distribution equipment 21 using any suitable method (in band, out of band, continuously, periodically, in response to orders, etc.). When a user tunes to a particular video product, for example, the control circuit can detect the identifier and consult the Internet servers 15 on one or more documents with language of dialing. The query can identify the current channel, the user, the address of the user's television equipment 22 within the system 103, the time of day, or any other suitable information. In an alternative method, the video products can be enhanced by means of equipment and appropriate computer programs located in the television distribution facility 16. The screen generator 28 can, for example, obtain information supplied via the Internet through the system. of Internet service 61 or the reception system 23, and can generate screens of visual presentation of the product for video that have the information provided by Internet. The intensified display screens can be distributed by the distribution equipment 21 to the user's television equipment 22. Although this method may not add interactive functionality to the video products, may tend to decrease the requirements in terms of memory and processing, referred to the control circuit 42. For a product that is an interactive television programming guide, the control circuit 42 may store documents with dialing language, supplied by Internet, in memory 63. Each document can include, for For example, a screen identifier in its header, and can be indexed in memory 63, according to its screen identifier. The interactive television programming guide may be configured, for example, to examine the memory 63 each time a user accesses a different display screen. The programming guide determines if there is a substitute document with a markup language that corresponds to the screen that the user accessed, and if such a document exists, the programming guide can display the screen defined by that document. The control circuit 42 can consult the Internet servers 15 on the documents with dialing language each time the user indicates a desire to access a visual presentation screen. If there is no document with dialing language available, the interactive guide can display its default style screen and appropriate content. If desired, multiple documents with dialing language can be preloaded and stored in memory 63 simultaneously. Alternatively, few documents with markup language can be stored in the memory 63, but they can be retrieved further, as necessary, using their Universal Resource Locators (URL). The number of documents with dialing language that are preloaded depends, for example, on the amount of free memory in the memory 63. The actions of starting and maintaining an Internet session between the control circuit 42 and an Internet server 15 they are preferably transparent to the user. The control circuit 42 can be programmed, for example, with a web browser to which its "chrome" has been removed, ie a web browser that has been permanently configured or temporarily instructed not to exhibit a normal interface navigation on the web, for the user. This allows the user's television team to display passive display visual displays, visual presentation screens of promotional video channels, visual presentation screens of interactive television programming guides, and the like, which contain information and interactive functions based on a document with a dialing language, without the user knowing that such intensified functions they are being supplied in a manner different from the way in which the normal display screens are supplied. The control circuit 42 can detect an identifier of a product for video (for example, from a signal in band), initiate an Internet connection through of a suitable cable modem circuit, start the web browser without chrome, and download one or more documents with the dialing language of an Internet server 15. In addition, because the documents with dialing language are managed centrally, the Functions based on the documents that are added to the products for video, and the functions that are added to the interactive guide based on the documents, can be presented in a way that is consistent between the products. Any suitable dialing language can be used. The document with markup language can be defined, for example, by using markup languages such as the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language (DHTML), or the Extensible Markup Language (XML). . The electronic programming guidance systems in which the layout and functionality of the visual presentation screens of the programming guide are updated using documents with the language of , i * ». * ».-». «* -. . -*to". Mfe »; , ca & .- »». *, «Tm *? < .j - .. * - qs ».. amm ?? & ¡aB? i8. ~ & ** ~ ^ K * ^ -» -. »~ ** n¿ < ? ~?? £ * S? * Marking, are described, by way of example, in the U.S. patent application. Lemmons et al, Serial No. 09 / 227,358, filed on January 8, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 9a illustrates how a document with markup language can define a display screen for a television product such as the passive programming guide shown in Figure 2a. In practice, documents with markup language can be continuous, in their entirety, and the attributes of the presentation elements I? visual can follow immediately below a label of the visual presentation element. The document with markup language 300 has been illustrated, however, with its left and right portions 302 and 304, to more clearly illustrate the principles of the present invention. Part 302 of the document with markup language 300 illustrates how the identifier of display elements, 330, can be labeled by labels 306. Part 304 of the document with markup language shows how the attributes of the display elements can be organized into subsets, using documents with markup language, and assigned using the labels. As shown in Figure 9a, the attributes 310 and 312 of the display elements can be organized in sets 313, 315 and 317. A set of attributes can be assigned to each display element. The document with markup language 300 can label the display element identifiers, 330, using the labels 306. Labels 306 are generally indicated as TI, T2 and T3, to indicate which display element is being labeled (display element 1, display element 2 and display element 3, respectively). Labels 306 have associated attributes 310 (for example, Al, A2, A4, A5, A7 and A8), which are in the sets, and which may indicate, for example, in which part of the display screen will be placed the visual presentation elements, their dimension, and what style they will have (for example, color, special font effects, etc.). For generating a visual display screen such as screen 308, the interactive programming guide can analyze the document with markup language, extract information about style and layout, and generate a visual display screen accordingly. Figure 9a also illustrates how the functionality of a The television product can be defined using the document with 300 markup language. The programming guide (or other product) may have been programmed by means of a large number of actions. The part 304 of the document with markup language 300 can be used to select among these actions, the actions that are suitable for an element of visual presentation in particular. Associated actions may include, for example, the following actions: displaying information on a specific display screen, when a user selects a display element, tune to a particular video product when a user selects a display element, run a function of a video product (for example, order a merchandise, order a paid program, set a reminder, etc.), or any other suitable action. The attributes 312 can be included in the attribute sets 313, 315 and 317, to indicate the selected actions. Although a visual presentation element may have multiple associated actions (for example, a menu), only one attribute 312 has been shown for each set, to avoid complicating the drawing too much. The actions can be assigned to the visual presentation elements 314, as indicated in the Figure 9a, using the labels 306. Figure 9b illustrates how the display characteristics of the display 308 can be changed or modified, giving a new layout and a new style to the display elements 314, using a document with different dialing language, such as document with markup language 340. As shown, the markup document 340 may use the tags 306 to assign sets of attributes to the display elements. When the control circuit 42 (or the computer program operating in the control circuit 42) interprets the document with markup language 340, obtains the new or changed attributes 310 'from the sets and uses the labels 306 to generate, for example, the display 308' with the display elements 314 '. As illustrated when comparing the display screen 308 'with the display 308 of Figure 9a, the display elements • éífk- ».

Visual presentation 314 can be deleted, redirected, relocated. The visual elements can also be added, or they can be given a new style (not shown). In this way, a first document with dialing language (300) can be used by the control circuit 42 to generate a first display screen 308, and a second document with dialing language (340) can be used to modify the visual display screen (308 ') (for example, relocating, resizing and reshaping display elements 314), or to define a completely new display screen. Figure 9b also illustrates how different actions can be assigned for visual presentation elements, using documents with markup language. Different actions can be included in the sets, as illustrated when comparing sets 313 and 317 of Figure 9a, with sets 313 'and 317' of Figure 9b. The new actions can be indicated and the previously indicated actions can be removed, as illustrated by sets 317 'and 315'. In addition, the actions can be selected for different display elements, as shown in set 313 '(for example, A7 was moved from set 317 of Figure 9a, to set 313' of Figure 9b). New actions can be added through the use of elementary applications supplied by the Internet, such as ActiveX components, Java elementary applications, executable files, or any other suitable interpretable or executable module. Documents with markup language, for example, can be complemented with elementary Java applications that are stored and managed by a Java virtual machine that operates in the control circuit 42. The use of Internet technologies and the use of Internet resources can potentially provide a large amount of information and functions that were previously not available for video products. A compatible user interface can be provided to the products, making the transition between products continuous and the source of the information about the video products transparent to the user. As an overview, users can be provided with the enhanced content and functionality of video products, accessing a product first. The control circuit 42 (or the appropriate computer program operating in the control circuit 42) can determine which product the user has accessed, for example by detecting a product identifier in a data stream, obtaining the identifier of an interactive guide, or using any other suitable method. The control circuit 42 can in turn start a web browser to start an Internet session with one or more Internet servers 15, through the link Internet 19 (Figure 1). For purposes of illustration, references to an Internet server 15 are intended to refer to one or more Internet servers 15. The Internet session may last as long as the user accesses the product for video, for a predefined period of time, until a screen of visual presentation, or for any other suitable time. The control circuit 42 may consult the Internet server 15 on any additional information related to the television, for the product. The Internet server 15 can provide such information, for example, in the form of documents with markup language, which may indicate an additional functionality of the product content for video. The information that is supplied can be synchronized with the current visual presentation of the product for video. For example, if a product that is a channel of promotional videos is showing a video clip of the interview to an actor, the additional information may include an information screen that provides a user with the biography and film career of the actor. The synchronization of the content of information related to television and provided by the Internet, with the visual presentation of a product for video can be done using any suitable scheme. Documents with dialing language can, for example, be stored by the Internet server 15 and indexed by time, date and product for video. The control circuit 42 can supply the Internet server 15 with the current time, the date, and a product identifier for video that has been accessed, when requesting to the Internet server 15 information related to television. As an alternative, each product display screen for video can be uniquely identified. When a user exercises an activity that requires the display of an additional screen or * ^ ^ gas? to & ^ of additional information, the control circuit 42 can supply to the Internet server 15 a visual display screen identifier, associated with that activity. In one method or another, the Internet server 15 can use the information that is provided, to construct a relational database query, such as a query of the Normal Query Language (SQL) type, retrieve the desired information, format to the information as a document with dialing language, and to supply the document with dialing language back to the user's television equipment 22, for display by the control circuit 42. Figures 10a and 10b show a flow chart of routes illustrative among products for television, which can be supplied by intensifying the content and functionality of the products for television, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For purposes of illustration, the analysis of Figures 10a and 10b will start from the reference point of a user who has accessed a product that is a channel of promotional videos (step 1000). In response, the control circuit 42 may consult the Internet server 15 about any additional information related to the television, for the product that is a channel of promotional videos (step 1010). If there is no additional information, the control circuit can provide the user with access to the product which is a channel of promotional videos in its original form, as shown in Figure 2c, for example (step 1020). If the Internet server 15 has additional information, ? ^ SÚ ^ j, -w - - ~ ~ - '' ^^ SttáaÉfM? ^. ^^^ i ^^ A. ^ s ^^^? ^ Ííí ,, the control circuit 42 can obtain the information and intensifying the content and functionality of the product that is a channel of promotional videos, as shown, for example, in Figure 11 (step 1030). Instead of the non-interactive text display area shown in Figure 2c, the enhanced product that is a channel of promotional videos may have an interactive overlay 500. In the example of Figure 11, the product that is a channel of promotional videos is happening at that time a preview in video of the movie "Stargate". Accordingly, the information related to television and provided by the Internet server 15 may include program announcement information for the movie "Stargate", displayed in the overlay 500. The overlay 500 may be, for example, a document with language of marking that exhibits the title of a film of which an advance is being watched, the channel in which the film is available, and its broadcasting schedule. The overlay 500 can also display the current time. The overlay 500 can be displayed on a screen for a predefined period of time after the user tunes the promotional video channel, and can then be removed from the screen using any suitable method. The overlay 500 can, for example, "slide" and exit the screen from right to left. The overlay 500 may reappear when, for example, the user presses an arrow key on the remote control 40, or when some other real-time event occurs related to the promotional video channel. The product that is a channel of promotional videos can, for example, interrupt the advance of a film to present a commercial advertisement or another advertisement. The overlay 500 can again be displayed by the control circuit 42 after the promotional video channel returns to the advancement of the movie. The coordination of the display of the superposition 500, with such a fact in real time, can be effected using any suitable method. For example, an in-band indicator may be distributed on the product which is a channel of promotional videos, which indicates to the control circuit 42 that commercial advertising is being passed on. The functionality of the product that is a channel of promotional videos can be intensified, for example, by giving users an opportunity to see program announcements and other information related to programs promoted by the promotional videos channel. When, for example, a user selects the "More Programs" function 510, the control circuit 15 may consult the Internet server 15 about additional information when, for example, the screens or overlays necessary to provide the user with an opportunity to view information additional, have not yet been downloaded and stored in memory 63 (not shown). The additional information may include a document with dialing language defining a menu screen, hereinafter referred to as a "more programs" screen, which is displayed by the control circuit 42 on the user's television equipment 22 (step 1040) . In Figure 12 there is shown an illustrative screen of "more programs" 1201. The screen of "more programs" 1201 can include an active visual presentation element that exhibits, for example, a fixed graphic of the last frame shown by the product that is a channel of promotional videos, or the current video that passes the channel. The control circuit 42 can also pass the audio of the product which is a channel of promotional videos. The "more programs" screen 1201 may display a number of selectable functions that a user can select to access the enhanced content and functions of the product that is a video channel. The user can, for For example, access to programming announcements referring to all promoted programs or promoted programs of a particular genre (for example, movies, action, comedies, sports, game programs, etc.), by selecting its selectable function 106. The user You can also access another product for video from the "more programs" screen 1201, such as a passive programming guide. The user can return to the product that is a channel of promotional videos, selecting an appropriate selectable function. The "more programs" screen 1201 can be designed so that its appearance is similar to the main menu screen 102 (Figure 5) of an interactive television programming guide, to facilitate plus streaming from one video product to another. A user can select a particular selectable function 106, using for example the arrow keys on the remote control 40 to place the highlight region 151 on the desired selectable function, and by pressing an "OK" key on the remote control 40. When a user selects a selectable function 106, such as a selectable "Drama" function, the control circuit 42 may consult the Internet server 15 for additional information when, for example, the screens or overlays necessary to provide a user with an opportunity to view additional information still they have not been downloaded and stored in memory 63 (not shown). In this example, additional information may include advertisements for "drama" genre programs. The control circuit 42 may display the program advertisements of the selected genre in an advertisement screen of programs, such as the program advertisement illustrative screen, 1301, of Figure 13 (step 1050). The program advertisement screens for video products, such as the program advertisement screen 1301 of Figure 13, can be designed so that their appearance is similar to the program advertisement screens of the Figures 6-8c, to make the transition from an interactive programming guide to a video product, continuous for the user. However, the program ad screens for video products may be slightly different from those of the interactive guides when, for example, different appearances or functions are desired. Design of multiple television products within a system, to complement each other, can provide an experience in terms of watching television and in what refers to interactive television, which increases user interest and loyalty to the product line. Ads for promoted programs can be i-i * »* - & > ? i, ». . . ',. ', ^? 1 H¿fc *? S. ~ 3fe i -Mto - S > £ M-ÍBH-aBat. - waafe * 'iAs - -i -' "- ^« - .. jfiM & -. exhibited according to -any organizational criteria. Figure 13 shows the display of schedule announcements by schedule, but the advertisements can be reclassified and displayed by circuit 42 when, for example, the user moves the arrows to the right or left with the remote control 40. The visual presentation area Text 1303 may display a brief description of the program announcement that is highlighted at that time. In this example, the user has placed the highlight region 151 over the "The Rainmaker" ads. If desired, the next broadcast time and the rating of the programs can be displayed. Figure 13 shows an illustrative display of program advertisements for paid programs of the "drama" genre, but the program advertisement screen can be used to display advertisements for any suitable category, and can also display advertisements for all categories. If desired, program announcements may be associated with program videos in a video on demand (VOD) library. Users can select program listings to view programs on demand. Another illustrative additional function that can be provided by intensifying a television product with information related to television and provided by the Internet, is to provide additional information about programs when, for example, a user indicates a desire to do so. Users may indicate a desire to see additional information about programs, for example by selecting a program advertisement that is inside a program advertisement screen, an interactive programming guide (for example, Figures 6-8c), or inside of a program advertisement screen that intensifies a product for video (for example, screen 1301 of Figure 13). When a user indicates a desire to view program information, the control circuit 42 may consult the Internet server 15 about additional information when, for example, the screens or overlays necessary to provide a user with an opportunity to view additional information, they have not yet been downloaded and stored in memory 63 (not shown). In this example, the additional information may include information of programs that the control circuit 42 exhibits in a program information screen (step 1060). An illustrative information screen 1401 is shown in Figure 14. The program information screen 1401 of Figure 14 shows an illustrative browser 1403 that can be displayed within the television product display screens, to provide users with a consistent-looking navigation tool, to navigate between the video products and the additional screens that are supplied through the Internet server 15. The 1403 browser can provide users with an opportunity, for example, to view program information, access to a projection room, buy merchandise, access a passive programming guide, access a product that is a channel of promotional videos, or execute any other appropriate action. Users can execute such functions, for example, by selecting selectable functions 106 with the highlight region 151. The program information screen 1401 it may include, for example, a fixed graphic image of the program associated with the selected program announcement, and it may pass the audio of the product for video from which the user entered the program information screen 1401. The program information screen 1401 may also include, for example, a brief description of the program associated with the advertisement, the title and rating of the program, its broadcast times and any other suitable information. The user can see additional broadcast times, not shown, of a program, moving for example to the right or left using the arrow keys of the remote control 40. A user can also access a projection room from the program information screen 1401. The projection rooms are visual presentation screens in which video clips of the programs are displayed. When a user indicates a desire to access a projection room, for example by selecting a projection room function selectable on the screen, 106, the control circuit 42 can consult the Internet server for additional information (for example, when the screens or overlays necessary to provide a user with an opportunity to see the projection room and the corresponding clip, have not yet been downloaded and stored in memory 63). In this example, additional information may include, for example, a video clip from the screening room. The video clips can be downloaded in any suitable digital format, such as the MPEG-2 format of the Group of Experts in Moving Images (MPEG). The control circuit 42 can display the video clip in the equipment of user's television 22 on a projection room display screen (step 1070 of Figure 10b). Figure 15 shows an illustrative display screen of the projection room, 1501. A user can pass a video preview, for example by moving with the arrow to the right or left, and selecting a video clip from a list. If there are multiple video clips available for a program, there may be multiple program announcements, but only one has been shown to avoid complicating the drawing too much. The control circuit 42 may have suitable equipment and computer programs, or a suitable combination thereof, to decode the clip and display it on the user's television equipment 22. Another illustrative function is to provide a user with an opportunity to purchase goods related to programming. Goods related to programming may be related, for example, to the program displayed by a video product when a user indicated a desire to see available merchandise. A user may indicate a desire to view available goods, for example, by selecting a Selectable Goods function, 106, from browser 1403. After a user indicates a desire to see available goods, control circuit 42 may consult the Internet server 15 on further information when, for example, the screens or overlays necessary to give a user an opportunity to view the available goods, have not yet been downloaded and stored in the memory 63 (not shown). In this example, the information *% £ ** • - * & * ^ * 1s ^ * & Additional information may include merchandise information (eg, a description of the merchandise, available sizes, colors, price, etc.), which is displayed by the control circuit 42 on a merchandise screen (step 1080 of Figure 10b). In Figure 16 there is shown an illustrative merchandise display screen, 1601. The merchandise display 1601 screen provides a user with an opportunity to order the promoted merchandise. For example, on the illustrative goods display screen 1601, a user can specify the color, size and quantity of a "Stargate" t-shirt, by placing the highlighted region 151 on a desired field, and moving with the arrow to the right or left. When a user selects an order function on the screen, the control circuit 42 can order the goods using any suitable method. The control circuit 42 can, for example, supply the order information to the Internet server 15. In turn, the Internet server 15 can send a goods order to the marketing facility 10 (Figure 1). As an alternative, the control circuit 42 can supply the order information to the television distribution facility 16 via the communication channel 20. In turn, the television distribution facility 16 can supply a goods order to the marketing facility 10. In yet another suitable method, the control circuit 42 can formulate a merchandise order to the merchandising facility (10), directly over the Internet. The marketing facility 10 may include - g < ft? -s **, - »" ,, ...: "" ^^. , ^? j-sj -. ^ «a - t.» ^ .. safija ^.,. > - .., ^ ..- t ... any equipment or computer program suitable to receive merchandise orders, request the merchandise, send the merchandise to the user, and bill the user. A merchandise order includes the information necessary to order the merchandise, based on the type of order system used. The order may include, for example, a merchandise identifier, an identifier or user account number, or other suitable information. Merchandise dispatch orders can include, for example, user information that can be used by the installation of 1Q marketing 10 to generate an invoice for the merchandise. As an alternative, the television distribution facility 16 can bill the user the merchandise the next time the user shows up, and the merchandising facility 10 can only send the merchandise. The communication channel 9 can be any route of communication suitable for transporting merchandise orders from the Internet server 15, the user's television equipment 22 or the television distribution facility 16, to the merchandising facility 10. The communication channel 9 may include, for example, a satellite link, a link by telephone network, a link by cable or fiber optics, a link by microwave, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other appropriate communication link. It has only been shown that the communication path 9 is connected to the television distribution installation 16, in order to avoid complicating the drawing too much. Returning to the analysis of Figure 16, the element of Active visual display 1603 can initially display, for example, a graphic of the merchandise that is being offered (for example, a tank top). If desired, the active display element 1603 may be selectable. In response to the selection by a user of the active display 1603, the control circuit 42 can provide the user with an additional perspective or view of the requested goods. The perspective or additional view can be fixed, animated, or video. In this example, the control circuit 42 may respond to the selection by a user of a "Stargate" shirt graphic, by displaying a rotatable graphic of the shirt, so that a user can see both sides of the shirt. Before registering the order, the control circuit 42 can instruct the user to confirm the order, if desired. The control circuit may, for example, display an order confirmation screen (step 1090 of Figure 10b), in which the user is presented with a summary of the order, and is given an opportunity to cancel, confirm or change the order. order. An illustrative confirmation screen 1701 is shown in Figure 17. Another function that can be provided as part of intensifying a television application is to provide a user with an opportunity to request paid programs. Users may indicate a desire to order promoted payment programs, for example by pressing a "request" key or another suitable key on remote control 40, when a paid program is being promoted by a video product. Figure 10a shows flow paths designed to provide users with an opportunity to request payments from within a video product, which in this example is a channel of promotional videos. When a user indicates a desire to order a paid program, the control circuit 42 can consult the Internet server 15 about additional information when, for example, the screens or overlays necessary to give a user an opportunity to view additional information, still they have not been downloaded and stored in memory 63 (not shown). In this example, the additional information may include information about payments per event (for example, price, title and times of issuance) which is displayed by the control circuit 42 in a screen of orders for paid programs. For purposes of illustration, a video product such as a promotional video channel may be promoting "Tomorrow Never Dies," as shown in Figure 18. As illustrated, a user may indicate a desire to order the program "Tomorrow Never Dies" payment, for example by pressing an "OK" key on the remote control 40. When the user indicates a desire to order a paid program, the control circuit 42 can consult the Internet server 15 about additional information, such as as information about payments per event. Figures 18 and 19 show an illustrative WOW indicator (illustrative!) 1405 which can be displayed in the overlay 500 when a special offer is being made, such as a special business opportunity that depends on the order of a paid program by the user . A WOW indicator may be selectable, as shown in Figure 19. Because of additional information is provided by the Internet, special business opportunities can be created at any time and with any suitable frequency, and can be presented to the user as soon as the user accesses a visual presentation screen from which a user can view the available merchandise or place an order for a paid program. The control circuit 42 can determine that a WOW offer (unbelievable!) Is available, using any suitable method. The control circuit can detect, for example, a indicator "incredible!" in a band signal transmitted on the channel that carries the product for video. Another suitable method may include that the Internet server 15 indicate that an offer "unbelievable!" is available, in the information supplied to the control circuit 42. After the control circuit 42 detects that an offer "incredible!" this If available, the control circuit 42 may exhibit a modified WOW ("incredible!") Superimposition, 500, as shown in Figure 18 (step 1995), which indicates to the user that an "incredible!" Offer is available. " When a user indicates a desire to request a paid program from within the overlay 500 of Figure 18, the control circuit 42 may exhibit superposition 500 of Figure 19 (step 2000). A user may request a paid program and a corresponding offer "unbelievable!", For example by selecting a broadcast schedule of the promoted payment program, from the superposition 500 of Figure 19. In response, the control circuit 42 may indicate to user to confirm the request of the offer "incredible!", as shown in Figure 20. Alternatively, a user may indicate a desire to examine the offer "incredible!" without asking for that offer "incredible!" nor a promoted payment program. For example, a user can select the "unbelievable!" selectable, 1405, of Figure 19. In yet another method, a user may indicate a desire to see additional information of the promoted payment program, for example by selecting the "more info" 1903 selectable function. In response, the Control 42 may download additional information (if necessary), and display additional information on the program information screen 2101 of Figure 21 (step 1060). The user can then indicate a desire to examine an offer "incredible!", For example by selecting the "goods" selectable function 106. When a user indicates a desire to request a paid program and the offer "incredible!", Or when a user indicates a desire to examine an offer "incredible!", The control circuit 42 can obtain additional information (if necessary) and display an offer screen "incredible" ! " (step 2010 of Figure 10b). Figure 22 shows an illustrative "incredible" offer screen, 2201. The "incredible" offer screen. 2201 can describe the offer "incredible!" indicating, for example, the price, if the offer depends on the purchase of a paid program, and a brief description of the merchandise offered. After reading the offer, the user can indicate a desire to continue (for example, by selecting "continue"), and the control circuit 42 can respond by obtaining information additional (if necessary), and may display a merchandise screen (step 1080, Figure 10b). Figure 23 shows an illustrative modified merchandise display 2301, in which the user is advised that an offer is an "incredible" offer, and in which the user is given an opportunity to create or cancel the order. Once the user creates the order, the control circuit 42 can obtain additional information (if necessary), and can display a modified order confirmation screen, such as the order confirmation screen 2401 of Figure 24 (step 1090 of Figure 10b). Once the user has requested the payment program and, if you wish, although it is not required, you have requested an offer "incredible!", the control circuit 42 can make the user tune to the channel in which the paid program goes (if it is being broadcast at that moment), or you can have the user return to the video product from which the paid program was ordered, and display the thank-you indicator ("thank you") 2503, as shown in Figure 25 (step 2025). The "thanks" indicator 2503 can be displayed for a predefined period of time, and then it can be removed from the screen by the control circuit 42. Figure 26 shows an illustrative overlay 500 that can be displayed by the control circuit 42 for provide a user with an opportunity to request a paid program when an "incredible" offer is not available. For purposes of illustration, assume that the program being promoted is "Starship Troopers." After the user indicates a desire to order the promoted payment program, for example by pressing a "request" key or another suitable key on the remote control 40, the control circuit 42 may exhibit the overlay 520 of Figure 26 (step 2020) ). The overlay 520 can provide a user with an opportunity to obtain more information about the paid program, to request the paid program, or to return to the product for video, which in this example is the channel of promotional videos. If the user requests the payment program, for example by selecting the "request" function 106, the control circuit 42 can tune to the user the channel in which the paid program goes (if it is being broadcast at that moment), or have the user return to the video product from which the paid program was ordered, and display the "thank you" indicator 2503 (Figure 25, step 2025). The "thank you" indicator 2503 can be displayed for a predefined period of time and then it can be removed from the screen by the control circuit 42. Users can also be provided with an opportunity to set reminders of their requests for paid programs. In response to the action of a user making or confirming a paid program order, for example, the control circuit 42 may obtain additional information (if necessary) from the Internet server 15. Additional information may include, for example, a unique identifier for the program and its broadcasting time. The additional information may further include a window for setting reminders, which is displayed by the control circuit 42 on the user's television equipment 22 (step 2030).

An illustrative reminder window, 2701, is shown in Figure 27. The reminder window 2701 can provide a user with an opportunity to review their order, obtain more information about the paid order program, and set a reminder for the paid program. A user may indicate a desire to set a reminder, for example by selecting the "Yes" function 106. Reminders can be established using any suitable method. For example, the control circuit 42 can supply the Internet server 15 with a unique identifier of the requested payment program, and a unique address for the television equipment of the user 22. At an appropriate time before the airing of the paid program , the Internet server 15 can send a message to the user's television equipment 22 using any suitable protocol, such as the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). The control circuit 42 may receive the message, determine that there is a reminder (e.g., from the information in the message header), and display a reminder on the user's television equipment 22 (step 2040). In an alternative method, the Internet server 15 can supply the reminder information to an interactive television programming guide implemented at least partially in the box that is placed on the television, 28. When the control circuit 42 obtains additional information from the Internet server 15 for the guidance, the Internet server 15 can retrieve the reminder information and supply it to the control circuit, based, for example, on the unique address of the user's television equipment 22. At an appropriate time, the programming guide may display a reminder on the user's television equipment 22 (step 2040). An illustrative reminder is shown in Figure 28. The reminder 2801 can indicate to the user that the paid payment program is beginning, and instruct the user to tune to the channel in which the paid program goes. In response to the selection by the user of the "Yes" function 106, for example, the control circuit 42 can tune the channel. Yes If desired, a "thank you" indicator may be displayed, such as the "thank you" indicator 2503 of Figure 23. An order may be rejected. For example, a user may have configurations for parental control, established with a television product, that prevent an order. As an alternative, a control code on the part of parents may not be established, and the request may be rejected because the paid program does not meet the predetermined settings for parental control. Another reason for an order to be rejected may be the existence of a conflict of orders. The control circuit 42 can determine that an order should be rejected, using any suitable method. The control circuit 42 can store a list of paid programs ordered and their broadcast times, and consult the broadcast schedule of the program that is being requested. The control circuit 42 may also store a list of configurations for control by the parents, which control circuit You can compare with the program that a user wants to ask for. As an alternative, an interactive television programming guide can monitor the payments per event and formulate an appropriate order to the control circuit 42 to display a "rejected order" window. If there is a conflict or other situation that requires a request to be rejected, the control circuit 42 may exhibit a rejected order window, such as the rejected order window 2901 shown in Figure 29 (step 2050). Figure 30 shows another example of synchronization between the information provided by the Internet related to television, and the videos of the product for video. A channel of promotional videos can, for example, periodically display advertisements for programs, such as advertisements for paid programs. The control circuit 42 may obtain (or have obtained) program announcement information relating to the paid programs listed, and display the information in the 500 overlay. In this example, "As Good as It Gets" appears first in the list and overlay 500 displays its information about program announcements. The control circuit 42 may display the program announcement information referred to "Tomorrow Never Dies" or "Starship Troopers", for example, in response to a user's action of moving with a downward arrow. So far, the analysis of Figures 11-30 has described illustrative ways in which a video product of the channel type of promotional videos can be intensified by means of information provided by the Internet and associated with television. A video product of the passive guidance type can also be intensified in similar ways. For purposes of illustration, a product that is a passive guide will be described and intensified using some of the same screens and overlays as shown in Figures 11-30. In response to the action of a user tuning a passive guidance channel, the control circuit 42 can detect that the user has tuned the passive guidance channel, and can consult the Internet server 15 about additional information related to television, for the video product that is a passive guide (step 3000). If there is no additional information, the control circuit 42 can provide the user with access to the product which is a passive guide, in its original form, as shown, for example, in Figures 2a and 2b (step 3010). If the Internet server 15 has additional information, the control circuit 42 can obtain the information and intensify the content and functionality of the product which is a passive guide, as shown, for example, in Figures 31a and 31b (step 3020). ). Additional information may include, for example, an interactive schedule of program announcements, defined by one or more documents with markup language. The control circuit 42 can overlay the passive program announcement grid, of Figures 2a and 2b, with the interactive grid 3201. The users can navigate within the grid 3201, for example moving with the arrow up, down, to the left or to the right, to place the highlight region 151 on a program advertisement. Users can access the additional information referred to a advertisement highlighted, for example, by pressing an "info" key on the remote control 40. When a user indicates a desire to access additional information, the control circuit 42 may obtain additional information from the Internet server 15 (if necessary), and may display a program information screen for the selected program, such as the program information screen 1401 of Figure 14 (e.g., step 1060 of Figure 10a). Users can also see program advances associated with the ads. The intensified passive guide can, for example, indicate that a program has an available preview, labeling a program announcement with an icon, such as the camera icon 3103. A user can indicate a desire to access a preview, for example, by pressing an "OK" key in the remote control 40 when an advertisement having the camera icon 3103 is highlighted by the highlight region 151. In response, the control circuit 43 may obtain additional information from Internet server 15 (if necessary), and display a projection room, such as that shown in Figure 15 (e.g., step 1070). From the projection room, the control circuit can give a user an opportunity to, for example, see the progress, access a merchandise screen and order a merchandise (for example, steps 1080 and 1090), or access a channel of promotional videos. If a program advertisement refers to a paid program, the control circuit 42 can provide the user with an opportunity to order the paid program (e.g., steps 1995 and 2020), and set a reminder, if desired (e.g. step 2030). An interactive television programming guide can also be intensified by information provided by the Internet related to television. For clarity, the following analysis will be based on a system in which the control circuit in the user's television equipment 22 enhances the functionality and content of the interactive presentation guide's visual display screen. Other methods can also be used. In guides based on a client-server layout, such as the system described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application. Marshall et al, Serial No. 09 / 330,501, filed on June 11, 1999, the visual presentation screens of the guide can be changed by a suitable computer equipment located in the television distribution facility 16. The circuit of control 42 can, for example, overlay the screens of the guide with screens defined by documents with dialing language supplied by Internet, or you can obtain additional information and supply the information to the guide for its display in the visual presentation screens of the programming guide. The control circuit 42 can detect that a user has accessed an interactive guide and consult Internet server 15 about additional information (step 4000). If there is no additional information, the control circuit can provide the user with access to an interactive guidance screen in its original form, such as the main menu screen 100 of Figure 5 (step 4010). If the Internet server 15 has additional information, The control circuit can obtain the information and intensify the content and functionality of the product which is an interactive guide. For example, menu 102 in Figure 5 provides users of the interactive guide with an opportunity to access advertisements for paid programs by time and by title. In response to an indication by the user of a desire to view advertisements for paid programs, the control circuit 42 may obtain additional information such as program announcement data (if necessary), and may display an advertisement screen of programs, such as program advertisement screen 1301 of Figure 13. From a program advertisement screen, a user can access other enhanced functions, such as viewing additional program information (eg, step 1060), requesting paid programs (eg, , steps 1995 and 2020), buy a merchandise (for example, steps 1080, 1090 and 2010), see program progress (for example, step 1070), or any other suitable function. Additional functions that provide users with access to similar functions can also be accessed from the display screens of the programming guide. Interactive guides can, for example, provide users with an opportunity to order paid programs by pressing a "ask" key on the remote control 40, after highlighting an advertisement for a paid program. In response, the control circuit 42 may, for example, exhibit an overlay for order, such as those shown in Figures 18 and 26 (e.g., steps 1995 and 2020), and give the user an opportunity to request a payment program. Interactive guides can ^ * A '-,: also provide users with an opportunity to order goods related to programs, by pressing a "merchandise" function from a screen of additional information about programs. In response, the control circuit 42 may, for example, display a goods screen and provide users with an opportunity to confirm their orders (e.g., steps 1080 and 1090). These functions are only illustrative, since using the Internet resources can be increased (or if desired, added) any number of functions of the programming guide. Preferably, the visual presentation screens that intensify an interactive guide are designed with an appearance similar to that of the guide, so that the provision of data over the Internet and the intensification of the guide become transparent to the user. For example, a program advertisement screen displaying advertisements for paid programs can be downloaded in the form of a document with a dialing language that looks like a program guide ad screen. The downloaded screen may include the camera icon 3103 to indicate to a user that a video feed is available. Figure 32, for example, shows how the program advertisement screen of Figure 8a can be intensified in this way. In response to the selection by a user of a program advertisement, with a camera icon 3103, for example, the control circuit 42 may provide the user with an opportunity to view the progress from a projection room (eg, step 1070). Another function of the present invention is to deliver * ". ^ fr¿rfi ^ > ^ - WCS5fe > -k-reminders related to programming, together with a merchandise that was ordered by a user using a product related to television.This function of the present invention can be used, for example, in interactive television programming guidance systems that provide users with an opportunity to order goods, such as the guide described in connection with Figures 5-8c and 32. Such systems may include programming guides based on boxes that are placed on the television, based on a client-server and Internet-based arrangement, this function can also be used in relation to other television-related products that provide users with an opportunity to order merchandise, such as products for intensified video described in relation to Figures 9a-31b.The marketing facility 10 of Figure 1 may have the computer 3 and the printer 5 to print reminders related to the programming, to be delivered together with the merchandise that is delivered to the users. In an appropriate method, merchandise requests that are delivered to the merchandising facility 12 may include program identifiers that are associated with the merchandise ordered. A merchandise request for the order shown in Figure 16, for example, can identify the "Stargate SG-1" as a related program. A merchandise request for the order shown in Figure 23, for example, can identify "Tomorrow Never Dies" as a related program. If desired, the computer 3 «T-w-S- & jftu-c < «8fea» -aaM -. ^ .- * $ at £ a * j &jsjk. »* St *; > g? J8?? -, s, sk:, '* e? t?! & s _ may have a copy of the database stored by the data source 14, and may consult the database on information of programming related to the indicated program. The computer 3 can direct the printer 5 to print a reminder indicating, for example, the broadcast schedules of the related programs (for example, "Stargate SG-1 or" Tomorrow Never Dies ") for the current month. Reminder can be delivered along with the ordered merchandise.Another suitable example can be reminders delivered along with food ordered by a user using a product related to television.An offer "unbelievable!"For example, you can include a free pizza with the order of a paid program. When a user requests the paid program, a merchandise request can be supplied by the Internet server 15, the television distribution facility 16, or the user's television equipment 22, to the merchandising facility 10. The merchandise request You can indicate the payment program requested. In this example, the merchandising facility 10 may include a computer system for a pizza concessionaire that transmits the order to a local member of the concessionaire. The local member can print an appropriate reminder, and can deliver the reminder with the pizza. Figure 33 shows a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved to provide users with an opportunity to purchase goods, and to provide reminders, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The steps shown in Figure 33 are i-'í ._ ^ »MHÍ-8S -» - t-7 only illustrative and can be executed in an appropriate order. A user is given an opportunity to order merchandise using a product related to television, in step 3301. The product related to television can be an interactive television programming guide, an intensified video product, or any other suitable product. After a user orders the merchandise, the product related to the television can generate a merchandise request (step 3310). The merchandise request can be supplied to the marketing facility 10, using any suitable method (step 3320). The control circuit 42 may, for example, supply the request to the merchandising facility 10 through an appropriate link, such as a dial-up, Ethernet, Internet, or DOCSIS link. As an alternative, the television distribution facility can deliver the request to the marketing facility 10. In yet another method, the Internet server 15 can receive a merchandise request from the user's television equipment 22 or the television distribution facility 16, and supply the request to the marketing facility 10. The marketing facility 10 can print the reminder (step 3330), and deliver the reminder to the user (step 3340). The reminder can be delivered with the merchandise ordered or at any other suitable time. The reminder can be delivered before the goods ordered when, for example, the goods are sold out. The reminder can be delivered z fe i ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ d d d i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i. Sf < - &- »g &tt« Ssfe ^ »* after the merchandise when, for example, the merchandise is delivered long before the time when a program associated with the merchandise is issued. illustrative of the principles of this invention, and various modifications may be introduced by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. fifteen twenty

Claims (36)

1. CLAIMS 1. A system in which a product related to television, supplied to a user, is intensified by means of information provided by the Internet related to television, characterized by comprising: a main installation configured to supply the information provided by Internet related to television , and product information related to television; 10 an Internet server configured to receive the information provided by the Internet related to television, and to distribute the information provided by Internet related to television; a television distribution facility configured to receive the product information related to television, and to distribute the product information related to television; and a television user equipment configured to obtain Internet-related information provided by the Internet related to television from the Internet server, to receive television product information from the television distribution facility, and to display a television screen. visual presentation that includes the information provided by the Internet related to television, with the product information related to television, as if the information provided by the Internet related to television was part of the product related to television, so that the visual presentation screen does not warn the user of the fact that the information provided by the Internet related to television is being provided by the Internet separately from the product information related to television.
2. 2. The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the product related to television is an interactive television programming guide; the information provided by Internet related 10 with television includes additional program information; and the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to display a program information screen, in response to the user's action of indicating a desire to access additional information of a program, where the program information screen ( 1401) contains the additional information of the program.
3. 3. The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes a video clip; and the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to display the video clip on a projection room display screen (1501), when a user indicates a desire to watch the video clip.
4. 4. The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the information provided by Internet related • '? Ejs t? S with television includes merchandise information; and the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to display the merchandise information on a merchandise display screen (1601). The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes information related to a special commercial opportunity; and the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to indicate to a user that information related to a special business opportunity is available, and to display information related to a special business opportunity, in response to a user's action. to indicate a desire to examine the special business opportunity. The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to the television includes information of payments by event; and the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to display the pay-per-view information, and to provide a user with an opportunity to order the paid program. The system defined in claim 1, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to the television includes information of reminders; Y the user's television equipment (22) is further configured to display a reminder, based on the reminder information. 8. A system (103) in which users are given an opportunity to order merchandise related to television, using a product related to television that has at least one display screen, characterized by comprising: a computer user television (22) configured to display the display screens and to 10 provide the user with an opportunity to order goods using at least one of the display screens; and a merchandising facility (10) configured to supply the user with goods the user requested, and to provide the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested. The system defined in claim 19, characterized in that the merchandising facility (10) is further configured to provide the user with a reminder, along with the merchandise the user requested. The system defined in claim 19, characterized in that the merchandising facility (10) is further configured to provide the user with a reminder, before supplying the user with the merchandise the user requested. The system defined in claim 19, characterized in that the marketing facility (10) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ after supplying the user with the merchandise that the user requested. 12. A system (103) in which an interactive television programming guide based on a client-server arrangement is intensified by means of information provided by the Internet related to television, characterized by comprising: a main installation (12) configured to supply the information provided by Internet related 10 with television, and data from the programming guide; an Internet server (15) configured to receive the information provided by the Internet related to television and to distribute the information provided by the Internet, related to television; a television distribution facility (16) comprising: a configured receiving system (23) for receiving the data of the programming guide and the information provided by the Internet related to television; a screen generator (28) configured to generate a visual presentation screen of an interactive television programming guide, in response to the requests of an interactive television programming guide client implemented in the user's television equipment, where the screen The visual presentation of the interactive television programming guide includes the information provided by Internet related to television, with the information of the guide of programming, as if the information provided by the Internet, related to television, was part of the interactive television programming guide, so that the visual presentation screen does not warn the user of the fact that the information provided by the Internet related to television it is being delivered by Internet separately from the information referred to the interactive television programming guide; and a distribution equipment (21) configured to distribute the visual presentation screens of the guide 10 programming to the user's television equipment (22), to be displayed by the interactive television programming guide client. 13. A method to be used in a system in which a product related to television, supplied to a user, is intensified by means of information supplied 15 on the Internet related to television, characterized by understanding: providing information related to television and information related to the product related to television; distributing the information related to the television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link; distribute the product information related to television through a second link (18); and display on the user's television equipment a visual presentation screen that displays the information related to television, with the product information related to television, as if the information related to television was part of the product related to television, so that the visual presentation screen does not warn the user of the fact that the related information with television, distributed by the first link, it is being delivered by Internet separately from the product information related to television. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: 10 the product related to television is an interactive television programming guide; the action of distributing the information related to television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link, includes distributing additional information of programs; and 15 the action of displaying on the user's television equipment a visual display screen displaying the information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying a program information screen (1401), in response to the user's action to indicate a desire to access 20 additional information about a program, where the program information screen contains the additional program information. 15. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: the information related to television and supplied by the Internet includes a video clip; the action of distributing the information related to television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link, comprises distributing the video clip; and the action of displaying on the user's television equipment (22) a display screen that displays information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying the video clip on a visual presentation screen of the projection room (1501), in response to the action of a user of 10 indicate a desire to see the video clip. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: information related to television and provided by the Internet includes merchandise information; the action of distributing the information related to the television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link, comprises distributing the merchandise information; and the action of displaying on the user's television equipment (22) a display screen displaying the information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying the merchandise information on a television screen. visual presentation of goods (1601). 17. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes information referred to an opportunity gate .-. - - «,. J ». i- Afau ^ v. ^ < ¿. to. > r-¿s * St & í? *! $ th¡é? * as ~. ...? B & amp; & & & & ... "? ^ ** .fa-A &» irt ~ a ££, special commercial, the action of distributing information related to television by a first link (19) which includes an Internet link, comprises distributing the information referred to a special commercial opportunity, the method further comprising indicating to a user that the information referred to a special commercial opportunity is available, and the action of displaying on the television equipment of the user (22) a display screen displaying the information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying the information referred to a special commercial opportunity, in response to the action of a user to indicate a desire to examine the special commercial opportunity 18. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: the information related to television and supplied by r Internet includes information regarding payments by event; the action of distributing the information related to television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link, includes distributing the information referred to the payments by event; the action of displaying on the user's television equipment (22) a visual presentation screen displaying the information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying the information referred to the payments by event; and further comprising the method providing a user with an opportunity to order the paid program. The method defined in claim 25, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes information regarding reminders; the action of distributing the information related to television by a first link (19) that includes an Internet link, includes distributing the information referred to reminders; the action of displaying on the user's television equipment (22) a visual presentation screen displaying the information related to television, with the product information related to television, comprises displaying a reminder based on the information referred to reminders . 20. A method to be used in a system in which users are given an opportunity to order merchandise related to television, using a product related to television, which has at least one display screen, characterized by understanding : provide a user with an opportunity to order merchandise, using at least one of the visual presentation screens; provide the user with goods that the user requested; Provide the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested. 21. The method defined in claim 43, characterized in that providing the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises supplying the user with a reminder together with the merchandise the user requested. The method defined in claim 43, characterized in that providing the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises providing the user with a reminder before supplying the user with the merchandise the user requested. 23. The method defined in claim 43, characterized in that providing the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises providing the user with a reminder after supplying the user with the merchandise the user requested. 24. A method to be used in a system in which an interactive television programming guide based on a client-server arrangement is intensified by information related to television and provided by the Internet, characterized by understanding: supplying the information related to the television and provided by the Internet and the data of the 20 programming; generating a visual presentation screen of an interactive television programming guide, in response to the requests of an interactive television programming guide client implemented in the user's television team (22), where the visual presentation screen of the television guide ? fa "AÍ-t-" éS .- ***. , ^., ._ • - ^? »-» £ a »- > - ^^ ^ ,, J. . ^ I -. ^.., Interactive television programming includes information related to television and provided by Internet with the data of the programming guide, as if the information related to television and provided by Internet was part of the guide of interactive television programming, so that the visual presentation screen does not warn the user of the fact that the information related to television and provided by Internet is being delivered by Internet separately from the information referred to the interactive television programming guide; and distributing the visual presentation screens of the programming guide to the user's television equipment (22), to be displayed by the interactive television programming guide client. 25. A system (103) in which a product related to television, supplied to a user, is intensified by information provided by the Internet related to television, characterized by comprising: a means to supply (14) information related to television. television and product information related to television; means for distributing (15) information related to television over an Internet link; a means for distributing (24) the product information related to television; and means for displaying (22) a display screen that includes information related to television and product information related to the television, as if the information related to television was part of the product related to television, so that the visual presentation screen does not warn the user of the fact that the information related to television is being delivered over the Internet in addition to the information of the television. product related to television. 26. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the product related to television is an interactive television programming guide; the means for distributing (15) information related to television over an Internet link comprises distributing additional program information; and the means for displaying (22) a display screen that includes information related to television and product information related to television comprises a means for displaying a program information screen., in response to the user's action to indicate a desire to access additional information about a program, where the program information screen (1401) contains the additional program information. 27. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes a video clip; the means for distributing (15) information related to television over an Internet link comprises distributing the video clip; Y the means for displaying a visual display screen that includes information related to television and television product information, comprises a means for displaying the video clip on a projection room visual display screen (1501), in response to the action of a user indicating a desire to see the video clip. 28. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes merchandise information; the means for distributing (15) the information related to television over an Internet link comprises distributing the merchandise information; and the means for displaying (22) a display screen that includes information related to television and product information related to television, comprises a means for displaying merchandise information on a merchandise display screen (1601). 29. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes information referring to a special commercial opportunity; the means for distributing (15) information related to television over an Internet link comprises a means for distributing information related to a special business opportunity; the system further comprises a means for indicating to a user that information related to a special business opportunity is available; and the means for displaying a display screen (22) that includes information related to television and information related to the product related to television, comprises a means to display information related to a special commercial opportunity, in response to a action of a user indicating a desire to examine the special business opportunity. 30. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to television includes information on payments per event; the means for distributing (15) the information related to television over an Internet link comprises a means for distributing the information on a per-event basis; the means for displaying (22) a display screen that includes information related to television and product information related to television, comprises a means to display the information on a per-event basis; and the system further comprises a means to provide a user with an opportunity to order the paid program. The system defined in claim 49, characterized in that: the information provided by the Internet related to the television includes information of reminders; the means for distributing (15) the information related to television over an Internet link, comprises a means for distributing reminder information; and the means for displaying (22) a display screen that includes information related to television and product information related to television, comprises a means for displaying a reminder based on the reminder information. 32. A system (103) in which users are given an opportunity to order merchandise related to television, using a product related to television that has at least one display screen, characterized by comprising: a medium ( 22) to provide a user with an opportunity to order goods using at least one of the display screens; a means for supplying the user with goods that the user requested; a means to provide the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested. The system defined in claim 67, characterized in that the means for supplying the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises a means for providing the user with a reminder together with the merchandise the user requested . 34. The system defined in claim 68, characterized in that the means for providing the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises a means for providing the user with a reminder before supplying the user with the merchandise that the user asked. 35. The system defined in claim 68, characterized in that the means for supplying the user with a reminder indicating a program associated with the merchandise the user requested, comprises a means for providing the user with a reminder after supplying the user with the merchandise that the user asked 36. A system (103) in which an interactive television programming guide based on a client-server arrangement is intensified by information provided by the Internet related to television, characterized by comprising: a means to supply (15) the information provided by Internet related to television, and data of the programming guide; a means for generating a visual presentation screen of an interactive television programming guide, in response to the requests of an interactive television programming guide client implemented on the user's television equipment, where the visual presentation screen of the television guide Interactive television programming includes the information provided by Internet related to television, with the data of the programming guide, as if the information TflÉlMrfff f rríiriTiirtn r • - t ^ flMMd 'A ^ - ^ -. ^ - ^. > ^ _Ü_ - < -. provided by Internet related to television was part of the guide of interactive television programming, so that the screen of visual presentation does not warn the user of the fact that the information provided by Internet related to the television is being delivered by Internet separately from the information referred to the interactive television programming guide; and a means for distributing the visual presentation screens of the programming guide to the user's television equipment, to be displayed by the customer's guide. 10 interactive television programming. fifteen twenty ^ H j ^ j «**** &., - te» ^ .. ^