MXPA99008421A - A digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with live programming events - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive digital system (1) enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphic segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program.

Description

DIGIT INTERACTIVE SYSTEM !, TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INTERACTIVITY WITH LIVE PROGRAMMED EVENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 598,382, filed on February 8, 1996, which is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 443,607, filed on September 18. May 1995, which is a continuation in part of the application Serial No. 08 / 166,608, filed on December 13, 1993, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation of the application No. of Series 07 / 797,298, filed on November 25, 1991, currently abandoned. Interactive video and audio presentation systems are currently being introduced in the entertainment and education industries. A prominent interactive technology that has been applied successfully in these industries, is based on providing interactivity in a unidirectional system through the provision of multiple parallel channels synchronized in information time. For example, the commonly owned North American patents of Freeman et al. us. 4,264,925 and 4,264,924, which provide both audio and video interactivity, describe interactive television systems where the switching between multiple transmission channels or cable in base in ^ the observer selections provide an interactive capability. These systems have been improved to include memory functions using logic and computer memory, where the selections of the system responses executed for the observer are based on the processing and storage of the subscriber responses, as described in the North American patent. of Freeman No. 4,507,608. The benefits of providing interactivity through the use of different audio responses are described in the reference American patents of Freeman, nos. 8,847,698, 4,847,699 and 4,847,700. These television systems provide a common video signal accompanied by several synchronized audio channels to provide user selectable response related to the content. Audio signals produce different audio responses and in some cases, these are synchronized by syllable to a first audio structure and to a first video signal (such as a person or character in a visual representation), providing the perception that the movements of the mouth of the person or character are coupled with the words spoken. The interactivity is brought to the classroom in the North American patent of Freeman no. 5,537,141. The system The distance learning claimed in that application improves the educational experience of the classroom through an innovative use of interactive technology over independent means of transmission. When an instructor, whether in live broadcast, on video, or displayed from a videotape, asks a question, each student responds, preferably by typing a response on a remote keypad, and each student receives an immediate response different and substantive audio to your unique selection. The individualization of the audio response from the interactive program is a main aspect of the invention. The individualization of the audio is taken to the home based on the technology described in the North American patent nd. 5,585,858 from Freeman. This system provides a program that can be observed on any conventional television or computer with multimedia as a normal program. But if the observer has a special interactive program box connected to the television, he can experience a fully functional interactive program. Each interactive observer enjoys the audio responses and the personalized video graphics superimposed on the screen. The interactive program can be provided for television sets or for cable computers, direct satellite transmission, transmission of television and other means of transmission and can be analog or digital. However, what is needed is an interactive presentation system to provide real interactivity of audio video and graphics with transmission of live digital programs. Such a system should package all the digital elements of the live interactive program in a very efficient way in a centralized control studio and allow the observers at home to receive personalized interactive programming. According to the invention, an interactive digital system is provided that allows the active participation of the observer in selecting the digital video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and the audio segments and / or integrated graphics. In addition, Web pages on Internet Web sites can be integrated into the program. The invention is particularly suitable for the live event environment, such as the transmission of live sporting events. The observer may seem to direct the camera approaches by instantaneous change between various camera angles, interviews with selected players, or statistical data associated with the screen on the team or players by means of graphs. In this way, the system allows the individual subscriber to act as if he had the control over how the program is directed and presented on your own personal television set. In addition to selecting different camera angles, various audio options, approaches, slow movement, repetitions, overlays of graphs, graphics or audio from Web sites, etc. all are possible. In addition, games can be integrated with live sports programming to increase the interest of the observer. Therefore, observers can adapt the content of the programs. The interactive digital programming of the present invention is particularly advantageous for the observation of live sporting events. Observers are not limited to selecting from multiple camera angles, but may also require player statistics at will, listening to interviews with selected players, etc. Cameras can be focused on different segments of an event. In addition, the video options could include video playback, slow motion effects, isolation on a particular player or group, etc. The changes are without cuts, adding in this way the effect that the observer is directing the television program just as a director does now from a control room. This "director" role of the observer is possible due to the interactive technology of the present invention and also due to the digital compression and transmission scheme that allows a much greater production of information over a certain bandwidth, allowing observers to select from angles that are already available although they are currently cut by the director. The interactive digital system is based on ramifications that occur in the course of the total motion video. The ramifications are real-time parallel trajectories that can be "different total motion video segments, graphics that are integrated into the audio, video, and / or retrieved web pages that are integrated into the live event. the interactive digital system will act immediately upon the observer's response, at other times, it will use the unique "profile" concept ACTV 's to act on the response later.This technology allows the system to remember the responses and wishes of the observers and integrate them in the audio, video, graphic and / or website information at a later point, for example, the observer could specify at the start of a soccer game to isolate the quarterback from the offense of a particular team. Therefore, as long as the team of choice is on the offensive, the video isolation on the quarterback is automatically displayed to the observer or, n base as you have selected the camera angles the observer, the reproductions, etc. After spending 5 minutes, the system acts to imitate those selections at later times during the program. The system of the present invention "learns" from how the observer wishes to observe the game and therefore continues the observer selection sequences made above. In the source, the present invention comprises a plurality of video cameras, each of the video cameras that are related to a different predetermined vision of an event. The video signals that correspond to different cameras are directed to a central control studio. In addition, one or more audio signals or graphic statistical overlays can be collected and sent to a central control studio. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals in the central control studio, those signals are digitized and compressed into digital video and audio compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes in a "digital package" and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system. The special data codes are the keys to open the interactive potential of the program. The digital program signals are transmitted to a reception site by any suitable transmission means. Once received by the antenna receiver, the digital program signals are passed along a digital cable television distribution system to the observers' homes. In addition, other signals or commercials can be inserted at the local end. The signals are received and processed in a digital cable box. Video, audio, graphic display and / or Web page selections can be made as a function of the immediate observer inputs, or for the interrogation responses presented at the beginning or during the program, or based on a pre-stored observer profile. Once a decision is made to switch from one video option to another video option, digital switching is executed continuously. As mentioned before, the program at predetermined times or immediately after user input can retrieve or branch to information segments from Web sites. For example, an observer who sees a sporting event through the system of the present invention, may receive a stream of Web pages that provide additional specific information that relates to a favorite player, team or perhaps the remaining program for the sports team, as examples. In addition, users can take advantage of the bidirectional capabilities of the Internet to respond to surveys or to link to additional sites.

Another application based on the Internet allows advertisers to talk more directly to consumers by directly sending Web pages to the consumer instead of displaying only the Web addresses in their commercials. The particular commercial information from Web sites can be directed to observers based on the observer profile, stored either in the upper box of the digital set or at the cable end. Alternatively, access to Web sites can be initiated by the observer by simply clicking on the remote control during the commercial. Therefore, observers have the ability to individually select Web sites if they want more information from advertisers for example. Video programming and corresponding Internet pages can be viewed either on personal computers equipped with a television card over special digital cable boxes, with stored interactive Internet application programs that provide Internet access, or digital television equipment, which would use the specialized TV / Internet programs of the present invention. The present invention also has applications for other types of programming. For example, observers can direct the scenes of a criminal mystery program. Switching from one scene to another it can be done continuously without appreciable effect for the observer. In addition, the present invention can be used for any type of live or pre-recorded event. For example, a musical concert or a political convention can be improved in the form of the invention. Accordingly, a primary objective of the invention is to provide an improved digital live program that allows the display to be adapted to the wishes of the user or selections. It is an object of the invention to personalize and improve live sporting events for the observer. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a network diagram and the equipment to provide live digital programming. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an interactive digital cable box that allows continuous switching between video signals. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an alternative digital selector interactive digital cable box that allows continuous switching between video signals. Figure 4 is a block diagram of another alternative interactive digital cable box that allows continuous switching between video signals.

Figure 5 is a time diagram showing a representation of the trigger points and the corresponding video, audio and / or graphics segments, one or a combination of which is selected for presentation to the subscriber immediately after the execution of the function of the starting point. Figure 6 is a block diagram of an alternative mode of the interactive system that includes Internet access. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the bidirectional configuration of the system. The present invention is an interactive digital system 1 for producing a customized program in a powerful form that allows the domestic observer an expanded set of programming options. Digital TV currents are placed in digital packages composed of video, audio and data codes and graphics and are used to provide personalized responses to the observer's selections. Such responses can also be improved by allowing access to Web sites 170. In this way, sports such as golf, football, baseball, basketball, etc. can now be observed with greater interest and participation. However, even improved interactivity with the present invention is possible due to the provision of various profiling and memory features.

As shown in Figure 1, the present invention begins with the collection of several possible video streams as a camera 100, strategically located in a sporting event 10, for example. Currently, as many as 100 cameras are used in the sporting event 10. The coverage of the supertazón for example, typically covers from 25 to 30 cameras. These live video streams can be integrated with recorded video streams which, for example, would include important comments about the current game or previous games, player profiles, etc. To describe the components and operation of the present invention, the production and transmission of a live sporting event 10, i.e. football, is selected to present the features of the invention. However, other applications may be appreciated by the reader, including several of those described below. A. The Control Study The interactive transmission program is prepared in the control study 5 in digital packages. The control study 5, as shown in Figure 1, allows a producer to create and introduce interactive elements during a live broadcast. In a preferred embodiment, the product pre-records a set of questions or instructions for the user. These questions may include questions such as the following: SELECT THE N MARS OF C MARA / OPTIONS YOU PREFER OPTIONS: FINAL ZONE LINEA DE LA YARDA CINCUENTA FOCUS ON THE FIELD MARSHALL FOCUS ON THE DEFENSIVE APPROACH ON THE PORRISTAS PROVIDE IMPORTANT COMMENTS WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IN THE GAME? OPTIONS: BLUE TEAM RED TEAM WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER IN THE GAME? OPTIONS: CORRIDOR OF THE RED EQUIPMENT - MARISCAL FIELD OF THE BLUE TEAM DEFINITE CORNER OF THE BLUE EQUIPMENT MARISCAL OF FIELD OF THE RED EQUIPMENT ETC. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RECEIVING STATISTICAL SUMMARIES? DO YOU ENJOY NOTING THE PLAYER'S INTERVIEWS DURING THE GAME? Such interrogations may be presented to the observer at the beginning of the transmission or alternated through the program. Interactive responses to such questionnaires would include video, audio and graphics customized for the particular observer. The preparation of the graphs to present such questionnaires occurs offline in the control study 5 using "chyron" or any other graphics language. These questionnaires or instructions will eventually be displayed to the home viewer, preferably in the form of graphics, to facilitate interactive responses. The producer creates these graphic video segments of questions on a computer using the text editor and "chyron". Associated with each question, the producer records a number of possible observer options. Next, the producer refers to each possible user input to one or more corresponding interactive responses. If the response is information from an Internet Web page, the producer will indicate the particular uniform resource locator (URL) of the Web page. The producer sets a time clock for when each particular question will appear during the program. As explained below in more detail, the observer's response to a question will be used to direct which video option (and / or audio, graphics or web page) will be provided to the observer. In the present invention, the interactive response of the question may occur "-inmediately after the entry of the observed record or at some later time predetermined in the program using the "start points" 500 as explained in detail below. With respect to the video segments, the cameras 100 are "preferably instructed in different segments of the sporting event 10. As is common with the transmissions of a soccer game, for example, the cameras 100 would be located in the final zone, with the In addition, several video options can be created including video playback, slow isolation movement on the players, the player or group of individual players, and instant replay is created. delaying live feeding for a certain number of seconds These video streams are sent to a control studio 5. Control studio 5 contains the necessary equipment to package the program for supply to the observers Study 5 contains a switch video 105 that receives the live signals from the cameras 100 in the manner of several input lines. which carry the recorded video streams from one or more VCRs 110, computers or compact disc players fed into the video switch 105. The video switch 105 also receives the video inputs from the "135" control computer. , several graphic screens, which illustrate for example, sports teams or player statistics can be designed with the personal control computer 135 and addressed to the digital video switch 105. The producer, via PC 135, directs which video options will be passed through the video switch 105. In the output of the video switch 105 , each of the different output video streams have access to a separate encoder 125 and all are GENLOCKED, so that - each video stream is synchronized with the other video streams. introduced into a video compressor 125. Preferably, the digital compression scheme is MPEG-2.

Preferably, 64 Square of Modulated Amplitude is used (QAM) as the modulation scheme. In this digital mode, four channels of digitally compressed video content would carry approximately 27 Mbps using 6 MHz of bandwidth. Alternatively, if 256 QAM is used, a video compression of 7 to 1 can be achieved with the MPEG-2 scheme. While MPEG-2 is the preferred compression scheme, the signals can be compressed according to any standard including MPEG-1, JPEG, or other DCT coding scheme, small waves, fractals or other transformation technique or base to wave formation.

The control studio 5 also contains an audio switch 115 which receives the audio signals live from microphones or recorded audio from tape players 120, CDs, VCRs 110, etc. The control computer 135 sends the instructions to the audio switch 115 indicating that the audio options must pass through the switch 115. Furthermore, in the audio switch 115 the different audio signals can be aligned to match in time the different audio signals. video signals In addition, the VCR audio output is received by the audio switch 115. The present invention can accommodate any numbers of audio signals as output from the audio switch 115, as indicated by the producer. The audio outputs are received by the digital audio encoder / compressor 130. The audio signals are preferably sampled, encoded and compressed in the digital audio encoder / compressor 130. "a" coding technique can be a coding technique of waveform such as PCM, ADPCM or DM. Alternatively, the signals can be encoded using synthesizer or voice coder techniques such as MUSICAM, Linear Predictive Coding (LPC), Adaptive Predictive Coding (APC) and Subband coding. Generally, "the transmission speed is around 256 kbps per audio for stereo pair.

The synchronization and control to integrate the different multimedia elements is provided by the ACTV authorization language, a unique set of interactive data codes to facilitate the interactive process. "The data codes are stored in memory in the control computer 135 as part of the ACTV programming language The codes include commands, or branch codes, to branch between interactive options, synchronization signals to control the program-interactive, data or text, commands for the termination and start or visualization of interactive program, or activation for executing macros Preferably, those commands are issued from the control computer 135 and multiplexed with the video streams in the MPEG-2 compressor 125, as shown in Figure 1. Interactive options that can be branched in base to branching code_s include video segments, audio segments, segmen graphs and / or web pages identified. There are several instructions in the ACTV authorization language that work to provide interactive sports programming applications. Those commands are explained below in Section D, which details the programming applications.

B. The Transmission System _ As shown in Figure 1, the interactive digital system 1 uses an interactive program delivery system with transmission means including satellite 15, cable 150, cable transmission or television 175 to supply the interactive program ( hereinafter "interactive composite program") from the control study 5 for distribution to the subscribers in their homes. In the control studio 5 the signals from the digital multiplexer 140 are converted to RF and distributed to a micro-wave 175, 150 or 15 satellite 15 cables. Preferably, the digital interactive signal is "directed from the control studio 5 to a cable end I50, and subsequently, sent to homes through the cable network. "The program is preferably the transmission of a live event. For example, live sporting events with added interactive elements can be transmitted from the control studio 5. Such live interactive elements can be different camera angles 100, slow moving video, etc., as described above, while which also incorporates pre-recorded interactive segments such as important comments. Alternatively, the program can be produced offline and stored in program storage media in the control studio 5.

In a satellite transmission, the digital interactive signals are transmitted to the uplink equipment where they can be multiplexed, over-converted, modulated, amplified and transmitted by satellite 15 to the receiver 155 for home distribution. At the receiving end, the digital interactive signals enter the receiver 155 where the signals are demultiplexed, deconverted, demodulated and then passed to a cable distribution system that directs the signals to the homes. Although a cable distribution system 150 is the preferred means of transmission to homes, the digital signals can also be distributed by any conventionally known techniques including satellite 15 to digital satellite receivers 155 in the home, optical fibers, transmission television High or low power 175, "telephone lines, cellular networks, and similar technology can be used interchangeably with this system." Program supply. Interactive Digital Box Interactive digital box 25 is shown schematically in Figure 2. Preferably, the interactive digital box is a specially adapted digital cable box 25. The controller 260 determines what video, audio, graphics and / or web pages are displayed based on the interactive commands that it receives. Based on the commands, it plays the video, audio or graphics or the appropriate Web page options. The graphics can be created and sent from the control studio 5 or "the control images" can be created in the interactive digital box 25 based on instructions preferably in the interactive commands. Interactive digital box 25 connected to a television 165 or other display monitor. In addition, the interactive digital box 25 can be connected to a digital television 195, in which case an RF modulator 245 is not necessary. Each downlink arrives at the subscriber's house, shown in Figure 2, preferably through a jack and a fall cable. The user interacts with the program through the input device 20. Preferably, the input device 20 is a typical remote television device. The user interface 270 may be an infrared, wireless or wired receiver that receives information from the input device 20. Regardless of the type of the input device 20, the user inputs may be used in the present invention immediately, or in a later moment, to give as a result the personalized graphics or the presentation of video and / or audio. "For example, the" present "" "invention uses the" starting points "500 as described to. Then, to allow subsequent branches between the multimedia segments during the exhibition. Certain commands are sent from the control studio 5 as part of the interactive digital programming to facilitate the collection of user entries. These commands are extracted in the digital demultiplexer 210 and sent to the controller 260 that executes the appropriate action based on the commands. Some of those commands are explained below. a .. START EXTENDED ENTRY The start entry command begins an entry period during which the user can press one or more buttons to select his or her selections. The input format of this command is set as follows: START ENTRY. { . { N.}. . { VALID KEYS} . { DIFFERENT} . { R? TROALIM? NTACION} Where: N is the maximum number of keys that can be pressed _ "KEYS the valid keys that can be pressed DIFFERENT requires that each pressed key be different FEEDBACK the type of feedback provided to the observer. b. START EXTENDED VIDEO SELECTION The extended video selection initiates an entry period for the disc mode. During disc mode, the video switches dynamically make a selection for the observer each time. B? GIN__VIDEO_CHOIS? MODE [EYS]. { FE? DBACK [AUDIO]} Disk mode allows the observer to change channels at will, while OneShot mode allows only one channel change. DISC MODE / ONESHOT KEYS The valid keys that can be pressed FEEDBACK The feedback provided to the user for the keys that are pressed. "The disc mode _ allows the viewer to change the channels at will, while the OneShot mode allows only one channel change." START EXTENDED AUDIO SELECTION The audio selection start initiates an entry period for the mode. BEGIN_AUDIO_CHOIS? MODEEKEYS] {F. DBACK [AUDIO].}. DISC MODE / ONESHOT KEYS The valid keys that can be pressed FEEDBACK The feedback provided to the user for the keys that are pressed. d. MAP The map command is used to form video or audio track maps for the keys, for use in connection with the start of audio selection and the start of video selection. If this command is omitted, key 1 will be formed in map for tracking or channel 1, key 2 for tracking or channel 2 etc. This command allows the mapping of any key for any channel. MAP EYS [TRACKS [Ti, ... TN / T1-TN] CHANNELS [Cl, ... CN / C1-CN]] The map formation declaration that makes the audio tracking maps or video channels for the keys , allows the audio or video selection commands to make changes to the follow-ups different from the default tracking, which are those of the maps of key 1 for tracking 1, key 2 for tracking 2, etc. All selection statements after the map formation declaration will cause the tracking, video tracking or channels to be changed to those specified in the map formation statement. The acceptable numbers for the map command are from 1 to 8, for the keys, video channels and audio channels. Other commands include those that allow the following applications: (1) observer profile, to allow the fixed top box 25 to "remember" the observer's preferences; (2) transfer the observer's responses to a central location; (3) transfer the text and graphics, for exhibition using the microcircuit of graphs of the upper fixed box 25; (4) the ability of the observer to prepare his own video, based on his selections of 100 camera and audio approaches, which can be stored and reproduced for the observer. The interactive digital box 25 of the present invention allows transparent, oscillation-free switching between the digital video signals. "Uncut" means that switching from one video signal to another is imperceptible to the user. Because the video signals are moving out of the same clock, the interactive digital box 25 is capable of providing a continuous digital switch from one video signal to another. The program clock reference necessary for the box to make continuous switching is preferably embedded in the signal header. As shown in Figure 2, a CPU 260 is connected to an RF demodulator 200 and digital demultiplexer 210. The CPU 260 directs demodulation and demultiplexing of the appropriate channel and data stream to obtain the correct video signal. "Continuous switching can occur with MPEG-2 compressed signals as there are points within the structure where continuous switching can occur. Preferably, commutations occur in an "I" frame, assuming the use of MPEG-2 compression. The selected video signal is determined either by examination of the user input from the user interface 270 and / or any other information or criteria (such as personal profile information) stored in RAM / ROM 265. "For example , RAM / ROM 265 could store commands provided within video signals as described in U.S. Patent 4,602,279, "and incorporated herein by reference. The RF demodulator 200 demodulates the data from the transmission channel directed by the controller 260. After the data stream is demodulated, it passes through a direct error connection circuit 205 within a digital demultiplexer 210. The demultiplexer 210 is controlled by the controller 260 to provide a specific video signal out of a number of video signals that can be located within the data stream in the demodulated transmission channel. The demultiplexed video signal is decompressed and then decoded by the decompressor / decoder 215. The video signal is synchronized by a synchronous addition circuit 220 and a synchronous generator 225. The video signal is stored temporarily by a video frame buffer 230. The temporarily stored video signal is modulated by a modular 245 in a compatible NTSC signal such a modulator is not necessary if the selected signal is sent to a digital television 195. Using a Temporary memory of video frame 230 and delaying the display of a given signal, the time necessary for the decompressor / decoder 215 to close, decompress, convert to analog and wait for the vertical interval resulting from a second video signal is allowed. example, assume the video signal A that is currently being processed and transferred through the circuit shown in Figure 2 and displayed therein Based on a user selection, the controller 260 directs the digital demultiplexer 210 and the RF 200 demodulator to switch to another video signal, the video signal B. To achieve this, the analog video from the first digital video signal, the video signal A, complete with. the video synchronous is fed into the video frame buffer 230. The buffer 230 can maintain the complete video image for "n" number of frames after which the signal is output to the display screen. In effect, a delayed video signal A is displayed "n" numbers of frames after "the signal has been received." When the user selects a different video path by the pressing of a button on a keyboard or the input by other means, the controller 260 instructs the digital demultiplexer 210 to stop the decoding signal A and closes on the signal B to initiate the decoding of the signal B instead of the signal A. As long as this occurs, even though the decompressor / decoder 215 is not already decompressing the video signal A, the display is still showing the video signal A because it is read from the temporary memory 230. As soon as decompression and decoding is presented, the controller 260 searches for the next vertical blank interval (VBI) and instructs the video frame buffer 230 to switch its input, instead of "its stored output. temporarily to the occurrence of VBI. " Since the RF demodulator 200, the direct error corrector 205, the digital demultiplexer 210 and the decompressor / decoder 215 require some time to decompress and decode the video signal frame B from its data stream, the size of the memory Temporary 230 must be large enough so that this processing can take place without interruption during the switching of the video signals. If desired, the system can continue using the temporary memory by anticipated a future commutation. By using the controller 260 to manipulate the filling and emptying scale of the temporary memory 230, the temporary memory 230 can be quickly filled with the video signal frames B and after a period of time it will be restored and ready to make another switch to another video signal in the same way. The temporary memory 230 can also be restored by skipping frames or providing a delay between the sequential frame outputs for a short time in order to fill the temporary memory 230. If a delay is used to maintain the video signal or the frame output at so much that the temporary memory 230 is filling, a slight distortion may occur for a short time. Because a first video signal is always displayed as the output of the temporary memory 230 after the delay, the stored video temporarily masks the acquisition and decoding of the second video signal. While the temporary memory 230 is large enough to maintain the first video signal operating while the second video signal is being decompressed and decoded, a continuous switching will occur. While interactive box 25 of Figure 2 provides video interactivity, audio and / or graphic interactivity is also provided. For example, if, based on the profile of the observer or the response From the observer to the questionnaire, it is determined that the primary language of the observer is Spanish, so that observer could obtain comments in Spanish for the game of soccer, soccer, etc. Alternatively, if an observer has a favorite athlete, the audio can switch to an interview with the athlete during a segment of the broadcast. The multiple digital audio options that form a set of appropriate responses for an interrogation message may be sent as part of the composite digital signal. As set forth in U.S. Patent 5,585,858, incorporated herein by reference, there are a number of different ways to efficiently advance the audio options necessary for a particular live event towards the digital interactive box 25. With the present invention, they become different from how the audio options reach the digital interactive box 25 as long as they are available for selection and playback at the appropriate times. In Figure 2, the digital demultiplexer 210 extracts the digital audio signals and directs them to the audio switch 250. Additional audio options are available from the digital audio memory 255. On certain occasions during the program, the Data codes will identify the selection of a particular audio option that corresponds to user inputs previous The controller 260 calls the appropriate audio options from the internal memory 255 or directs the audio switch 250 to select a predetermined audio segment received as part of the received digital signal for the step towards the modular RF 245 for playback to the subscriber . At the end of the period, of the audio segment as indicated by the data codes, the controller 260 instructs the audio switch 250 to collect the standard audio again. The digital demultiplexer 210 sends the extracted graphics data or ACTV data codes to the controller 260. The controller 260 interprets the extracted data either as control data including instructions for switching between video signals, audio signals or graphic data for an exhibition onscreen. If the data is on-screen display data, the data is preferably prefixed by a command designation of the data as display data on the screen, as opposed to the control data. In addition, the controller 260 also examines the control data for the occurrence of a header code designating the start of a starting point 500 in the program explained below. Figure 3 shows a double alternate selector mode for continuous switching between signals of separate video This mode assumes that two 6 MHz channels are used, each of which comprises digital video and audio streams. In addition, the microprocessor 260 controls the selection of the RF channel that is demodulated by the RF demodulators 200A, 200B. The demodulated data streams enter the direct error correctors 205A, 205B. At the output of the direct error correctors 205A, 205B, the data streams are transmitted at the input of the digital demultiplexers 210A, 210B. As with the RF demodulators 200A, 200B, the digital demultiplexers 210A, 210B are controlled by the microprocessor 260. This configuration allows the microprocessor 260 to independently select two different time-multiplexed video signals in different channels and data streams. If all the video signals of an interactive program were contained in a single channel or data stream, it would be necessary to have an individual RF demodulator 200, direct error corrector 205 and digital demultiplexer 210 connected in series and feeding into the digital video memories 230A, 230B. Two data streams are provided from the digital multiplexers 210A, 210B. A stream of data transports the video information that belongs to the Video signal that the user is currently watching. The second data stream carries the selected video signal based on the user's previous selections, and / or the current interactive selections from the user interface 270, as determined by the processor 260. The digital information in each of the two streams is temporarily stored in digital video time memories 230A, 230B. The "temporarily stored signals are decompressed and then converted to" analog "signals by means of the decompressors / decoders 215A, 215B including digital-to-analog converters. The decompressors 215A and 215B "are preferably MPEG-2 decoders.A local synchronous generator 225 is connected to the synchronous adder 220A, 220B and the circuit synchronizer 380A, 380B of circuits, since both currents are synchronized based on signals from the same. local synchronous generator 225, each current becomes synchronized for the other.In particular, the signals in each current are synchronized per frame.A vertical blank space interval switch (VBI) 335 is connected to the microprocessor 260 so that the input can be switched during the vertical white space interval of the flow current, resulting in a continuous switching for the observer. The modality of Figure 3 operates as follows. Based on user responses and control codes, it is assumed that the microprocessor 260 determines a switch from a video signal A to a video signal C must be executed. The scrambler _ RF 200A "and the digital demultiplexer 210A are processing the video signal currently observed, the video signal A, which is being processed through the upper branch components. A command is issued from the microprocessor 260. the RF demodulator 200A, 200B, which instructs "a switch to the channel and the data stream on which the video signal C is located. The microprocessor 260 also instructs the digital demultiplexer 210B to provide the video signal C from the received data stream to the digital video time buffer 230B. At this point, the upper RF demodulator 200A and the demultiplexer 210A are independently receiving and processing the video signal A, which continues through the upper branch of the circuit. At a certain point, the digital decompressor / decoder 215B "in the lower branch will begin to fill with the frames of the video signal C. After the video signal C is decompressed and decoded, it is converted into analog. A local synchronization generator 225 inserts the local synchronization and frame synchronization to the video signal C by means of the additional synchronization circuit 220B and the frame synchronization circuit 380B in order to synchronize it with the video signal currently displayed A, which is still being provided from the upper digital video time buffer 230A. At the appropriate switching point, driven by the programming codes provided with each video signal A and C, the microprocessor 260 directs the VBI 335 switch to switch in the vertical white space range from video A to video C in whose moment the video C will appear continuously on the screen of the computer. The digital video time memories 230A, 230B can be used in the circuit of Figure 3, although they are optional. However, in an alternative embodiment the temporary memories will be required to provide a continuous switching in the circuit of Figure 3 which was modified to incorporate an RF demodulator 200, individual direct error corrector 205 and individual digital demultiplexer 210, each with a individual entrance and an individual exit. In this alternative mode, the circuit can not independently receive and demultiplex two data streams in channels of different frequency. A temporary memory 230 makes use to store the signals of previously received video, while the other temporary memory 230B passes quickly through the selected video signals. Based on the above assumptions, the video signal A is advancing through the upper branch of the circuit and it is desired that it switches to the video signal C. However, in this alternative mode, the digital video time buffer 230A is providing maximum temporary storage to the video signal A. Because it is. wishes to switch to the signal C, the microprocessor 260 directs to the alternative circuit (containing an individual RF receiver 200, individual advance error corrector 205 and individual digital demultiplexer 210 connected in series), to receive and demultiplex the data stream on which the video signal C is located, which may be different from that of the video signal A. When the video signal C is demultiplexed, the microprocessor 260 directs the digital video temporary memory 23"0 to provide minimum temporary storage capacity of the video signal C so that the decompressor / decoder _ 215 can decompress quickly and decode the digital signals. After decompression and decoding, the video signal _C is synchronized with the video signal A. At the same time, the video signal A is read for display from the memory temporary digital video 230A. The upper digital video time buffer 230A must be large enough to provide video frames for output during the time it takes, to the __ RF demodulator 200 and to the digital demultiplexer 210 to switch to the video signal C and the time required for decompression, decoding "and synchronization of the video signal C. When the video-C signal is synchronized with the video signal A, the microprocessor 260 directs the switch VBI 335 to switch from the video signal A to the signal of C in the vertical blank interval of the video signal A, thus providing a continuous and oscillation-free switching, at which time the digital video temporary memory 230 will start to use the maximum temporary storage capacity by means of the alteration of its full / empty scale as described above with respect to the modality of Figure 3. When adequate temporary storage is achieved, it can be and switching to another video signal in the same manner as described above. - Another preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 4. This embodiment includes a demodulator _ RF 200, a direct error corrector 205 and a digital demultiplexer 210. "However, the circuits differ along the rest of the chain for the whole or television monitor.

In this embodiment, a memory 475 is incorporated and connected to the output of the demultiplexer for storing the composite digital video signal compressed. The decompressor / decoder 215 is inserted into the output of the compressed memory. The decompressor / decoder 215 decompresses the digital signal, converts the signal to analog and advances the analog signal to the RF code 245 for transmission to the monitor. Once the composite compressed digital video signal is fed into the compressed memory 475, the microprocessor 260 directs a pointer to be placed somewhere along the compressed digital video signal. Based on the placement of the pointer, different frames and different segments of the composite digital video signal will be read from memory 475 for decompression and decoding. The different video signals are distinguished from one another because they are preferably labeled by headers. Assuming that the video signal A has been selected for display on the monitor, the compressed digital memory 475 is filled with frames A. Assuming a switch to the desired video signal C, the microprocessor 260 directs the RF demodulator 200 and the digital demultiplexer 210 so that they fill the compressed memory 475 with video frames C. The decoder 215 with its pointer starts moving downwards. As soon as the sufficient number of frames C is recorded by the compressed memory 475, the pointer will jump to the start of the frames C. The frames C are then output into the decompressor / decoder 215 where the digital frames are converted into an analog signal. Digital video is multiplexed into a series of easily identifiable packages. These packages may contain fully compressed video frames (I frames) or may include only the differences between the complete frames (B frames or P frames). In order to have the ability to reconstruct the complete video images, the decompressor / decoder 215 needs to have a minimum number of I, P and B frames. The decoder 215 needs only one I frame to decode an image. Conversely, two previous anchor frames ("I's" and "P's") are needed to decode the B frames. In order to decode the P frames, the decoder 215 needs only a previous anchor frame. When the microprocessor instructs the digital demultiplexer 210 to start sending packets from a different data stream there is no way to ensure that the next packet will be a pack I necessary for the decoding of the second video stream. To avoid a breakdown of the video images, which would occur if the decompressor / decoder 215 started Suddenly to receive packets unrelated to the current being decoded, the microprocessor 260 begins to fill the memory 475 with the video signal packets C until it is determined that a complete sequence of frames are available of type I, B and P The decoder 215. must receive the last bit of the last frame B in certain GOP (Group of Images) before switching, in order to avoid deformed signals when it is decoded. In addition, the last G-box of the GOP should only be predicted with support, not in advance or predicted in bidirectional form. As soon as the valid sequence is in the memory 475, the microprocessor 260 moves the memory read indicator at the start of a valid sequence of the video signal packets C so that the decompressor / decoder 215 can decode the signals successfully. C. This results in a continuous switching of the video signal A to the video signal C. This mode requires a data channel "to allow a synchronous switching between a first video stream and a second video stream. This data channel comprises the ACTV codes that link the different program elements and information segments in the different video signals. In addition, the data channel also comprises synchronization pulses and a time code to represent the pointer the appropriate time for skipping a memory location representing a video signal to a memory location representing another video signal in order to allow continuous switching. The microprocessor 260 reads the data signal from the digital demultiplexer 210 and communicates the pertinent data to the synchronous addition circuit 220, which is connected to the synchronous generator 225. The microprocessor 260 is then able to communicate synchronously with the memory. 475. The time code sent will identify the synchronization for an image, as well as for several "images, and will close the different images together.This is done through the use of similar clocks at both the transmit and receive ends. A time code is used in order to keep the two clocks at both the transmit and receive ends synchronously connected to each other, once the clocks at both ends are working synchronously, each of the current multiplexed video must be synchronized to the clocks.In order to synchronize the multiplexed video stream to the clocks, each of the individual channels These should be referred to as a common reference point and should be identified. In the preferred mode, a packet header would be incorporated into the transport layer of the ' MPEG signal to identify the different channels The package header will also include the information to insert the vertical blank interval. In MPEG the vertical white interval is not transmitted from the header end. Therefore, the vertical blank interval must be generated locally. The packet header detector will identify at what time the vertical blank interval is in existence in order to effect a continuous switching between analog images. In summary, the combination of the clock and the information embedded in the MPEG transport layer or in a separate packet in a separate data channel effects the link between each video signal and a corresponding time point. The data channel also includes information that designates when the different video signals will be in sync with each other. It is at those points that the microprocessor 260 can direct the pointer to jump from one location to another, at a time (such as during the VBI) when a continuous switching will result. D. Start Points Interactivity is further enhanced in the digital interactive modes through the application of start points 500 disseminated at various predetermined times through the program, a -present time limit of which is shown in Figure 5 . The 500 start points correspond to times when interactive events are scheduled to take place during the live sporting event. 10. These interactive events can be the selection and reproduction of video, audio segments, the display of graphics or the display of web pages. accessed. from Internet Web sites 170. For example, when a favorite baseball player of the observer is in the batter's box, the graphs showing the player's past and current performance statistics can be superimposed on the screen while the citations of a interview with the player can be played for the observer. While the selection of the particular video, audio or graphics still depends on the observer's selections, the selections of this in response to the graphic interrogation messages displayed are preferably made during a period at the beginning of the program or when the observer first selects in the program. Alternatively, interrogations are not necessary and the switches are based on the observer profile stored in the memory 265. Those observer selections are used as inputs to macros called at later times during the program by the controller 260 to the occurrence of the points Start 500, identified for the interactive switch by unique codes embedded in the video signal.

The start points 500 correspond to the moments when the content of the conventional program can be altered and customized for the observers. "The programmer can place the starting points 50.0 at any time through the program, since the starting points 500 are unknown. for the subscriber, the subscriber does not know when he or she will receive a personalized message, in other words, an interactive response can immediately follow a corresponding user selection made for an interrogation message or be presented at a later time that corresponds to a point of ' start 500, or a "combination of the two. Of course, the synchronization of the interactive events must correspond to appropriate moments in the program where the branching to interactive elements is sensitive and does not conflict with the content of the conventional video program still shown on the television 165 or other display monitor At the start of a starting point 500, the controller 260 will select several possible audio responses (or video or graphic display) for presentation to the subscriber As mentioned above and shown in Figure 5, some of the responses may comprise - a branch to a segment of video, graphics and / or audio segments.

In combination with the use of start points 500, the present invention allows the observer to select certain options at the beginning of the program to suit the preferences of the observers, for example, if the program transmission is a live sporting event 10, At an initial start point of 500, the observer may be questioned about whether he would prefer to receive the audio in English, Spanish, French or perhaps listen to the local announcer instead of the announcer of the local chain. CPU 260 instructs a branch to the appropriate interactive segment. 'Each start point 500 preferably identified through the transmission of ACTV codes sent as part of the composite interactive program signal.The codes preferably include, at a minimum level, the following information: (1) header that identifies the occurrence of a starting point 500, (2) function identification (eg selection of audio or graphics responses etc.); and (3) corresponding interrogation messages or characteristics of a particular observer or habit based on the profile of the observer. The first bit sequence simply identifies the controller of that start point 500 that is about to occur. The ID function designates the macro or "another set of executable instructions for the 260 controller to read _e_ interpret to get the desired result, for example, a selected video response and / or audio. Upon extraction of the codes by the data decoder, the controller 260 reads and interprets the codes and calls the memory 265 a particular user selection designated by the start point codes 500. The user selections correspond to the responses of the user. Subscriber for a series of interrogation messages preferably presented at the beginning of the program. After obtaining the appropriate user selection, the controller 260 reads and "executes the executable instructions using the user selections as inputs in the macro algorithm." The result of the algorithm is a selected video stream, audio response and / or graphics. The video / audio response can be called from the memory 265 if it is pre-stored, called from an external data storage, or the controller 260 can instruct the switch to branch into the particular video audio stream if the response is transmitted concurrently with the start point 500. After the selected video / audio response is reproduced for the subscriber, the switch branches to the standard program, shown at time ts in Figure 5. As mentioned above, a series of interrogation messages are preferably presented when the Subscriber begins to observe the interactive program. Those interrogation messages can be presented in any of three ways. First, interrogation messages may be presented as displays of graphics superimposed by the interactive computing workstation on a video signal, where the graphic data is sent in the vertical white interval of the composite interactive signal, or alternatively stored. On the hard drive or external storage, Secondly, the interrogation messages, are presented as graphical displays as described above, except that the graphical data coming from the local storage, the external data storage (for example CD ROM) , cartridge, etc.), or a combination of _ data in the VBI and the data called from the local or external data storage.First, the graphical data can be presented in the form of user templates stored in the station. Interactive computation work The user selections that correspond to answers to interrogation messages suc These are received by the remote interface 270 at the beginning of the display, stored in the .2.65 memory and used through the display at the appropriate start points 500 to subtly change the content of the program as the display progresses. Preferably, each Interrogation has a set of possible answers. After each possible response there will be some identifier that corresponds to a label on a key on the user interface. The subscriber presses the key corresponding to his "response selection." This selection is decoded by remote interface 270 and controller 260, stored in memory 265, preferably RAM and subsequently used as required by an algorithm designated at a point of home 500. E. Internet In addition to the central study that serves as a source of interactive option responses, the Internet can be used as a source of personalized information for interactive responses. ~ As described above, video programming is preferably created in a centralized location, ie the control study 5 as shown in Figure 1, for distribution to the subscribers in their homes.Referring to Figures 1 and 6, in a preferred method, the operator in the control study 5 must designate certain Web pages that correspond to one of the program options, such as audio and / or graphics options, utili the control PC 135"and the encoder URL 600. Instead of coding the actual content of the options in the control studio 5, as with the audio, the identifiers of Web address, ie the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) are encoded and sent as part of the data codes from the PC 135 control to the digital multiplexer 140. After the multiplexing, the URLs are sent as part of the signal of program 615, as described above. Preferably, the URLs, like the different audio and graphics options, have "associated daters" that indicate to the upper cells of the remote digital set 25 when, during the video program, to display the particular Web pages addressed by the URLs the selection and display of which is preferably done as a function of observer or observer profile responses Preferably, each "top box" of digital assembly 25 has an Internet connection 160 created concurrently with the cable connection. The Internet connection 160 can be by means of high-speed line, RF, conventional modulator. The upper box of digital set 25 has Internet access 160 by means of any of the current ASCII software mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment, in the upper box of interactive digital set 25, the digital demultiplexer 210 extracts the URLs along with the other data codes. In an alternative embodiment, a decoder local URL 605 in the user site extracts the URLs.

In a preferred embodiment, a JAVA-enabled examiner as well as the specialized software for executing part of the method of the present invention are installed in the upper box of interactive digital assembly 25. The JAVA-enabled examiner allows the upper box of interactive digital assembly 25 to recover Web pages and is the preferred software, since it is independent of the platform and therefore allows the efficient and flexible transfer of programs, images, etc. over the Internet The specialized software acts as an interface between the video programming and the Internet functions of the present invention The processor and the software interpret those URLs and direct the JAVA enabled browser to retrieve the particular relevant web pages, and synchronize the WEB pages retrieved to the video content for display on the television monitor 165 at the appropriate times In the present invention, the observer also has the ability to link to a channel website at will. For example, if an observer is interested in acquiring a product described in an advertisement, by simply clicking on a button on their remote terminal 20, the producer's website could be accessed through an Internet connection 160 and displayed to the observer. The observer could obtain more information about the product or order the product if you wish. As described above, this application is possible by sending the URL associated with the producer's website to the digital cable boxes 25 as part of the interactive program. By selecting the observer, the Web browser, located either in the upper box of digital set 25 or externally in a connected PC 610, can retrieve the Web pages. The specialized software then synchronizes the Web pages for the video display. F. Memory The upper box of interactive digital assembly 25 of the present invention also has the advantage of remembering the responses of the subscriber and using those responses in the selection of a video / audio answer, and / or the graphic interrogation message, for present it to the student. The memory branch is a technique of the present invention where the video / audio response algorithm assemblies and the graphics interrogation messages according to the current and previous user inputs. The memory branch is achieved by linking the video / audio streams and / or interrogation messages of successive graphics together in a logical relationship. In this scheme, the upper box of interactive digital set 25 contains logic (preferably, in the software algorithm) and memory 265 for storing selections, of previous subscriber and to process those previous responses in the algorithm to control the selection of future video / audio stream, as well as the future graphics message selection. "G. Digital Observer Profiles In a preferred embodiment, the interactive digital cable box 25 may have an observer profile stored in its memory 265. Alternatively, the cumulative profile of observer characteristics and / or habits may be stored in the Control studio 5 or the cable head end. If the profile statistics are accumulated in a central location, they can also be sent to each observer's home. On the other hand, if it is accumulated in the memory 265 in each of the upper terminals of assembly 25, the data can be sent to the central location for storage and dissemination via the digital backup channel. "Decisions regarding personalized advertising and observation can be made to the observer or class of observers based on the accumulated parameters." The "observer profile" preferably contains characteristics of the particular observer at that subscriber location, such as sex, hobbies , interests, etc. This observer profile is created by having the observer answer a series of questions.

Observer profiles can be created in a control studio 5 and sent to interactive digital cable box 25. This information is then used for the cable box software to create a compendium of the 5 interests and preferences of the observer, ie , a user profile. The stored user profile will be used in place of the question-answer format, and therefore, would determine the branches for interactive segments of interest to the observer. O 10 Alternatively, the interactive cable box can be programmed to create a user profile for each observer based on the selections made during one of the interactive programs. If the profile shows that a particular observer does not like violence, the system can automatically branch to another video signal at the start of a fight in a sports program. In addition, such a user profile can be modified or enriched over time based on selections made during future interactive programs. For example, the technique of 'memory' The above described can be used to modify the user profile based on the user response over time. "The event data is collected from the observer when the next command is received and processed by the controller 260 in the cable box interactive digital 25: OBSERVER PROFILE This command is used to enable events that can be used to make the profile during :, an exhibition. The events indicated in this command are those profile formation events that are possible during the exhibition. The enabled events can be selected by the observer during the exhibition, they can be automatically enabled based on the observer's selections. VIE_WER_PROFILE EV? NT1, ...? VENT24 Once the profile is created, the programming options or interactive responses can be triggered based on the content of the observer profile itself, for example, if the observer profile suggests that the Observer is particularly interested in sports cars, a commercial sports car could be reproduced for the observer at a predetermined point in the "program. As another application, if an observer profile indicates that the observer is interested in the kitchen, as long as the observer observes such a program, the "observer profile will trigger the interactive program to transfer recipes and display such recipes on the screen or send the recipes to an attached printer The information of the observer profile can be collected later in the control study 5 through the observer cable box surveys 25 for observer selection data. The special survey software is loaded into the upper box of the digital set 25 to execute the survey functions. Alternatively, the invention allows the digital set upper boxes 25 to send data per request from the control studio 5- or periodically. The command to initiate a load of the observer profile data is as follows:. EXTENDED LOAD This command is used to start loading data to the central site. UPLOAD_? XT? NDED UPLOAD_IDENTIFIER VARIABL? _NAME [HONE_NUMB? R] UPLOAD_IDENTIFIER numerical constant that identifies the load, VARIABLE_NAME variable name for PHONE NUMBER to be loaded in a chain, consisting only of numbers, can be omitted if it is not necessary. Regardless of whether a survey or periodic scheme is used, statistics and other profile information The user is preferably sent to the control studio 5 through the use of the backup channel. H. Applications The modalities described above allow several possible applications. For example, in a live sporting event 10, a channel can carry the standard video channel, with other channels carrying different camera angles 100 and / or approaches of particular players. Other potential video options include instant replay, outstanding data, statistics. player through graphic overlays etc. The statistical information that presents graphs about the players can be updated constantly using the "Chyron" system. The "provision of start points 500, explained above, can be provided for continuous integration of such video options during the sporting event, based on the observer responses to interrogations at the beginning of the program and / or on the profile of the digital observer. In addition, the observer can become the director with the present invention, For example, the observer can select which camera angles 100 to emphasize In a golf transmission, the observer can direct when he wants to follow a particular player from a hole another, to focus on a particularly difficult hole.

This way, the observer can adapt the sports broadcast to fulfill their own interests. In addition, the observer can act as a director to create his own video. During a live concert 10, for example, the observer selects various camera angles 100 at different times. Those selections together with a date clock, which indicates the time of the program when each selection is made, they are stored in memory _265. "When the program is played a second time, the processor 260 will automatically direct the branch between the video channels according to the selections stored in the date clock. The observational experience can be further clarified to the observer by implementing games and contests during the live sporting event 10. For example, overlays of graphs can lead to the observer being asked during the game. Football broadcast, for example, can ask the observers questions such as the following: What will be the "next play? (RUN / PASS / CLEAR); Will the offensive get the first and ten? Will they score in this position? Choose the score for half time; Who will win? Each of the observer's responses can be sent to the control study 5 for tabulation of records. Preferably the responses are packaged in the digital cable box 25 and transmitted to the control studio 5 by means of the digital backup channel by means of the EXTENDED LOAD command. Alternatively, the tabulation of markers can take place in the digital cable box 25 through the use of certain software in the memory 265. Each correct answer can correspond to a certain number of points. At the end of the game, the interactive program preferably presents a graph showing the observer's total score. If desired, advertisers could present special gift certificates "for excellent performance in such games." The provision of such certificates would occur through the display of a certain code that the observer can take for storage to receive the gift. , the interests of the observer in sporting events may be increased.In addition, the observer has the option with the present invention to block the display of certain events, for example, if the observer is not addicted to violence during a sporting event or other type. from program, the system can block such options for the observer with the following data commands: EVENT 'This command is used to indicate the occurrence of a certain event (for example, a fight that arises during a football game). EVENT? V? NT_NUMBER EVENT__NUMBER is a numeric constant. IN EVENT EXECUTE MACRO This command is used to implement certain actions (such as an automatic branch to another video channel in order to block the violent event, for example), as soon as the event arrives. ON_EVENT EVENT_NUMB? R MACRO_NUMBER. EVENT_NUMBER is a numeric constant. MACRO_NUMBER is a numeric constant. I. "Two-Way Configuration" The live programming system of the present invention can be operated in a two-way configuration, as illustrated in Figure 7. In this mode, the different video signals are processed as previously described. , being digitized and compressed in the control studio 5. The signals are then sent to a central switching station, or header end 30.

In this mode, switching between the different live digital signals is achieved at the header end 30 instead of the receiver. At the receiving end, each upper digital assembly box 760 elevates the observer selections to the remotely located switching station 30. Preferably, the observer selections are relieved by means of the digital backup channel 770. However, the selections of the observer can be relayed to the switching station 30 by any conventional means such as a two-way cable television, telephone or microwave transmission. The switching station 30 receives the selection of the observer and routes the desired signal to a transmitter 750 that conventionally transmits the desired video to the appropriate digital cable channel for the particular observer. In the central switching station 30, a demultiplexer 710 demultiplexes the compressed signals and places each in a separate collector channel 725. A number of interactive remote control switches 730, 732, 734, 736 are connected to the video signal collector 725 Based on the observer selections, an algorithm stored in the memory 265 and under the processor 260 controls the switching station '30, a digital continuous switch is made and the selected video, audio and / or graphics are directed towards the observer's house for exhibition. Such a two-way mode could be implemented in a video dialing tone or in a video server system. In such a system, only one 755 individual video channel is needed for each house. Once the selection of the observer is received at the server site, at the cable head end 30, a switch to the appropriate video stream is made and current is sent to the individual channel 755 towards the house. Alternatively, it may be desirable to broadcast an interactive sporting event over an individual telephone line. When the observer makes a selection at his remote station 20, a signal is sent via the telephone line to the central switching station 30 which routes the desired signal of the interactive program over the user's telephone line so that a single link it handles the interactive selection made in the receiver and the transmission of that selection from the header end 3.0 where the actual switching takes place in response to the interactive selection made in the receiver. The two-way link between the observer and the switching station 30 can be used for other purposes. For example, demographic data can be transferred from the observer to the transmission network for commercial purposes, such as targeted advertising, billing or other commercial or non-commercial purposes. While the present invention has been described primarily with respect to live events, and in particular sporting events, it has equal potential to improve the content of other program categories. An observer can become the director of a mystery program or other dramas. By accessing the answers to the questions displayed at the beginning or during the exhibition, the program will branch to alternative video / audio segments as a result of the user's selections. This way different observers with different selections can end up with a different killer at the conclusion of the transmission. Using the modalities, methods and previous processes, the interactive multimedia computer maximizes personalized attention and interactivity for subscribers in their homes in real time. Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to certain embodiments and examples, there are variations and modifications that are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS 1. A live interactive digital programming system, characterized in that it comprises: an observer television reception system for receiving live interactive programming, the interactive live programming comprises a plurality of signals "video, audio, branch codes and graphics digitally compressed, the receiver system comprises: an observer interface to receive observer inputs, a microprocessor, connected to the observer interface, to select one of the video and audio signals and direct a continuous switching for the video signals and audio selected at a predetermined time, the selection of the audio and video signals and the predetermined time of each selection which is a function of the branch codes and received observer inputs, a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing. Selected video and audio signals, a "decompressor / decoder, cone processing the demultiplexer to decompress the demultiplexed selected video and audio signals; means for displaying the selected video signal; Y " means to reproduce the selected audio signal.
2. 2. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of digitally compressed video signals corresponds to different predetermined camera angles of an event.
3. 3. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor selects one of the graphics signals at a predetermined time, the selection of the graphics signal which is a function of the branch codes and the received observer inputs, and comprising furthermore means connected to the microprocessor to present the selected graphic signal in the display means. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of display present at least one interrogation to the observer, the content of the interrogation comprising program options, and the observer inputs corresponding to entries collected from the observer through the observer interface in response to interrogations. 5. A live interactive digital programming system, characterized in that it comprises: an observer television reception system for receiving interactive live programming, live interactive programming comprising a plurality of video signals, auclio, branching codes and graphics digitally compressed, the receiving system comprises: memory, to store an observer profile; ____ a microprocessor, connected to the observer interface, to select one of the video and audio signals and direct a continuous switching to the selected video and audio signals at a predetermined time, the selection of the video and audio signals and the predetermined time of each selection that are a function of the branching codes and the stored observer profile; a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing the selected video and audio signals; a decompressor / decoder, connected to the demultiplexer to decompress the selected demultiplexed video and audio signals; means for displaying the selected video signal; And means to reproduce the selected audio signal. 6. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of digitally compressed video signals correspond to different predetermined camera angles of an event. The interactive live digital programming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the microprocessor selects one of the graphics signals at a predetermined time, the selection of the graphics signal which is a function of the "branching and observer profile codes, and which further comprises means, connected to the microprocessor, to present the selected graphics signal in the reproduction means. interactive live digital programming system characterized in that it comprises: an observer television reception system for receiving live interactive programming, interactive live programming comprising a plurality of video codes, digitally compressed audio and branching and one or more uniform resource locators that specify one or more Internet addresses of related Internet information segments obtained from Web sites on the Internet, the receiving system comprising: an observer interface for receiving observer inputs; means connected to the observer interface, for processing comprising: - means for selecting one of the video and audio signals and directing a continuous switching to the selected video and audio signals at a predetermined time, the selection of signals video and audio and the predetermined time of each selection which is a function of the branching codes and received observer inputs; means for decoding the uniform resource locators to determine the specified Internet addresses; means of decoding, to recover one or more segments of Internet information residing in the determined Internet address, and means to present video and audio signals, and Internet information segments 9. The interactive digital programming system live according to claim 8", further characterized by comprising: a desm ultiplexer, to demultiplex the selected video and audio signals; Y a decompressor / decoder, connected to the demultiplexer, to decompress the selected demultiplexed video and audio signals. 10. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of digitally compressed video signals correspond to a predetermined camera angle different from an event. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the means of presentation exhibit at least one interrogation to the observer, the content of the interrogation comprising program options, and the observer inputs corresponding to entries collected from the observer by means of the observer interface in response to interrogations. 12. The live interactive digital programming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the interactive live programming further comprises a plurality of graphics signals and the selection means selects one of the graphics signals in a predetermined time, the selection of the graphics signal, which is a function of the branch codes and the observer profile, and which also comprises means connected to the microprocessor, to present the selected graphics signal in the display media. 13. A system for providing interactive live digital programming, characterized in that it comprises: ~ "means for receiving video signals from a plurality of video cameras, one or more of the cameras that reveal a different predetermined view of an event in live means for producing one or more audio signals corresponding to the live event, means for generating one or more "graphics signals; at least one digital compression device, connected to the receiving and production means, for digitally compressing the video, graphics and audio signals; means for processing, connected to the compression device, wherein the processing means create a set of data commands that link the different audio, graphics and video signals, the data commands that include branch commands; a digital multiplexer connected to the digital compressor device, for multiplexing the video, graphics and audio signals, and the data codes in a combined digital program stream; means to transmit the digital program current. combined 14. A method for providing an interactive live digital program characterized in that it comprises the steps of: "- .." obtaining video signals from a plurality. of video cameras, one or more "cameras that reveal a different view of a live event, produce" one or more audio signals that correspond "to the live event; create one or more chart signals; receive the video and audio signals in a control study; digitally compress video, graphic and audio signals; produce a set of data codes that correspond to the programming, the data codes that include branch commands; digitally multiplexing the video, graphic and audio signals, and the data codes in a combined digital program stream; transmit _ the combined digital program current; receive the combined digital program stream at a reception site; re-transmitting the combined digital program current in a digital cable distribution system; receive the combined digital program stream in one or more observer sites; collect observer-specific information; process data commands; digitally demultiplexing the video and audio signals resulting in a first video and auclio signal, the first output video signal and the first audio signal selected based on the data commands and the observer-specific information collected; instructing the digital demultiplexer to initiate the demultiplexing of a second video signal and a second audio signal, the second video signal and the second audio signal selected based on data commands and the observer-specific information collected; switching continuously from the first to the second video signal; and display the second video signal on a screen. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: creating an observer profile with the observer-specific information collected; wherein the selection of the video and audio signals is based "in part on the profile of the observer" 16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the step of collecting information T specifies the observer comprises the steps of: exhibit - at least an interrogation of the observer, the content of the interrogation that includes program options, collecting inputs from the observer in response to interrogations, and where the selection of video signals is based in part on the observer inputs collected 17. A method for providing live interactive digital programming, characterized in that it comprises: - receiving live interactive information, comprising a plurality of digitally compressed video, auclio and branching codes and one or more resource locators specifying one or more more Internet addresses of related Internet information segments. Web sites on the Internet, the receiving system comprising: Obtaining observer entries; select one of the video and audio signals and direct a continuous switching for the selected video and audio signals at a predetermined time, the selection of the video signals and the predetermined time for each selection which is a function of the obtained branch codes and observer inputs; decode the uniform resource decoders to determine the specified Internet addresses; recover one or more of the Internet segments that reside in the determined Internet addresses; "" demultiplex the selected video and audio signals; decompress the demultiplexed selected video and audio signals; present the video and audio signals, and the information segments of the Internet. 18. A live interactive digital presentation system, characterized in that it comprises: means for receiving live programming, wherein the programming contains a plurality of digital video and audio signals; an observer interface for receiving observer inputs; a microprocessor, connected to the observer interface, for selecting and switching to one of the video and audio signals based on at least one of the observer inputs; means for displaying the selected video signal; and means to reproduce the selected audio signal. 13. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received from a satellite transmission system. _. _: _ ..twenty. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the combined digital program stream is received from a cable distribution system. - "" ~ _ 21 ... The interactive digital display system live according to claim 18, characterized in that the program current is received from a transmission system. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the combined digital program stream is received within a "private network" 23. The live interactive digital display system according to claim 18 , characterized in that the combined digital program stream is received within a network in a stadium 24. The live interactive digital display system according to claim 18, characterized in that the system is presented in a computer work station. 25. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the combined digital program stream is received on the Internet 26. The live interactive digital display system according to claim 18, characterized by because the plurality of digital video signals correspond to different predetermined camera angles. 27. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that one of the plurality of digital video signals corresponds to a main program video feed. 28. The interactive digital live presentation system in accordance with the. claim 18, characterized in that each of the plurality of digital video signal corresponds to separate audio signals. 29. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 18, characterized in that the programming contains one or more addresses of information segments, in which the addresses of information segments specify one or more addresses of information segments, the system further comprising: means for decoding, connected to "the receiving means, the addresses of information segments; means for recovery, connected to the decoding means, the information segments in the directions of certain information segments; wherein the display means presents the video signal at the same time or as a replacement for the information segments. 30. The digital interactive live presentation system according to claim 29, characterized in that the information management segments are resource locators. uniform, uniform resource locators that specify Internet website addresses. 31. The live interactive digital presentation system according to claim 29, characterized in that the information address segments are database indexes in the networks. 32. A system for providing interactive live digital programs characterized in that it comprises: means for receiving video signals, some of which are from a plurality of video cameras, one or more of the cameras that reveal a different predetermined view of a video live event; means for producing one or more audio signals corresponding to the live event; means for generating one or more graphics signals; at least one digital compression device, connected to the reception and production means, to digitally compress the video, graphics and audio signals; a digital multiplexer connected to the digital compression device for multiplexing the graphic and audio video signals, in a combined digital program stream; and means for transmitting the combined digital program stream. 33. The system in accordance with the claim 32, characterized in that the transmission means is a satellite transmission system. 34. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the transmission means is a cable distribution system. 35. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the transmission means is a television transmission system. 36. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received within a private network. 37. The system according to claim 32, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received within a network in a stadium. _ "38. The system in accordance with the claim 32, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received over the Internet. 39. A method for providing interactive live digital programming, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: obtaining video signals from a plurality of video cameras, one or more of the cameras that reveal a different view of a live event; produce one or more audio signals that correspond to the live event; receive video and audio signals in a control study; digitally compress video and audio signals; digitally multiplexing the video and audio signals in a combined digital program stream; transmit the combined digital program stream; - receive the combined digital program stream at a reception site; digitally demultiplex video and audio signals; and display the video signal on a screen. 40. The method of compliance with the claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is transmitted on a satellite transmission system. 41. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is transmitted on a cable distribution system. 42. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is transmitted on a television transmission system. 43. The system according to claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received within a private network. 44. The system according to claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received within a network in a stadium 45. The system according to claim 39, characterized in that the combined digital program current is received on the Internet 46. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: collecting the observer-specific information; "creating an observer profile with specific information of the observer collected; wherein the selection of video and audio signals is based in part on the profile of the observer. 47. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of storing the profile of the observer in a database. 48. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that the database is located at a remote site of the receiving site. 49. The method of compliance with the claim 47, characterized in that the database is located at the reception site. 50. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the step of collecting observer-specific information comprises the steps of: exhibit at least one interrogation for the observer, the content of the interrogation that includes program options; collect the observer's entries in response to interrogations; and wherein the selection of video or audio signals is based in part on the collected observer inputs. 51. A method for providing live interactive digital programs, characterized in that it comprises: receiving live interactive programming, interactive live programming comprising a plurality of digitally compressed video and audio signals, and one or more segment addresses of related information, the reception system includes: obtaining video entries; selecting one of the video and audio signals and directing a switch to the selected video and audio signals; decode information segment addresses; recover one or more information segments that reside in the determined directions; demultiplex the selected video and audio signals; unzip selected demultiplexed video and audio signals; and present the information segments and the video and audio signals. 52. The method of compliance with the claim 51, characterized in that the information segment addresses are uniform resource locators, the uniform resource locators that specify Internet Web sites. 53. A method for providing a user with digital programming in a receiving station, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program, wherein the plurality of video signals comprises at least one video reproduction and at least one standard video signal; select one of the video options; digitally decompress the selected video signal that corresponds to the selected video option; and displaying the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option, wherein the visual transition for the selected video signal is "continuous. 54. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the receiving station is a digital television. 55. The method of compliance with claim 53, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer. 56. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a box "of digital cable and a television operatively connected to the digital cable box 57. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that further comprises the steps of: _ indicating to the user the different video options; "~ 7 receiving from the user a command indicating the selected video option 58. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the plurality of video signals also comprises at least one approach video and "at least" a slow motion video reproduction 59. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the selected video option corresponds to the playback video. 60. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that digital programming is received from a digital versatile disk. 61. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a cable head end. 62. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the satellite transmission. 63. The method according to the claim 53, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: creating an observer profile; wherein the selection step comprises the sub-step of selecting the video option based at least in part on the profile of the observer. 64. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: obtaining a plurality of graphic segment; select at least one graphic segment; display the selected graphic segments. 65. The method according to claim 64, characterized in that at least one of the chart segments is stored locally to the receiving station. 66. The method according to claim 64, characterized in that at least one of the graph segments is received on a communication link from a remote source. 67. The method according to claim 64, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 68. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that it further comprises the step of receiving a plurality of audio signals. 69. The method of compliance with the claim 68, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 70. The method according to claim 68, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is stored locally to the receiving station. 71. The method according to claim 68, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communication link from a remote source. 72. The method according to claim 68, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider. : "-" - 73. Uh method for providing digital video programming, characterized in that it comprises the steps: obtaining a plurality of video signals; slow one of the video signals for a predetermined amount of time to create a video playback site; produce one or more audio signals; digitally compress video and audio signals in a combined digital program stream; transmit the combined digital program stream 74. The method according to the claim 73, characterized in that the plurality of video signals are obtained from a plurality of video cameras-, at least one of the cameras that provides a view of an event "live." 75. " A method for providing digital programming to a user in a receiving station and during the observation of one of the plurality of video signals associated with the digital programming, accessing a site of Internet through an Internet address, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program, wherein the plurality of video signals comprise a standard video signal; select one of the video options; digitally decompress the video signal corresponding to the selected video option; display the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option; obtain at least one address associated with at least one website, and establish automatically, based on a user response, on a communication link with the indicated address of the website. claim 75, which also includes the step of using the link "communications to receive information from the website. 77. The method according to claim 76, characterized in that the received information contains at least one graphics segment. 78. The method in accordance with the claim 76, characterized in that the received information contains a video segment. 79. The method according to claim 7.6, characterized in that the received information contains an audio segment. 80. The method of compliance with the claim 77, characterized in that the graphics segment is displayed to the user. "81. The method of compliance with the claim 78, characterized in that the video segment is displayed to the user. 82. The method of compliance with the claim 79, characterized in that the audio segment is reproduced for the user. 83. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the receiving station is a digital television. 84. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer with a television card. 851"The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box and a television, operatively connected to the digital cable box. 86. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the plurality of video signals further comprises at least one zoom video, and at least one slow motion reproduction. 87. The method of compliance with the claim 75, characterized in that the selected video option corresponds to the playback video. 88. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that digital programming is received from a digital versatile disk. 89. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the digital programming is received from CDROM. 90. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that the digital programming is received from an Internet connection. 91. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that digital programming is received from a cable head end. 92. The method of compliance with the claim 75, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the satellite transmission. 93. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: creating an observer profile; wherein the selection step comprises the sub-step of selecting the video option based at least in part on the profile of the observer. "94. The method according to claim 75," characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: obtaining a plurality of graphics segments; "selecting at least one segment of the graph, displaying the selected graph segments, 95. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that at least one of the graph segments is stored locally for the receiving station. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that at least one of the graphic segments is received on a communications link from a remote source 97. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that at least one of the Graphic segments are received over a communications link with an online service provider. 98. The method according to claim 75, characterized in that it further comprises the step of re-acquiring a plurality of audio signals. 99. The method according to claim 98, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 100. The method according to claim 98, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is stored locally to the receiving station. 101. The method according to claim 98, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communication link from a remote source. 102. The method according to claim 98, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 103. A system for supplying a user with digital programming at a receiving station, and while observing one of a plurality of video signals associated with digital programming, accessing an Internet site through an Internet address, which comprising: means for receiving a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program, wherein the plurality of video signals comprises a standard video signal; a processor, connected to receiving means, wherein the processor selects one of the video options; a digital decompressor, operatively connected to the processor to decompress "the video signal corresponding to the selected video option, and an exhibit screen operably connected to the digital decompressor, to display the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option means for obtaining at least one address associated with at least one Web site, and means for automatically establishing, based on "a user response, a communication link with the indicated address of the Web site. 10.
4. 4. He . system according to claim 103, characterized in that it also comprises means for receiving information from the Web site. 105. The system according to claim 104, characterized in that the received information contains at least one segment of graph 106. The system according to claim 104, characterized in that the received information contains a video segment. 107. The system according to claim 104, characterized in that the received information contains an audio segment. 108. The system according to claim 105, characterized in that the graph segment is displayed to the user on the display screen. 109. The system according to claim 106, characterized in that the video segment is displayed to the user on the display screen. 110. The system according to claim 107, characterized in that it further comprises a loudspeaker, wherein the audio segment is reproduced for the user in the loudspeaker. 111. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital television. 112. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer 113. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box and a television operably connected to the box. of digital cable. 114. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the plurality of video signals also comprises at least one zoom video and at least one slow motion video reproduction. 115. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the selected video option corresponds to the playback video. 116. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that it further comprises a digital versatile disk, wherein the digital programming is received from the digital versatile disk 117. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that it also comprises a CD ROM, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the CD ROM 118. The system according to "" claim 103, characterized in that the digital programming is collected from an Internet connection. claim 103, characterized in that digital programming is received from a cable head end. 120. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the satellite transmission. 121. The system according to claim 103, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein an observer profile stored in the storage device and the processor selects the video option based at least in part on the profile of observer. 122. The compliance system according to claim 103, characterized in that it further comprises: means for obtaining a plurality of graphic segments; wherein the processor selects at least one "" graphic segment and the selected graphic segment is displayed on the display screen. 123. The system according to claim 122, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein at least one of the graphics segments is stored in the storage device 124. The system according to claim 122, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received over a communication link from a remote source. 125. "The system according to claim 122, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received on a communication link with an online service provider." "126. The system according to claim 103, characterized because it also comprises means for receiving a plurality of audio signals 127. The system according to claim 126, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 128. The system according to claim 126, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein at least one of the audio signals is stored in the storage device. 129. The system according to claim 126, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communication link from a remote source. __ 130. _ __E1 _.system according to claim 126, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 131. A method for providing a user with interactive digital programming at a receiving station, and during the observation of a plurality of video signals associated with the digital programming, access ~ an Internet site through an Internet address received at the station, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of. digitally compressed video, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program, wherein the plurality of video signals comprises a standard video signal; select one of the video options; digitally decompress the selected video signal that corresponds to the selected video option; and display the selected video signal - which corresponds to the selected video option; obtain at least one address associated with at least one Internet site; send a message request to the address indicated on the website; "... automatically establish a communication link with the address indicated on the Internet site, receive information from the Internet - from the Internet site; where the communication link is automatically established with the Internet site without user interaction. 132. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the received information contains at least one graphics segment. 133. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the received information contains a video segment. 134. The method of compliance with the claim 131, characterized in that the received information contains an audio segment. 135. The method of compliance with the claim 132, characterized in that the graphics segment is displayed to the user. 136. The method of compliance with the claim 133, characterized in that the video segment is displayed to the user. 137. The method according to claim 134, characterized in that the audio segment is reproduced for the user. 138. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the receiving station is a digital television. 139. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer with a television card. 140. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box and a television, operatively connected to the digital cable box. 141. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the plurality of video signals further comprises at least one zoom video and at least "one" slow motion video reproduction. 142. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the video option selected corresponds to the playback video. "" 143. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that digital programming is received from a digital versatile disk. 144. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a CD ROM. 145. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the digital programming is received from an Internet connection. 146. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a cable head end. 147. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a satellite transmission 148. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: creating a profile of Observer, wherein the selection step comprises the sub-step of selecting the video option based at least in part on the profile of the observer 149. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: "7" obtain "a plurality of chart segments; select at least one segment of the graph; display the chart segments; display the selected chart segments. 150. The method according to claim 149, characterized in that at least one of the graphic segments is stored locally to the receiving station. 151. The method according to claim 149, characterized in that at least one of the segments graphics is received over a communications link from a "remote" source. 152. The method according to claim 149, characterized in that at least one of the graphic segments is received over a communication link with an online service provider. . 153. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that it further comprises the step of receiving a plurality of audio signals. The method according to claim 153, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 155. The method according to claim 153, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is stored locally to the receiving station. 156. The method according to claim 153, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communication link from a remote source "_ 157. The method according to the claim 153, characterized in that at least one of the radio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 158. A supply system, a digital user programming in a receiving station, and during the observation of a plurality of video signals associated with digital programming, accessing an Internet site through an Internet address received at the station, characterized in that it comprises: - means for receiving a plurality of video signals included digitally , each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program, wherein the plurality of video signals comprises a standard video signal, a processor, connected to the receiving means, wherein the processor selects one of the video options a digital decompressor, operably connected to the processor, to decompress the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option, and an exhibition screen, operatively connected to the digital decompressor, to display the selected video signal corresponding to the option of selected video; "means to obtain by. at least one address associated with at least one Internet site. means to automatically establish a communication link with the address indicated on the site of Internet; means to receive Internet information from the Internet site; where the communication link is automatically established with the Internet site without user interaction. 159. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the received information contains at least one graphics segment. 160. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the received information contains a video segment. 161. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the received information contains an audio segment. 162. The system according to claim 159, characterized in that the graphics segment is displayed to the user in the display 163. The system according to claim 160, characterized in that the video segment is reproduced. for the user on the display screen 164. The system according to claim 161, further comprising a loudspeaker, wherein the audio segment is reproduced for the user on the loudspeaker. 165. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital television. 166. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer with a television card. 167. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box and a television, operatively connected to the digital cable box 168. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the The plurality of video signals further comprises at least one zoom video, and at least one slow-motion video reproduction 169. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the video option selected corresponds to the reproduction video. 170. "The compliance system. with claim 158, characterized in that it also comprises a digital versatile disc, wherein the digital programming is received from the digital versatile disc. 171. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that it further comprises a CD ROM, wherein the digital programming is received from the CD ROM '172. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a connection from Internet. 173. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the digital programming is received from one end of the cable head. 174. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the satellite transmission. 175. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein a user profile is stored in the storage device and the processor selects the video option based at least in part on the profile of the observer. 176. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that it also comprises: means for obtaining a plurality of graphic segments; wherein the processor selects a graphics segment and the selected graphic segment is displayed on the display screen 177. The compliance system. with claim 176, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein at least one of the graphics segments is stored in the storage device. 178. The system according to claim 176, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received over a communication link from a remote source. 179. The system according to claim 176, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 180. The system according to claim 158, characterized in that it also comprises means for receiving a plurality of audio signals. 181. The system according to claim 180, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 182. The system according to claim 180, characterized in that it further comprises a storage device, wherein at least one of The audio signal is stored in the storage device 183. The system according to claim 180, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communication link from a remote source. system according to claim 180, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider 185. A method for providing a digital programming of a receiving station to a user. characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program; create a profile for the user; select one of the video options, where the video option is selected based on the user profile that results in a program adapted for the user; digitally decompress the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option; and display the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option, where the Visual transition to the selected video signal is continuous. 186. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that it further comprises the step of storing the profile of the user in the memory at the receiving station. 187. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the user profile contains data indicating the observation characteristics of the user. 188. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the user profile contains a personal user profile. 189. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the user's profile is stored in the memory at a central location. 190. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that at least one of the video signals is an advertisement. 191. The method of compliance with claim 185, characterized in that the user profile contains selections made by the user during an interactive program. 192. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the user profile contains data collected from the user's responses to interrogations, where interrogations are part of the program. 193. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the data for the data profile is collected by survey of the receiving station from the central location. 194. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the receiving station is a digital television. 195. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer with a television card. 196. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box and a television operatively connected to the digital cable box. 197. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: "indicating to the user" the different video options; receive a command from the user indicating the option of -video selected. 198. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the plurality of video signals further comprises at least one zoom video and at least one slow motion video reproduction. 199. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the selected video option "corresponds to the reproduction video 200. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the digital programming is received" from a versatile disk. digital. 201. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the programming is received from a cable head end. 202. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that the digital programming is received from a satellite transmission 203. The method of, according to the claim 185, - "characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: obtaining a plurality of graphic segments, selecting at least one graphic segment, displaying the selected graphic segments, 204. The method according to the claim 203, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is stored locally to the receiving station. 205. The method according to claim 203, characterized in that at least one of the segments graphics is received over a communications link from a remote source. 206. The method according to claim 203, characterized in that at least one of the graphics segments is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 207. The method according to claim 185, characterized in that it further comprises the step of receiving a plurality of audio signals. 208. The method of compliance with the claim 207, characterized in that each audio signal is associated with one of the video signals. 209. The method according to claim 207, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is stored locally to the receiving station. 210. The method according to claim 207, characterized in that at least one of the audio signals is received on a communications link from a remote source "211. The method according to claim 207, characterized in that at least One of the audio signals is received over a communication link with an online service provider. 212. A system for supplying digital programming to a user in a receiving station, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: means for receiving a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, each signal corresponding to a different video option of a program; a processor, operatively connected to the receiving means to select one of the video options, wherein the video option is selected based on a. user profile that results in a program adapted for the user; means for digitally decompressing the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option; and means for displaying the selected video signal corresponding to the selected video option, wherein the visual transition to the selected video signal is continuous. 213. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the profile of the user contains data indicating the observation characteristics of the user 214. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that it also comprises means for "storing the user's profile 215. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the user profile contains data indicating a personal profile of the user. 216. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the user's profile storage means is located in a central location. 217. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that at least one of the video signals is an advertisement. 218. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the user profile contains selections made by the user during an interactive program. 219. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the user profile contains data collected from the user's response to the interrogations, where the interrogations are part of the program. 220. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the data for the user profile is collected by polling the receiving station from a central location. 221. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the receiving station is a digital television. 222. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a personal computer with a television card, 223. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the receiving station comprises a digital cable box. and a television, operatively connected to the digital cable box, 224. The system of compliance with "claim 212, characterized in that digital programming is received from a digital versatile disk. 225. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that digital programming is received from a cable head end. 226. The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the digital programming is received from the satellite transmission. 227. "The system according to claim 212, characterized in that the plurality of video signals represent advertisements.