DE19833053B4 - Method for transmitting a video data stream, video sending and receiving systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Method with the following method steps:
Sending a video stream (220);
Formatting additional data files in a graphical markup language (222), each additional data file including instructions for rendering a hyperlink overlay on the video stream, wherein the formatting (222) comprises setting transparent regions of each hyperlink overlay to a key color;
Sending the additional data file along with the video stream (226).

Description

The This invention relates to methods and systems for providing and displaying of additional data content together with transmitted image and sound data (Video and audio).

The Display of moving pictures on a personal computer (PC) more usual. A number of cheaper Enable video capture maps the display of analog video signals on the RGB display surface of a personal computer. Furthermore Soon, higher-quality digital video feeds will be on PCs possible be, the z. B. over Satellites for Distributed Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) or to be spread. With the right hardware, the PCs can use DBS signals, analogue Cable signals and radio signals as well as analog and digital video signals, which are stored locally (eg on a CD or in a video recorder), display and decode.

In In the future, a television signal decoder circuit will be used for both analogue as well as digital signals on all PCs of outstanding Meaning, if not the norm. If the pc has it Allows users or viewers to work with data and video at the same time, to look at them and to use, the PC improves the user's experience or spectator opposite the experiences one can make with a standard television.

In In this new broadcasting environment, the TV channels become the options The PCs want to exploit their digital improvements Provide programs. A transmitter can z. During a transmission a sports program additional statistics want to provide, so that a Viewers detailed information about a specific team or get a player. Similarly, a sender can relevant information about to provide the theme of a documentary broadcast so that the viewer either during or access more detailed information after the shipment can. Another example is the desire to advertise during a program for with products related to the program, such as dolls or other toys during a cartoon for Children.

This Method of delivering data to a PC is in such fields the world particularly attractive, where there is traditionally no good infrastructure for data gives. It is z. India, for example, from its population the middle class comprises about 300 million people (more as the entire population the USA): during Individuals can afford a PC and many have a PC, have little experience with the Internet or high-speed data networks, because the infrastructure of the Telecommunications is underdeveloped. The possibility of delivery of Data services to such places opens up numerous possibilities.

In Some efforts have also been made in recent years to develop something called "interactive television". Interactive TV allows a viewer to connect with a cable television service provider (service provider) to interact. For interactive television systems can be variously improved Introduce features. For the spectators can z. B. interactive programs can be realized. With an interactive Program booklet lets a viewer with cursor control buttons on a remote control to "leaf through" a list of television programs (eg by scrolling; Scroll). A viewer can thus interactively search the program content. Some interactive television systems offer the possibility of having broadcasters together Provide additional data with the video feed.

The European patent application EP 0757485 A2 describes a method of receiving a video stream comprising the steps of transmitting a video stream, formatting additional data files, each additional data file including instructions for rendering a hyperlink overlay on the video stream, and transmitting the additional data file along with the video stream.

method to interactive television broadcasting data files in HTML format, are from the essay "Using IVDS and VBI for Interactive Television "by Hamid Quayyum, published in IEEE Transactions to Consumer Electronics, August 1996, volume 42, No. 3, pages 657 to 666, and the essay "Private Data Broadcasting Using Digital TV and MPEG-2 Transport Stream "by L Atzori, FG B De Natale, M D Gregorio, D D Giusto, IEE Conference Publication IPA 97, July 15-17, 1997, Conference Publication No. 443, pages 453-457 known.

interactive Television systems have not found much acceptance so far. One Obstacle to one wider acceptance is that each system has different standards and protocols used to provide data, which additional data to the main one Video content are. Unless a single system is institutionalized as a norm The transmitters will be additional data in many different formats must provide. This represents a significant impediment.

The invention overcomes this hurdle by using common formats to provide supplemental data along with video broadcasts hen, as well as a method for superimposing the digital data content on the primary video stream.

The Invention allows video encoders, additional data content as HTML files prepare. The HTML files are shown as overlays or overlays (Overlay) with backgrounds prepared, which have a predetermined color key, so that you can with video equipment with color key functions can look at. At the receiver The HTML fades in with the help of the usual Internet browser technology in the same display area as the video being sent, wherein a Farbverschlüs selung is used. This will cause the background of the overlay to appear transparent: the video image only appears in the background areas HTML overlays or overlays.

The The invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments closer to the drawings explained. In the figures shows:

1 a block diagram of a video transmission system according to the invention;

2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary receiver according to the invention;

3 Figure 4 illustrates how video, HTML overlays and image windows are configured in accordance with the invention;

4 and 5 show flowcharts of the preferred method steps according to the invention.

1 shows a video transmission system according to an embodiment of the invention, generally with the reference numeral 10 is designated. The sending system 10 includes a transmission source 12 and several recipients 14 , The transmit source in this embodiment of the invention is a digital satellite system that transmits video content on multiple RF frequencies or channels. Alternatively, the broadcast source may be a traditional terrestrial TV station and associated antenna, cable system, or analog device for transmitting video streams or video streams, and accompanying data in analog or digital form.

In most cases, the send source supports 12 Single-directional (unidirectional) transmissions are predominantly used for unidirectional broadcasts or multicasts to many receivers simultaneously, without the receivers knowing in advance. The transmission source 12 Alternatively, it can support bidirectional transfers. Although for the purpose of explanation only one transmission source 12 is shown, the transmission system may include multiple transmission sources.

The transmission source 12 includes means for transmitting or otherwise transmitting a primary video stream and additional digital data content to receivers 14 on. In the case of digital satellite broadcasting, the additional data can be easily transmitted in digital form along with the video and audio data streams. Protocols, such as MPEG-2, already provide for incorporating additional digital data into packets that are downloaded using the satellite transmitters along with the digital audio / video content. Existing DSS systems contain z. For example, "hints" in MPEG data streams to indicate aspect ratios for proper display by the receivers. Another example is in the analog domain where Philips sells a device called the "Ghost Echo Cancellation Reference Signals". By introducing a known digital stream onto a single analog VBI television line, more sophisticated TVs or personal computers can more easily detect when a multi-way (ghost) signal is received and take measures to get the picture right. There are about 800 television stations in the US using this signal.

If more traditional sources of transmission, such as analogue HF television broadcasts, can use data transmitted in the vertical blanking intervals of the television signal become. This procedure is used today to provide subtitles coded for the hearing impaired (Closed Caption). Digital data transmitted in this way can on various types known in indurstrie from a television signal be extracted - the Most televisions manufactured today can extract encrypted subtitle information and display. For For this purpose there are also external decoders for the encrypted ones Subtitle. additionally There are a number of external entities, the encrypted subtitle data extract and transfer them over send a serial cable to personal computers or other devices. In the younger one It is also possible in the past become encrypted Subtitle data to decode directly within a PC, if newer Video and video matching cards that allow to display a TV signal on a PC.

There are other mechanisms that use digital content to send recipients 14 can be sent. It is Z. For example, it is possible to use a modem or other common network connection for digital data transmission. Network connections such as these are independent of the traditional video transmission media and have the advantage of providing bidirectional data transmission between the two Allow transmission source and the receivers. Transmission equipment such as the Internet can also be used. Cable television networks can also offer similar transmission options. In addition, the latest plans for high resolution digital terrestrial television define channels that can carry any amount of digital pictures (video) or data at 19.3 megabits / second.

you should note that the Audio / video stream and the digital data content each with help different media can be disseminated. While it may be cheap, just a single one Medium to use as the broadcast (through the air) would it be also possible, the digital data content with a physical medium like one To transfer CD-ROM, while the video is delivered using traditional broadcasting techniques. alternative can in some cases both the image and the data with a single physical, transportable Medium, such as a CD-ROM.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission source transmits 12 an analog or digital video stream and provides additional digital data files to accompany the video stream. These data files have digital content provided by the recipients 14 can be recovered next to the video stream. The transmission source 12 also provides time specifications along with the additional data files, which indicate times for displaying the digital content with respect to the video stream.

Of the digital content is preferably in a standardized, usually used graphical markup language (a set of instructions to set up the format and the like of an electronic document). at the preferred embodiment The invention will be additional Data files in a current version of a hypertext markup language (HTML, Hypertext Markup Language) prepared and formatted. This allows broadcasters, usual, to use generally accepted editing tools, such as those that for the Writing content on the Internet / World Wide Web can be used.

Of the additional digital data content preferably includes one or more hyperlinks. Each hyperlink overlay contains one or more hyperlinks. A hyperlink is a displayed area or a displayed item chosen by a viewer or can be activated. Every hyperlink has a destination that has some indicates other content (usually stored in a data file) rendered to the viewer can be. When a hyperlink is activated, its destination is retrieved and reproduced. If the destination z. B. is a text document, the Document is displayed. If the destination is a file containing a contains digitized sound clip, the sound clip is played. The most common use of hyperlinks is to "surf" from one document or object to another.

For those, who are familiar with internet technology, it is obvious that the hyperlink overlays similar to the documents described above (often referred to as "web pages" ), which can be considered if browsing through the World Wide Web of the Internet (browsed). This is a attractive feature of the invention because it allows transmitters the existing tools for developing Internet content to use to design digital supplemental data content.

One Difference to a conventional web page is that a Hyperlink insertion according to the invention has a background on a given key color is set. Background areas, which are set to the key color are, should be transparent. Such a background can be easy be generated by again usual Tools used to develop Internet content, like the web-design program Front Page of Microsoft.

In this embodiment of the invention, the receivers 14 standard personal computers (PCs) with facilities that contain display hardware to receive and display broadcast video streams, such as television signals and digital video broadcasts. The PC is also with a satellite dish 15 connected to receive digital satellite broadcasts, or with a regular antenna to receive analog TV signals.

The display hardware includes bitmap graphics functions for displaying static bitmap images in conjunction with conventional application programs, in addition to the video display functions. Furthermore, the PCs include 14 Video color encryption hardware that may be configured to display images only in display areas that are set to a key color.

Alternatively, the recipients 14 Other types of devices, such as enhanced television units, have similar functions to the PCs described herein.

In one embodiment, the PC is 14 a personal computer with a processor (eg. as an X86 or Pentium ^® -Mikroprozesser of Intel Corporation), a memory, a Computerbil screen (eg VGA or SVGA) and one or more input devices (eg keyboard, mouse, etc.).

The computer 14 has a digital receiver that can receive digital broadcast data in a packet format, such as MPEG encoded video and audio data. Such a digital receiver also has access means for reading additional data files received from satellite broadcasts - the receiver may receive digital data in many different forms, including software programs, program information and other ancillary data in the form of data files.

The PC runs on an operating system that supports multiple applications. The operating system is preferably a multitasking operating system that allows simultaneous execution of multiple applications. The operating system uses a graphical user interface in a Windows environment, which displays the applications or documents in special framed areas of the display screen called "windows." A preferred operating system is a ^Windows® operating system sold by Microsoft Corporation, such as Windows 95 or Windows NT, Windows CE, or another variant of ^Windows® . It should be understood, however, that other operating systems that provide a windowing environment may be used, such as the Macintosh operating system of Apple Computer, Inc. and the IBM OS / 2 operating system.

2 shows an embodiment of the PC 14 with more details. The computer 14 was upgraded to TV broadcasts and motherboard (not shown) with a processor 52 . (eg: a X86 or Pentium ^® microprocessor of Intel Corporation and a volatile memory 54 , The volatile memory 55 in combination with a non-volatile memory 55 forms the program memory 56 , The non-volatile memory 55 includes a floppy disk, hard disk, CD-ROM or other type of computer readable storage medium. Application programs containing instructions for carrying out the steps described herein are included in the storage medium.

The computer 14 includes a digital receiver 58 for transmissions such as a satellite dish receiver, a radio frequency receiver, a microwave receiver or the like. The digital recipient 58 receives digital data transmissions over a broadcast network, such as a satellite network. The recipient 58 is with a tuning device (tuner) 60 connected, which adjusts to the frequencies or channels of the transmission network. The tuning device 60 has one or two main components: a specialized digital broadcast tuner and / or a general digital broadcast tuner. The specialized digital broadcast tuner is configured to receive digital broadcast data in a particular format, such as MPEG encoded digital video and audio data. The general digital broadcast tuner is configured to receive data in many different forms, including software programs and other ancillary data.

The tuner 60 is with the motherboard and the data processor 52 via a multi-bit bus 62 connected, such as a 32-bit PCI bus (a "peripheral component interconnect bus" for connecting peripherals). An optional encryption device 64 provides encryption services to the client, such as encryption, decryption, authentication and digital signing.

The computer 14 has a video subsystem 66 that with the PCI bus 62 connected is. Video and audio data are from the tuner 60 over the PCI bus 62 to the video subsystem 66 transfer. In some embodiments, the tuner hardware decodes the MPEG stream itself without the data going over the PCI bus, respectively. In such systems, the uncompressed, raw YUV video becomes the video subsystem card via a simple wire connection 66 Posted. In the embodiment shown, the video subsystem comprises 66 however, a circuit for decoding MPEG encoded or other video data formats. The video subsystem 66 also has video display drivers for driving a computer screen 68 on.

The video subsystem supports in addition to the screen 68 many peripherals. The video subsystem 66 can z. B. with a laser video player 70 for playing DVD (digital video discs), with a game device 72 for playing video games and with a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) 74 for recording programs. The video subsystem 66 can also use an analog television broadcasting system 76 to receive common television signals from a cable TV or RF television broadcasting system. This allows backward compatibility with analog television systems.

The video subsystem 66 also has color-coding features that facilitate the integration of static bitmap video. In encryption, an application program or operating system configures the video subsystem to provide a video stream in a rectangular area or "viewing window" of the screen 68 in conjunction with each bitmap image placed there by the execution software. In fact, the video subsystem overwrites the normal bit map displayed image with the video stream. However, the video subsystem is configured to overwrite only the portions of the bitmapped image that are set to a predetermined color or chroma key value. Thus, bitwise mapping can be made to have "transparent" areas or areas set to the color key value. The video stream is displayed only in these transparent areas so that the bitwise image appears as if it is above the video stream.

Tseng Labs, Cirrus Logic, Brooktree, ATI and S3 are examples of companies produce such video subsystems.

The screen 68 is preferably a VGA or SVGA monitor, as is common in personal computers, as opposed to a standard television. In the embodiment shown, the PC converts 14 the television-related data is not in the NTSC (National Television System Committee) format. The computer 14 can therefore produce TV data that has better quality when displayed on the VGA screen. Other embodiments may convert images from VGA to NTSC format for display on a standard television screen where they would then have comparatively lower graphics resolution.

The computer 14 includes a second bus 130 like an ISA bus (ISA = Industry Standard Architecture), which comes with the motherboard and the data processor 52 connected is. An audio card 132 is with the ISA bus 130 connected and serves as an interface to several sound output devices, such as conventional speakers. An amplifier may be connected between the audio card and the speakers as desired. The audio card is also with the video subsystem 66 connected to receive decoded audio signals. The audio card 132 can with a stereo system 134 so that sound data can be output to the stereo system for better sound quality and recording. Newer computer systems may alternatively support the sending of digital audio data streams outside the PC via a universal serial bus connection or an IEEE 1394 connection to an external converter. In this case, you do not need an internal sound card and get a much better sound fidelity.

A CD-ROM (or DVD) drive 136 is with the ISA bus 130 connected. That from the CD-ROM (or DVD) drive 136 generated sound output is sent to the audio card 132 passed.

The computer 14 includes a modem 138 like a fax / data modem at 14.4 or 28.8 kbps using the ISA bus 130 connected is. The modem 138 Connects to a regular telephone line and provides access to public networks, including the Internet. The modem 138 can be used to directly access and download data and additional content from an independent service provider (service provider). It can also be used to download additional data files coming from a broadcast source. In addition, the modem can 138 for bidirectional data transmission to / from the broadcast source or other entity providing broadcast related services.

An input / output adapter (I / O adapter) 140 is with the ISA bus 130 and interfaces with many I / O devices, including a digital tape drive 142 , a floppy disk drive 144 and a hard disk drive 146 , With the I / O adapter 140 is also a remote receiver 138 for receiving signals from the remote cordless keyboard 66 and a remote control handset 38 connected in an IR or HF format. Alternatively, the keyboard and the hand controller may be wired directly to the computer. The I / O adapter 140 also provides standard serial ports, including a port COM1 150 , a port COM2 152 and a port LPT1 154 , An IR sneder (not shown) can be connected to port COM1 150 be coupled and generate infrared signals to control electronic devices, such as stereos, VCRs and the like. The computer 60 can also be connected directly to these components.

According to the invention, the PC 14 programmed or configured to receive a digital video stream and HTML files from a broadcast source and display the video stream in conjunction with the hyperlinks defined by the HTML files.

3 shows how this is achieved. A pop-up window 200 opens to display a hyperlink overlay. The video subsystem 66 is configured to show the video stream in a viewing port 201 indicates its size and position with the popup window 200 matches. The video subsystem is also configured to display the video stream only in the areas of the hyperlink overlay that are not set to the default key color. Nontransparent sections of the hyperlink overlay thus appear "through" the video stream, and it looks like they are over the video stream. The best example of this behavior is perhaps the weather report on TV, where the speaker seems to "float" in front of the weather map. A frame window 202 is also used to the edges a pop-up window 200 and a viewing opening 201 narrow. These three components are configured to appear as a single window to a user. The operating software is configured so that the user can move and resize the components as a single unit.

The pop-up window 200 is preferably realized with the ActiveX ^® control, which was specially designed to display documents in HTML format. This HTML control ActiveX ^® is configured so that it allows browsing or surfing between the documents by activating hyperlinks. ^ActiveX® is a replaceable component standard defined by Microsoft Corporation. The setting options of ActiveX ^® are display units that allow a user or viewer to interact with programs via the display. In this case, the controller displays a document in HTML form, but allows the user to activate hyperlinks and finds the targets of those hyperlinks and displays them. Alternatively, a conventional HTML browser can be used to display the hyperlinks.

Instead of It is also possible to assign hyperlinks to displayed glyphs Completely transparent image mask (if you use HTML terminology) to generate that over the video is laid. This results in "hot spots" on the screen that are clicked can, to trigger an action. An example of this can be the generation of a hot one Point in the picture of the body to be an actor; clicking the hot spot would reveal what the person thinks. Another example: a user could Tim Allen's Binford saw during one Click on the sequence of "Tool-Time", to get more information, eg. B. where to buy such a saw can.

Hyperlink overlays can be provided in groups that correspond to a particular video stream, what a surfing between the different individual overlays the group allowed. A related group of impressions can z. B. delivered to a PC before a particular episode a weekly TV show starts. The first of the overlays would appear at the beginning of the episode, and the viewer could then follow the hyperlinks as you wish to the other overlays to see the group.

Alternatively, time and other information may be provided to the PC along with data transfer packets in which the impressions are transmitted. The time information indicates times relative to the video stream at which certain overlays should be displayed. Hyperlinks can be activated to suppress certain time limits. An alternative method of synchronizing the video that does not rely on particular times in relation to the video stream is the use of encoded closed caption text. By examining the encoded subtitle stream, the occurrence of certain events can be triggered based on the actors' expressing certain words on the screen as reference marks. This technology is in the patent US 6637032 B1 entitled "System and Method For Synchronizing Content With A Video Program Using Closed Captioning", filed January 6, 1997. This application is referred to by the Microsoft Corporation.

The computer 14 uses a cell-based algorithm to process multiple overlays so that one overlay can be temporarily suppressed by another. The transmission of an emergency message can, for. These include overlays that override a regularly scheduled show. When the emergency message transmission is completed, the previous overlays are restored.

4 shows preferred method steps that from the transmitting sources 12 be carried out according to the invention. A step 220 includes sending a video stream or video stream. The video stream may be in one of many formats, such as a traditional analog RF television format or a digital format derived from a satellite or cable transmitter.

A step 222 includes the formatting of additional data files in a graphical markup language, preferably HTML. Each additional HTML data file includes commands to play a hyperlink page or an onscreen video stream at a specified time. Each overlay may have transparent areas or areas set to a key color or chroma color. Slides may also contain hyperlinks to other overlays or to other non-overlay documents and objects.

A step 224 includes associating the additional data files with the video stream. This step is performed by specifying, along with the video stream, control data, such as timing parameters, which indicate times for displaying the hyperlinks to the video stream. Note that the additional files are sent before they are needed, with the data transfer speed mitbe is considered.

A step 226 involves sending the additional data files along with the video stream. As already explained, this can be done using the built-in functions of the digital transmission medium or taking advantage of the vertical blanking interval of a traditional television signal.

5 shows the steps taken by the PC 14 or another recipient. A step 230 includes receiving the video stream and the accompanying additions from the broadcast source. A step 232 involves displaying the video stream on a display device in a viewing aperture using color-coding technology so that the video stream is actually displayed only in those areas of the display that are set to a given key color or chroma color.

A step 234 includes displaying the hyperlinks overlays defined by the additional data files on the display device in conjunction with the video stream. If the impressions were previously stored in a cache, this step involves retrieving the impressions from the cache memory. Control data received along with the additional data files is used in this step to link hyperlink pages or overlays to the video stream. As a result, the impressions are displayed at the times indicated by the timing specifications included in the control data and not at the time they are received.

In the standard case, the ActiveX ^® control is used to display the hyperlinks and to allow surfing in the system using hyperlinks in the overlays. The ActiveX ^{® control} is configured to occupy the same area as the video stream viewport. The video stream is therefore played back in the transparent areas of the hyperlinks. In some cases, the PC can 14 In fact, the controller ActiveX ^® in advance or reproduce, although this control is made visible only at the right time. This avoids delays in the display of impressions.

alternative can Control data Define multimedia objects that are not transparent Hyperlinks are. If this is the case, a separate Application, like an HTML-compatible browser, around by an extra Play data file defined objects. Such an application program becomes in his own, independent Window started, and in the case of visually aligned objects it can be viewed along with the video stream.

As noted, the control data transferred along with the additional data files indicates how the additional data files are to be processed. The control data mainly indicates the times at which the data files should be rendered or visualized. In addition, the control data indicates what should happen when a user activates a hyperlink in a display. Activating a hyperlink generally causes its target to be displayed or otherwise rendered. However, there are two options where the target of a hyperlink is another transparent overlay: the target can either replace the currently displayed overlay, or the target can be viewed by an independent browser in a new window that is opened just for this purpose , If the target of the hyperlink is not a transparent overlay, there is only one way: the target will be displayed in a new window by launching a suitable application program. The step 234 thus includes launching application programs as needed to render content targeted by the hyperlinks that are not overlays.

In the PC environment described above, these steps are controlled by the data processor 52 while executing program instructions executed in program memory 56 are stored.

While the Invention mainly was described in connection with transmitted video streams mentioned, that the video streams can also be provided by other means, such as local storage (hard disks, DVD, CD, VCR, etc.). The invention also brings in connection with such video sources advantages. A movie can z. B. on one DVD together with a group of transparent HTML overlay files be provided, which can be used together with the film. alternative a movie can be provided on a DVD, and the overlay files are downloaded from an internet source.

It should also be noted that even with broadcast sources, the transmission of the additional data files need not occur simultaneously with the transmission of the video streams. Rather, with some systems, it may be desirable to send overlay files to the user overnight, and then use them the next day. Control data indicates with which programs the overlay files should be linked, and the software of the The user's PC retrieves the appropriate files at the right times, depending on the user's choice.

The Invention looks for Sender and other video providers a simple way to additional To provide text and graphic materials and these materials to coordinate with the content of the video. Unlike systems of the prior art benefits the invention widely distributed program packages for writing Hypertext, which promotes acceptance and standardization.

The Invention has been referred to the structural and methodological characteristics in general and in the special described. But you have to understand that the Invention is not limited to the specific features described, since the means disclosed herein are preferred embodiments of the invention affect. The invention will therefore be in all its aspects and modifications with reasonable scope of protection by the following claims which, if properly interpreted, may also be equivalents include. The in the above description, the claims and The features disclosed in the drawings can be used individually as well in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments be significant.

Claims (44)

Method comprising the following steps: sending a video stream ( 220 ); Formatting additional data files in a graphical markup language ( 222 ), where each additional data file contains instructions for rendering a hyperlink on the video stream, whereby the formatting ( 222 ) comprises setting transparent regions of each hyperlink to a key color; Sending the additional data file along with the video stream ( 226 ). The method of claim 1, wherein formatting ( 222 ) includes formatting the additional data file in HTML. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additional Data files are sent time specifications, times to Specify display of hyperlinks. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, with the following further method steps: receiving the video stream and the accompanying additional data files ( 230 ); View the hyperlinks in conjunction with the video stream ( 232 ). Method according to Claim 4, in which the display ( 232 ) includes launching an HTML-compatible browser for displaying the hyperlinks. Method according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the display ( 232 ) includes the display of the video stream in only those portions of the hyperlinks that are set to the key color. Method according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the display ( 232 ) includes the display of the hyperlink display and the use of color-coded video hardware ( 66 ) which displays the video stream only in display areas set to the key color. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the formatting ( 222 ) includes the incorporation of hyperlinks in the hyperlink overlay, and a further method step of displaying the content targeted by such hyperlinks depending on the selection of those hyperlinks. Method according to Claim 8, in which currently displayed Hyperlinks are replaced to the targeted content display. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein new windows open to display the targeted content. A method according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the application programs started to play the targeted content. Computer readable storage medium, on which of a Computer executable Commands to execute the steps of one of the preceding claims are stored. Method comprising the following steps: sending a video stream ( 220 ); Formatting HTML files ( 222 ) containing instructions for rendering hyperlink pages, the hyperlink pages having transparent areas set to a key color; Map the HTML files to the video stream ( 224 ); Display the hyperlink pages on a display ( 234 ); Display the video stream on the display in the areas of the displayed hyperlink pages that are set to a key color ( 232 ). Method according to claim 13, comprising the following further method steps: transmission of time specifications with the HTML file indicating times for displaying the hyperlink pages; wherein the hyperlink pages are displayed at the times specified by the time specifications. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the Viewing Hyperlink Pages Starting an HTML-Compatible Browser includes. The method of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein displaying the video stream ( 232 ) the use of color-coded video hardware ( 66 ) which displays the video stream only in display areas set to a key color. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein depending on the selection of hyperlinks content to which the Have hyperlinks. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein depending on the selection of hyperlinks currently displayed hyperlink pages replaced by content pointed to by hyperlinks. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the View content to which the hyperlinks in the displayed Hyperlink pages show new windows are opened. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein Need application programs to be launched to play content on which in the hyperlink pages pointing hyperlinks. Method with the following method steps: receiving a video stream; Associating one or more hyperlink pages with the video stream, the hyperlink pages having transparent regions set to a key color; Display the hyperlink pages on a display ( 234 ); and displaying the video stream on the display in the areas of the displayed hyperlink pages set to a key color ( 232 ). The method of claim 21, wherein displaying the hyperlink pages ( 234 ) includes starting an HTML-compatible browser. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein displaying the video stream ( 232 ) the use of color-coded video hardware ( 66 ) configured to display the video stream only in display areas set to a key color. Method according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein depending on the selection of hyperlinks content to be displayed on which the hyperlinks point. Method according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein depending on the selection of hyperlinks currently displayed hyperlink pages be replaced by content to which the hyperlinks point. Method according to one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the View content to which hyperlinks in the displayed Hyperlink pages point, new windows are opened. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein Need application programs to be launched to play content pointing to which hyperlinks displayed in the hyperlink pages. Computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions for carrying out the following method steps: receiving a video stream ( 230 ); Associating one or more hyperlink pages with the video stream, the hyperlink pages having transparent regions set to a key color; Display the hyperlink pages on a display ( 234 ); and displaying the video stream on the display in the areas of the displayed hyperlink pages set to a key color ( 232 ). The computer-readable storage medium of claim 28, wherein displaying the hyperlink pages ( 234 ) includes starting an HTML-compatible browser. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 28 or 29, wherein displaying the video stream ( 232 ) the use of color-coded video hardware ( 66 ) configured to display the video stream only in display areas set to a key color. Computer-readable storage medium according to one of claims 28 to 30 with further computer-executable Commands to display content that has hyperlinks, dependent from the selection of these hyperlinks. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, including further computer executable instructions for replacing currently displayed hyperlink pages with contents pointed to by hyperlinks depending on the selection thereof Hyperlinks. Computer-readable storage medium according to one of claims 28 to 32 with further computer-executable Commands to open new window for displaying content to which hyperlinks in the displayed Show hyperlink pages. Computer-readable storage medium according to one of claims 28 to 33 with further computer-executable Commands to launch application programs as needed to content to reflect on the hyperlinks in the displayed hyperlink pages point. Video transmission system ( 10 ) with a transmission source ( 12 ) which sends a broadcast stream and provides accompanying additional data files, each additional data file having instructions for rendering a hyperlink overlay on the video stream; a recipient ( 14 . 15 ) for receiving the video stream and the accompanying additional data file for displaying the hyperlinks in connection with the video stream, the receiver including color-coding hardware ( 66 ) which displays video only in display areas set to a key color, the hyperlinks having transparent areas set to the key color. Video transmission system ( 10 ) according to claim 35, wherein the additional data files are formatted in HTML. Video transmission system ( 10 ) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the transmission source ( 12 ), along with the additional data files, provides time specifications indicating times for displaying the hyperlinks in relation to the video stream. Video transmission system ( 10 ) according to one of claims 35 to 37 with an HTML-compatible browser, which the receiver starts to display the hyperlink overlays. Receiver ( 14 for receiving and displaying video streams, comprising: display hardware for displaying video streams and bitmaps to a user; wherein the display hardware is a color encryption hardware ( 66 ) which displays video only in display areas set to a key color; an access device for reading additional data files containing instructions for rendering bitmap hyperlink inserts in association with the video stream at designated times; and a data processor ( 52 ) which reads the supplemental data files and displays hyperlinks at designated times as a function thereof, the hyperlinks having transparent areas set to a key color and thereby appearingly overlying the video stream. Receiver ( 14 ) according to claim 39 with an HTML-compatible browser, which the data processor runs to display the hyperlink overlays. Receiver ( 14 ) according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the data processor ( 52 ) is programmed to display contents to which the hyperlinks in the hyperlink overlays point, depending on the selection of these hyperlinks. Receiver ( 14 ) according to one of claims 39 to 41, in which the data processor ( 52 ) is programmed to replace currently displayed hyperlink overlays with content pointed to by a hyperlink in the currently displayed hyperlink overlay when that hyperlink is selected. Receiver ( 14 ) according to one of claims 39 to 42, in which the data processor ( 52 ) is programmed to find a new window to display content pointed to by a particular hyperlink when that particular hyperlink is selected. Receiver ( 14 ) according to one of claims 39 to 43, in which the data processor ( 52 ) is programmed to launch application programs as needed to play content pointed to by hyperlinks in the hyperlinks.