JP4223099B2 - Method and system for providing enhanced content with broadcast video - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for providing and displaying ancillary data content along with video and audio transmissions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Displaying live video on personal computers (PCs) is becoming more and more common. A number of low cost video capture boards allow the display of analog video signals on the RGB display surface of a personal computer. In addition, the provision of high quality digital video and distribution through, for example, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) will soon be available on the PC. With the right hardware, the PC can store not only locally stored analog and digital video signals (eg, on a CD or VCR), but also DBS signals, analog cable signals, and over-the- air-signal) can be displayed and decoded.
[0003]
In the future, television signal decoder circuits for both analog and digital signals will be used in most of all PCs, even if not standardized. Furthermore, the PC will give a better experience to the user or viewer beyond standard television by allowing the user or viewer to operate, view and use both data and video simultaneously. .
[0004]
In this new broadcasting environment, television broadcasters are trying to use the functions of PCs by strengthening digital programs. For example, a broadcaster may provide supplemental statistical data during a sports broadcast so that viewers can view detailed information about a particular team or player. Similarly, broadcasters may provide viewers with access to more detailed information during or after the broadcast by providing information related to the topic of the documentary. As another example, during a children's cartoon program, one may wish to promote a program related product, such as a doll or toy, during the program.
[0005]
This method of delivering data to PCs is particularly attractive in areas of the world that have not previously had a large amount of data infrastructure. For example, consider India with a middle-class population of about 300 million (more than the total population of the United States). Individuals can afford to purchase PCs, and many people actually own PCs, but those who have experienced Internet and high-speed data network processing because their telecommunications infrastructure is underdeveloped. Almost no. If a data service can be distributed to such a place, it will provide many opportunities.
[0006]
In recent years, great efforts have been made to develop what is called “interactive television”. Interactive television allows viewers to interact with cable television service providers. There are various enhancements to the interactive television system. For example, an interactive program guide can be implemented for the viewer. Using the interactive program guide, the viewer can scroll through the television program list through cursor control buttons on the remote control. The viewer can also perform an interactive search for program content. Some interactive TV systems include the ability for broadcasters to provide auxiliary data along with video supply.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Until now, neither interactive television system has been widely accepted. One reason for hindering such wide acceptance is that each system employs different standards and protocols in providing ancillary data to the main video content. Unless a single system is established as a standard, broadcasters are forced to provide auxiliary data in a number of different formats. This is a serious obstacle.
[0008]
The present invention seeks to eliminate this obstacle by utilizing a conventional format for providing auxiliary data with a video broadcast, along with a scheme for superimposing digital data content on the main video stream.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention enables broadcasters to prepare auxiliary data contents as HTML files. The HTML file is prepared as an overlay having a background of a predetermined color key, and is viewed using a video device having color keying features. At the receiver, the HTML overlay renders using color keying on the same display area as the broadcast video using typical Internet browser technology. This allows the overlay background to appear transparent and the video to appear only within the background area of the HTML overlay.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a video broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is generally designated by reference numeral 10. Broadcast system 10 includes a broadcast source 12 and a plurality of receivers 14. The broadcast source in this embodiment of the invention is a digital satellite system that broadcasts video content on multiple RF frequencies or channels. Alternatively, the broadcast source can be a conventional terrestrial television station and associated antenna, cable system, or any similar equipment installed to transmit video streams and attached data in analog or digital form. You can also.
[0011]
In most cases, the broadcast source 12 supports only unidirectional communication and is mainly used for unidirectional broadcasting or multi-casting to multiple receivers simultaneously without foreseeing the receiver side. To do. Alternatively, the broadcast source 12 may support bidirectional communication. Although only one broadcast source 12 is shown for illustrative purposes, a broadcast system may include multiple broadcast sources 12.
[0012]
Broadcast source 12 includes means for transmitting or otherwise carrying the main video stream and auxiliary digital data content to receiver 14. In the case of digital satellite transmission, auxiliary data can easily be transmitted in digital form along with video and audio streams. Protocols such as MPEG-2 already allow auxiliary digital data to be incorporated into the packets, and these packets are downloaded along with the digital audio / video content using a satellite transmission facility. For example, existing DSS systems incorporate “hints” in the MPEG stream to indicate the aspect ratio for correct display by the receiver. Another example is in the analog world where Philips sells a device called Ghost Echo Cancellation Reference Signal. By injecting a known digital stream into a single analog television VBI line, modern televisions or PCs can more easily detect when a multipath (ghost) signal is received and clean the image You can take action. There are about 800 TV stations in the United States that implement this signal.
[0013]
When using traditional broadcast sources, such as analog RF television broadcasts, data can be transmitted during the vertical blanking period of the television signal. This method is currently used to provide closed captions for the hearing impaired. The digital data transmitted in this way can be extracted from the television signal by a number of methods known in the industry. Currently manufactured televisions have a function of extracting and displaying closed caption information. An external closed caption decoder can also be used for this purpose. In addition, a number of external devices are available that extract closed caption data and send it to a personal computer or other device through a serial cable. More recently, it has also become possible to decode closed caption data directly inside the PC using modern video and video tuner boards that allow television signals to be displayed on the PC.
[0014]
There are also other mechanisms that can be used to transmit digital data content to the receiver 14. For example, a modem or other conventional network connection for digital data transmission can be used. Network connections such as these are independent of conventional video transmission media, which have the advantage of allowing bi-directional communication between the broadcast source and the receiver. Communication facilities such as the Internet can also be used. A cable television network can also provide similar communication functions. In addition, the latest plan for high definition digital terrestrial TV defines a channel capable of transmitting any amount of digital video or data at 19.3 megabits per second.
[0015]
It should be noted that the audio / video stream and digital data content can each be distributed using different media. While it is convenient to use only a single medium such as over-the-air transmission, video is distributed using conventional broadcasts, while using a physical medium such as CD-ROM. It is also possible to distribute digital data content. Alternatively, in some cases, both video and data can be distributed using a physically transportable medium such as a CD-ROM.
[0016]
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast source 12 broadcasts an analog or digital video stream and provides supplemental digital data files for attachment to the video stream. These data files have digital content, which can be rendered by the receiver 14 separately from the video stream. The broadcast source also provides a timing specification along with supplemental data files to indicate the time at which digital content is displayed in relation to the video stream.
[0017]
Digital content is preferably created in a standard, commonly used graphical markup language. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, supplemental data files are prepared and formatted with the latest version of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). To this end, broadcasters can use standard, widely accepted authoring tools, such as those used to write content for the Internet's World Wide Web. Become.
[0018]
The supplemental digital data content preferably consists of one or more hyperlink overlays. Each hyperlink overlay includes one or more hyperlinks. A hyperlink is a displayed area or entity that can be selected or activated by a viewer. Each hyperlink has a target and indicates other content (usually stored in a data file) that can be rendered for the viewer. When a hyperlink is activated, its target is searched and rendered. For example, when the target is a text document, this document is displayed. If the target is a file containing a digitized sound clip, the sound clip is rendered. The most common use of hyperlinks is moving or “navigating” from one document or object to another.
[0019]
For those familiar with Internet technology, the hyperlink overlay described above refers to documents that can be viewed when browsing the Internet's World Wide Web (often referred to as "web pages") It will be clear that this is the same as This is an attractive feature of the present invention. This is because, for this purpose, broadcasters can design auxiliary digital data content using existing Internet content development tools.
[0020]
One difference from a conventional web page is that the hyperlink overlay according to the present invention has a background and sets it to a predetermined key color. The background area set for the key color is intended to be transparent. Such a background can also be easily created using standard Internet content development tools such as Microsoft's Front Page® Web Designer.
[0021]
In this embodiment of the invention, the receiver 14 has display hardware for receiving and displaying a broadcast video stream, such as a television signal or digital video broadcast, on a conventional personal computer (PC). It has equipment that has it. Also associated with the PC is a satellite dish 15 that receives digital satellite broadcasts, or a normal antenna that receives analog TV signals.
[0022]
The display hardware includes a bitmapped graphic display function in addition to the video display function, and can display a static bitmapped image along with conventional application programs. In addition, the PC 14 also includes video color keying hardware, which can be configured to display video only within the display area set to key color.
[0023]
Alternatively, the receiver 14 can comprise other types of devices, such as an enhanced television unit that has similar functionality to the PC described herein.
[0024]
As an example of implementation, the PC 14 includes a processor (eg, Intel Corporation's x86 or Pentium®, memory, computer monitor (eg, VGA, SVGA), and one or more input devices (eg, keyboard, mouse, etc.). ).
[0025]
The PC 14 has a digital receiver configured to receive digital broadcast data in a packetized format such as MPEG encoded digital video / audio data. Such digital receivers also have access means for reading supplemental data files received from satellite broadcasts, the receivers including auxiliary data in the form of software programs, programming information, and other data files. Many different forms of digital data can be received.
[0026]
The PC runs an operating system that supports many applications. The operating system is preferably a multitasking operating system that allows multiple applications to run simultaneously. This operating system employs a graphical user interface of a windowing environment and presents an application or document in a special area of the display screen called “Windows”. One suitable operating system is a Windows® brand operating system sold by Microsoft Corporation, such as Windows 95 or Windows NT, Windows CE, or other derivative versions of Windows®. . However, it should be noted that other operating systems that provide a windowing environment may be employed, such as Apple Computer, Inc.'s Machintosh operating system or IBM's OS / 2 operating system. .
[0027]
An example of an implementation of a broadcast-enabled PC is shown in copending US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 503,055, filed Jan. 29, 1996, entitled “Broadcast-Enabled Personal Computer”. In the issue. This application is assigned to Microsoft Corporation and is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0028]
FIG. 2 shows an example of implementation of the PC 14 in more detail. For purposes of displaying broadcast television and attached digital data content, the PC 14 has enhanced performance. The PC 14 includes a processor 52 (eg, Intel Corporation's x86 or Pentium® microprocessor) and a motherboard (not shown) having volatile memory 54. The volatile memory 54 forms a program storage memory 56 together with the nonvolatile memory 55. Nonvolatile memory 55 comprises a floppy disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other computer readable storage medium. An application program including instructions for executing the steps described herein is accommodated in this storage medium.
[0029]
The PC 14 includes a digital broadcast receiver 58, such as a satellite dish receiver, RF receiver, microwave receiver, and the like. The digital receiver 58 receives digital data broadcast over a broadcast network such as a satellite network. The receiver 58 is coupled to a tuner 60 that tunes to the frequency or channel of the broadcast network. The tuner 60 has one or two main components: one or both of a special digital broadcast tuner and a general-purpose digital broadcast tuner. The special digital broadcast tuner is configured to receive digital broadcast data in a specialized format such as MPEG encoded digital video / audio data. General purpose digital broadcast tuners are configured to receive many different forms of digital data, including software programs and other auxiliary data.
[0030]
The tuner 60 is connected to the motherboard and the data processor 52 through a multi-bit bus 62 such as a 32-bit PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. Optional cryptographic device 64 provides cryptographic services to the client, such as encryption, decryption, authentication, and digital signature.
[0031]
The PC 14 has a video subsystem 66 connected to the PCI bus 62. Video / audio data is transferred from tuner 60 to video subsystem 66 over PCI bus 62. In some embodiments, the tuner hardware may instead decode the MPEG stream itself and not pass data over the PCI bus. In such a system, uncompressed raw YUV video is sent to the video subsystem 66 board with a simple wire connection. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the video subsystem 66 includes circuitry for decoding MPEG encoding or other video data formats. Video subsystem 66 also includes a video display driver that drives computer monitor 68.
[0032]
Video subsystem 66 supports many peripheral devices in addition to monitor 68. For example, the video subsystem 66 includes a laser video player 70 that plays a DVD (digital video disc), a game machine 72 that plays a video game, and a video cassette recorder (VCR) that records a program. It is also possible to connect to 74. Video subsystem 66 is adapted to connect to an analog broadcast television system 76 for receiving conventional TV signals from a cable television system or an RF broadcast television system. This provides backwards compatibility with analog television systems.
[0033]
The video subsystem 66 also incorporates a color keying mechanism, which is useful when integrating video using static bitmap graphics. Using color keying, an application program or operating system configures the video subsystem to do whatever bitmapped monitor image is already in place by running the software, At the same time, the video stream is displayed in a rectangular area or “viewport” of the monitor 68. In practice, the video subsystem uses the video stream to overwrite the normal bitmap display image. However, the video subsystem is configured to overwrite only the area in the bitmap display image where a predetermined color or chroma key value is set. Thus, a bitmap image can be created to have “transparent” areas, ie areas that set color key values. Since the video stream is displayed only in these transparent areas, the bitmap image appears to overlay the video stream.
[0034]
Tseng Labs, Cirrus Logic, Brooktree, AT1 and S3 are examples of companies that produce such video subsystems.
[0035]
The monitor 68 is preferably not a standard television but a VGA or SVGA monitor normally employed in personal computers. In the illustrated implementation, the PC 14 does not convert television-related data into the NTSC (National Television System Committee) format. Therefore, the PC 14 can generate television data having excellent image quality when displayed on the VGA monitor. In other embodiments, the image may be converted from VGA to NTSC and displayed on a standard TV screen, but the graphics resolution will be relatively low.
[0036]
The PC 14 also includes a secondary bus 130 such as an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, which is coupled to the motherboard and the data processor 52. An audio board 132 couples to the ISA bus 130 and functions as an interface with multiple audio output devices, such as conventional speakers. An amplifier may be coupled between the audio board and the speaker if necessary. The audio board is also coupled to the video subsystem 66 to receive the decoded audio signal. The audio board 132 can also be coupled to the stereo system 134 so that audio data can be output to the stereo system and recorded for enhanced sound. Some newer computer systems instead support sending digital audio streams out of the PC and out to an external converter over a universal serial bus or IEEE 1394 connection. This eliminates the need for an internal sound card and allows for higher fidelity audio.
[0037]
A CD-ROM (or DVD) drive 136 is coupled to the ISA bus 130. The audio output generated by the CDROM (or DVD) drive 136 is passed to the audio board 132.
[0038]
The PC 14 includes a modem 138, such as a 14.4 kbps or 28.8 kbps fax / data modem, which is coupled to the ISA bus 130. The modem 138 is connected to a conventional telephone line and accesses a public network including the Internet. The modem 138 can be used to access and download data and supplemental content directly from an independent service provider. It can also be used to download supplemental data files originating from broadcast sources. In addition, the modem 138 can also be used for two-way communication with broadcast sources or other entities that provide broadcast-related services.
[0039]
Input / output (I / O) adapter 140 couples to ISA bus 130 and includes a number of I / O devices including digital tape driver 142, floppy disk drive 144, and hard disk driver 146. Provides an interface. A remote receiver 148 is also coupled to the I / O adapter 140 to receive IR or RF format signals from the remote cordless keyboard 66 and remote control (RC) handset 63. Alternatively, the keyboard and handset can be wired directly to the computer. In addition, the I / O adapter 140 also includes conventional serial ports, including a COM1 port 150, a COM2 port 152, and an LPT1 port 154. An IR transmitter (not shown) can be coupled to the COM1 port 150 to generate infrared signals for controlling electronic devices such as stereo equipment, VCRs, and the like. The computer 60 can also be hooked directly to these components.
[0040]
In accordance with the present invention, the PC 14 is programmed or configured to receive a digital video stream and attached HTML file from a broadcast source and display the video stream with a hyperlink overlay defined by the HTML file. .
[0041]
FIG. 3 shows how this is achieved. First, an overlay window 200 for displaying a hyperlink overlay is opened. The video subsystem 66 is configured to display the video stream in a viewport 201 that matches the size and position of the overlay window 200. The video subsystem is also configured to display the video stream only on areas where the predetermined color key of the hyperlink overlay is not set. Thus, the opaque area of the hyperlink overlay appears “through” the video stream and appears to cover the video stream. Perhaps the best example of this behavior is a TV weather forecaster who appears to be “floating” in front of the weather map. A frame window 202 is also used to define the edges of the overlay window 200 and the viewpoint 201. These three components are configured to appear to the user as a single window. The operating software configures the user so that they can be resized and moved as a single entity.
[0042]
Overlay window 200 is an ActiveX designed specifically for displaying documents in HTML format. ^TM It is preferable to implement using controls. ActiveX like this ^TM The HTML controls are configured to enable browsing between documents or navigation by activating hyperlinks. ActiveX ^TM Is a standard for interchangeable components defined by Microsoft Corporation. ActiveX ^TM A control is a display entity that allows interactive processing between a user or viewer and a program through the display. In this case, the control displays a document in HTML format so that the user can activate hyperlinks and search for and display such hyperlink targets. Alternatively, a conventional HTML browser can be used to display the hyperlink overlay.
[0043]
Instead of associating the displayed icon with a hyperlink, it is also possible to create a completely transparent image mask so that it covers over the video (using HTML technology). As a result, a “hot spot” is obtained on the screen, and an operation can be caused by clicking the “hot spot”. An example of this would be to create a hot spot on the actor's body and reveal what the person was thinking by clicking on the hot spot. As another example, during a "Tool Time" episode, a user clicks on Tim Allen's Binford saw to get more information about it, such as where it was purchased. It is.
[0044]
Hyperlink overlays are provided in groups corresponding to a particular video stream so that they can be navigated between the various individual overlays of that group. For example, an associated group of overlays can be provided to the PC prior to the start of a particular episode of a weekly television show. The first of these overlays is displayed at the beginning of the episode, and if the viewer wants, it can follow the hyperlink to see other overlays in the group.
[0045]
Alternatively, timing and other information can be provided to the PC along with the communication packet carrying the overlay. The timing information indicates when the particular overlay should be displayed relative to the video stream. By activating the hyperlink, this specified timing can be ignored. Another way to synchronize video without relying on specific timing for the video stream is to use closed caption text. By examining the closed caption stream, certain words that act as fiducial marks can be triggered to cause specific events based on when the actor on the screen pronounces. Such a technique is described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 779,270, filed Jan. 6, 1997, entitled “System and Method For Synchronizing Content With A Video Program Using Closed Captioning”. Has been. This patent application is assigned to Microsoft Corporation and is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0046]
Since the PC 14 processes a large number of overlays using a stack-type algorithm, one overlay can be temporarily overwritten with another overlay. For example, an emergency news transmission may have an overlay and overwrite a regularly scheduled show. When the emergency news transmission is completed, the previous overlay is reproduced.
[0047]
FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred method steps performed by broadcast source 12 in accordance with the present invention. Step 220 consists of sending a video stream. The video stream can be in one of a variety of formats, such as a conventional analog RF television format or a digital format emanating from a satellite or cable headend.
[0048]
Step 222 consists of formatting a supplemental data file in a graphical markup language, preferably HTML. Each supplemental HTML data file has instructions for rendering a hyperlink page or overlay on the video stream at the indicated time. Each overlay can have a transparent area or region with a key or chroma color set. Overlays can also include hyperlinks to other overlays or other non-overlay documents and objects.
[0049]
Step 224 consists of associating the supplemental data file with the video stream. This step is performed by specifying control data, such as timing parameters, along with the video stream to indicate the time at which the hyperlink overlay is displayed in association with the video stream. It should be noted that taking into account the data transmission rate, supplemental data is sent prior to the time at which they are needed. Step 226 consists of sending the supplemental data file with the video stream. As already explained, this can be done using functions built into the digital transmission medium or using the vertical blanking period of conventional analog television signals.
[0050]
FIG. 5 shows the steps performed by the PC 14 or another receiver. Step 230 consists of receiving a video stream and attached supplemental data from a broadcast source. Step 232 consists of using a color keying technique to display the video stream in a viewport on the display device, thereby only on the area where the predetermined key color or chroma key of the display is set. Actually display the video stream.
[0051]
Step 234 consists of displaying the hyperlink overlay defined by the auxiliary data file along with the video stream on the display device. If overlays have been previously cached, this step includes retrieving them from the cache store. The control data received with the supplemental data file is used in this step to associate the hyperlink page or overlay with the video stream. As a result, the overlay is displayed not at the received time but at the time indicated by the timing specification included in the control data.
[0052]
ActiveX by default ^TM The control is used to display a hyperlink overlay so that navigation can be performed using the hyperlinks in the overlay. ActiveX ^TM The control is configured to occupy the same area as the video stream viewport. In this way, the video stream is rendered within the transparent area of the hyperlink overlay. In some cases, the PC 14 is actually ActiveX ^TM The control may be created or rendered before the scheduled time, but this control will not be visible until the appropriate time. This is to avoid any delay in presenting the overlay.
[0053]
Alternatively, the control data can define a multimedia object that is a hyperlink overlay that is not transparent. In such a case, a separate application program such as an HTML compatible browser is activated to render the object defined by the supplemental data file. Such an application program runs in its own independent window and can be viewed alongside the video stream in the case of a visually-oriented object.
[0054]
As already noted, the control data transmitted with the supplemental data file indicates how to handle the supplemental data file. Mainly, the control data indicates the time at which the data file is rendered, ie, made visible. In addition, the control data indicates what should happen if the viewer activates a hyperlink from within an overlay. Normally, when a hyperlink is activated, its target is displayed or otherwise rendered. However, if the hyperlink target is another transparent overlay, there are two options. That is, the target can replace the currently displayed overlay, or the target can be displayed by an independent browser in a new window that is opened only for this purpose. If the hyperlink target is not a transparent overlay, there is only one option. That is, the target is displayed in a new window by launching the appropriate application program. Thus, step 234 includes launching an application program as needed to render the non-overlay content targeted by the hyperring.
[0055]
In the PC embodiment described above, these steps are performed under the control of the data processor 52 during execution of programming instructions stored in the program memory 56.
[0056]
So far, the present invention has been mainly described for use with a broadcast video stream, but the video stream can also be obtained by other means such as a local storage device (hard disk, DVD, CD, VCR, etc.). Note that it may be available. The present invention is also useful with video sources such as these. For example, a movie may be provided on a DVD with a group of transparent HTML overlay files for use with the movie. Alternatively, the movie may be provided on a DVD and the overlay file downloaded from an internet source.
[0057]
It should also be noted that the transmission of the supplemental data file does not have to occur simultaneously with the transmission of the video stream, even when using a broadcast source. Rather, in some systems it may be desirable to broadcast the overlay file to the user equipment at night and make it available the next day. The control data indicates to which program the overlay file should be associated, and the software on the user's PC retrieves the appropriate file at the appropriate time in response to the user's viewing selection.
[0058]
The present invention provides a simple way for broadcasters and other video providers to supply supplementary character data and graphic material and coordinate such material with video content. In contrast to conventional systems, the present invention will facilitate acceptance and standardization because it utilizes a widely used hypertext authoring package.
[0059]
In accordance with the law, the structure and method features of the present invention have been described in somewhat more specific terms. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these specifically described features, as the means disclosed herein constitute preferred forms of practicing the present invention. It is. Accordingly, the present invention claims protection of any form and modification that are within the proper scope of the claims which should be properly construed according to the doctrine of equivalents.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video broadcasting system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a receiver according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates how to configure video, HTML overlay, and frame windows in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating preferred method steps according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating preferred method steps according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Video broadcasting system
12 Broadcast source
14 Receiver
52 processor
54 Volatile memory
55 Nonvolatile memory
56 Program storage memory
58 Digital broadcast receiver
60 tuner
62 Multi-bit bus
66 Video Subsystem
68 monitors
72 game machines
74 VCR (video cassette recorder)
76 Analog Broadcast Television System
130 Secondary bus
132 Audio Board
134 Stereo system
136 CD-ROM (or DVD) drive
138 modem
140 Input / output (I / O) adapter
142 Digital Tape Driver
144 Floppy disk drive
146 hard disk driver
148 Remote receiver
150 COM1 port
152 COM2 port
154 LPT1 port
200 Overlay window
201 viewport
202 frame window

Claims (3)

Sending a video stream;
Formatting supplemental data files in a graphical markup language, each supplemental data file having instructions for rendering a hyperlink overlay on the video stream;
Sending the supplemental data file with the video stream;
Sending together with the supplemental data file a timing specification indicating the time to display the hyperlink overlay;
Receiving the video stream and attached auxiliary data file;
Displaying the hyperlink overlay with the video stream;
The step of formatting includes setting a transparent area of the hyperlink overlay to a key color;
The step of displaying includes activating an HTML compatible browser to display the hyperlink overlay;
The step of displaying further comprises using color keying video hardware to display the video only within the display area set to the key color ;
A method consisting of: Sending a video stream;
Formatting an HTML file having instructions for rendering a hyperlink page, the hyperlink page having a transparent area set to a key color;
Associating the HTML file with the video stream;
Displaying the hyperlink page on a display;
Displaying the video stream on the display only within an area of the displayed hyperlink page set to a key color;
Sending a timing specification indicating the time to display the hyperlink page with the HTML file;
Executing the step of displaying the hyperlink page at a time indicated by the timing specification;
Displaying the hyperlink page includes launching an HTML compatible browser;
Displaying the video stream comprises using color keying video hardware to display video only in a display area set to key color . Receiving a video stream;
Associating one or more hyperlink pages with the video stream, wherein the hyperlink page has a transparent area set to a key color;
Displaying the hyperlink page on a display;
Displaying the video stream on the display within an area set to the key color of the hyperlink page being displayed;
Receiving a timing specification indicating a time to display the hyperlink page;
Executing the step of displaying the hyperlink page at a time indicated by the timing specification;
Displaying the hyperlink page includes launching an HTML compatible browser;
Displaying the video stream includes using color keying video hardware configured to display video only within a display area set to key color ;
A method characterized by .

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