WO2002060153A1

WO2002060153A1 - Method and apparatus for an enhanced digital broadcast receiver

Info

Publication number: WO2002060153A1
Application number: PCT/SG2002/000008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pui Wa Billy Au; Khiam Foh Lo; Kian Nam Daniel Chin
Original assignee: Plexus Multimedia Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2001-01-23
Filing date: 2002-01-21
Publication date: 2002-08-01
Also published as: EP1354459A1

Abstract

An enhanced digital broadcast receiver (100) comprises a data identifier (130) that identifies non-standard compliant data which is provided to a non-standard data decoder (170) that determines whether the non-standard data is enhanced data or integration data. Enhanced data supports delivery of graphics, smart video and over-the-air-programming, and integration data supports delivery of data to a variety of devices that may be coupled to or integrated with the enhanced digital broadcast receiver (100). In addition, a PDA engine (12) incorporates personal digital assistant functionalities.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ENHANCED DIGITAL BROADCAST

RECEIVER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiver and more particularly to a digital audio broadcast (DAB) receiver that supports a variety of enhanced multimedia and user selectable features.

B ackground of the Invention

Eureka 147 is an international DAB standard, which originated from Europe's European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and it governs encoding and decoding of audio content that is broadcasted in accordance with DAB. Eureka 147 provides and specifies delivery of content including program associated data (PAD), and non-program associated data (NPAD), in the form of multimedia object transfer (MOT). Eureka 147 defines a framework for delivery of robust high-fidelity digital audio with supplementary support for delivering text and graphics data. PAD and NPAD are data that are transmitted with a specified data channel, with PAD being used primarily for audio streaming, and NPAD for packet mode, transmissions. The MOT transforms data into a standard MOT format which a DAB data channel carries in a standard format either on PAD or NPAD transmissions. Eureka 147, however, does not restrict the format of data that is broadcasted, nor does it restrict pre-processing and post-processing of either PAD or NPAD. Eureka 147 has been adopted for trials and for regular service by broadcasting authorities or broadcast services in more than 40 countries. DAB receivers that comply with the Eureka 147 standard are commercially available. Mobile DAB receivers that comply with Eureka 147 are manufactured by Blaupaunkt of Germany and Pioneer of Japan, and are intended primarily for use in vehicles. In addition, compact hi-fi systems with DAB receivers for home use are produced by Arcam of the United Kingdom.

There are also commercially available DAB receiver based computer accessory cards that are manufactured by companies such as Robert Bosch and TechnoTrend, both of Germany. Such computer cards essentially comprise a DAB tuner with a computer interface, and when installed in a computer, the computer provides audio control, file storage facilities, and the display of PAD and NPAD on the computer's monitor. In effect, the computer provides a user interface to support reception and download of DAB audio content and associated data delivered via the DAB tuner to the computer, which presents the audio, PAD and NPAD, to a user.

A disadvantage of the DAB receiver based computer accessory card is that it stores and displays data which is supported by commercial browsers, and does support additional processing of received data to the computer user, beyond that supported by current Eureka 147 broadcasters.

Portable DAB Eureka 147 compliant prototype receivers have been demonstrated by Bosch, and the Fraunhofer Institute of Germany has a product called M-cube. These receivers are essentially smaller, and provide a more compact version of the mobile DAB receivers.

A disadvantage of these portable DAB receivers is that they do not support user functionality commonly available in other portable devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and two-way wireless communications. Hence, the prospect of a user having to carry multiple devices. Further, the portable DAB receivers do not integrate its functionality of receiving content with the functionalities of such portable devices.

Yet another disadvantage of both the DAB receiver based computer accessory card and computer combination and the portable DAB receivers, is that neither supports generic multimedia applications that provide post processing and presentation of data delivered via DAB broadcasts in accordance with users' preferences, such as, user specific data optimization and interpretation, as well as content transformation techniques that are essential to generic multimedia applications using a DAB broadcast network.

Brief Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus for an enhanced digital broadcast receiver which overcomes, or at least reduces the abovementioned problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a digital broadcast receiver having an input for receiving a digital broadcast signal and having an output for providing a data signal, wherein the data signal is extracted from the digital broadcast signal; and a data identifier having an input coupled to the output of the digital broadcast receiver, the data identifier for receiving the data signal and for determining whether the data signal is compliant with a known digital broadcast standard, the data identifier having a first output for providing standard compliant data when the data signal complies with the known digital broadcast standard, and the data identifier having a second output for providing non-standard compliant data when the data signal does not comply with the known digital broadcast standard.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for processing a broadcast digital signal in a digital broadcast receiver, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a digital broadcast signal; b) extracting received data from the digital broadcast signal; c) determining whether the received data is non-standard compliant data; and d) providing the received data when the received data is non-standard compliant data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a DAB receiver in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart detailing operation of the DAB receiver in FIG. 1.

Detail Description of the Drawings

The present invention, as described below, is an enhanced DAB receiver that supports delivery of multimedia content using the Eureka 147 compliant protocol. In addition, generic multimedia applications are provided in the enhanced DAB receiver for post processing and presentation of data delivered via DAB broadcasts in accordance with users' selected preferences. This provides the enhanced DAB receiver with a variety of graphics, video, and over the air programming features. In addition, the enhanced DAB receiver can be provided in a portable device, which incorporates a personal digital assistant and two-way communication capability, via a digital cellular telephone, for example, thus providing a single compact portable device. Further, the enhanced DAB receiver integrates the delivery and presentation of broadband content with the functionalities of a PDA and a cellular telephone to provide a user with an integrated user interface, and user selectable delivery and presentation of information in accordance with users' preferences.

In FIG. 1 an enhanced DAB receiver 100 has an antennae system 102 for receiving a digital broadcast radio frequency signal 105 which is transmitted in accordance with the DAB standard. The antennae system 102 comprises two radio antennae, a Band in radio frequency antenna operating between 174-240 megahertz (MHz), an L-Band radio frequency antenna operating between 1452-1492 MHz, and an antenna switch for switching between the two antennae. The two antennae and the antenna switch are not shown, but are known to one skilled in the art.

A digital broadcast receiver 110 is a DAB compliant receiver which comprises a DAB radio 115 and a DAB decoder 120. The DAB radio 115 receives and demodulates the digital broadcast signal 105, and provides a demodulated data signal. The DAB decoder 120 is connected to the DAB radio 115 to receive and decode the demodulated data signal in accordance with the Eureka 147 standard, and produces a received data signal. An example of the DAB radio 115 is the RF800 Module, and an example of the DAB decoder 120 is D-Fire2, both manufactured by Robert Bosch GMBH of Germany. A controller 122 is connected to the digital broadcast receiver 110, and the controller

122 controls the operation of the digital broadcast receiver 110. The controller 122 is a functional program on a microprocessor-based system which operates on a multi-thread software operating system (OS) such as WinCE™, Linux and Nx Works™. In addition to the controller 122, a variety of other functional blocks are also functional software programs that operate on the processor-based system. These functional blocks will be identified when their operation is described later. The functional blocks and other physical blocks are coupled to the controller 122 as indicated by thicker lines 126, and data flow between the blocks is represented by thinner lines 127.

A personal digital assistant (PDA) engine 123 is a functional program that is coupled to the controller 122 and which provides the enhanced DAB receiver 100 with all the functionalities provided by a PDA. These functionalities include calendars, appointment management, task management, to-do lists, address book, memo pad, electronic mail, and calculator. In addition, a variety of on-line services can deliver data to the PDA engine 123, which can then provide a user, having a user identification (ID), with customized personal information. For example, an on-line service that tracks events of corporations could provide indications of those events on a user's calendar, where the user is a share holder of those corporations. Transmissions of such information will, of course, include the user ID which will be recognized by the receiver and processed accordingly. Physical user inputs 124 are coupled to the controller 122. The physical user inputs 124 can include switches, a keyboard, and a microphone. The controller 122 receives user selections and preferences from the user inputs, and operates the enhanced DAB receiver 100 in accordance with the user selections and preferences. Such user selections and preferences can include an indication of information services that a user wishes to receive, and details of when the user wants such information to be delivered an also how the user wants the information to be presented.

A high-speed data interface 125 is a physical interface connected between the digital broadcast receiver 110 and a data identifier 130. The high-speed data interface 125 transfers received data, which is provided by the received data signal, to the data identifier 130. Received data includes a variety of data file types. To achieve maximum performance for the enhanced DAB receiver 100, a data interface that supports a high-speed transfer rate is important. In a preferred embodiment, the high-speed data interface 125 complies with the enhanced parallel port (EPP) protocol, however other high-speed protocols may be employed. These protocols include serial peripheral interface (SPI), and the high baud rate universal asynchronous receive-transmit (UART). The processor 122 controls the high-speed data interface 125, in addition, the DAB decoder 120 must necessarily have the same high speed interface in order to share the same high speed protocol. The processor 122 is coupled to receive the received data via the high speed data interface 125, and this allows all data managing and decoding to be controlled by the processor 122. For example, the processor 122 causes data from the high speed data interface 125to be provided directly to the processor 122 for storage and/or execution as in the case of over the air programming (OTP). The OTP operation will be described in more detail later.

In addition, for the enhanced DAB receiver 100 to support broadband applications, high speed data transfer becomes more important in order not to limit the operation of broadband applications by the rate at which received data is provided to the processor. It is anticipated that better broadband application performance can be achieved if the digital broadcast receiver 110 is coupled to the DAB decoder 120 via an internal data exchange protocol.

The data identifier 130 operates as a data interpreter by identifying different file types using a variety of methods. One relatively simple method is to indicate different file formats by unique file extension types. Other methods can include unique information headers embedded in a data file, where when a data file is converted to a particular format, the header information identifies that format. In addition, an encryption key could be included in a data file, and the information in the data file is decoded only when the encryption key in the receiver matches the one in the data file.

Thus, by being capable of identifying different data types, the data identifier 130 selectively provides the received data to a variety of decoders 140, 170, 145, and 146 in a decoding engine 135, dependent on the data type that is received. The data identifier 130 initially determines whether the received data is an open data format type or that of a customized format type. The open data format constitutes data formats that are widely adopted by broadcasting authorities and broadcast services. Open data refers to standard or known file types that are recognized and executable by standard commercial browser that are already available in the market i.e. Internet Explorer by Microsoft, for example. Customized data refers to file types that require further processing in the enhanced DAB receiver 100 before the received data is interpreted and presented by the enhanced DAB receiver 100. Customized data will be displayed and presented to a user only after the received data has been decoded by what has herein been referred to as post-processing by the enhanced DAB receiver 100. The open data format type includes standard data, audio data and command data, and the customized data format type includes non-standard data. The decoding engine 135 includes a standard data decoder 140, a non-standard data decoder 170, an audio data decoder 145 and a command data decoder 146. The data identifier 130 can determine the data type from a variety of characteristics of the received data, including the format of the received data. Alternatively, a data ID in the received data can be used to indicate the data type to the data identifier 130.

When the data identifier 130 determines that the received data is the standard data type, the data identifier 130 provides the standard data to the standard data decoder 140. Any one of currently available software applications known as browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape, that operate as part of the presentation processor 160 can be employed to present the data. The standard data type is simply standard compliant data. Such data is formatted in accordance with a known standard including joint photographic experts group (JPEG), graphic interchange format (GIF), and hypertext markup language (HTML).

The standard data decoder 140, mainly consists of four sub-decoders. These include a text sub-decoder 141, a hypertext mark-up language (HTML) sub-decoder 142, an image sub-decoder 143, and a video sub-decoder 144.

When the standard data represents text, HTML, image or video content, a standard browser, in the presentation processor 160, is used to decode and present the content on a display 155. In one embodiment, the presentation processor 160 is a software module that is embedded in the processor, and performs the function of presenting the data on the display 155 of the enhanced DAB receiver 100. Standard and non-standard data are presented on the display 155 by the presentation processor 160. However, the non- standard data requires additional processing prior to presentation relative to the standard data. The standard browser application is only one of the processes supported by the presentation processor 160.

When the data identifier 130 determines that the received data is the audio data type, the data identifier 130 provides the audio data to the audio data decoder 145. The audio data decoder 145 determines whether the audio data is conventional audio streaming data or media player 3 (MP3) audio data. When the audio data is conventional audio streaming data, the audio data decoder 145 decodes the conventional audio streaming data and provides an audio streaming signal to the presentation processor 160, which then provides a corresponding audio signal to an audio transducer 165 for presentation to a user. MP3 could be processed in two ways. One way is to receive a file in the MP3 format, and then play the file back with an MP3 player, akin to streaming audio. The other way is to record the normal DAB audio channel in MP3 format for storage in the enhanced DAB receiver. Then, at a later time, a user could select the stored audio for play back using, for example, the PDA functionality as a user interface.

Hence, when the audio data decoder 145 determines that the audio data is MP3 audio data, the audio data decoder 145 decodes the MP3 audio data and either provides an MP3 audio data stream to the controller 122 for storage or provides the MP3 audio data stream to the presentation processor for presentation via the transducer 165. The selection of where the audio data decoder 145 provides the MP3 audio data stream is determined by the controller 122 in accordance, for example, with user selection or stored user preferences. Typically, audio data is received in I2S standard protocol for conventional audio streaming data or MP2 MP3 for storage and playback.

When the data identifier 130 determines that the received data is the command data type, the data identifier 130 provides the command data to the command data decoder 146. The command data decoder 146 determines whether the command data is system control data or tuning control data, and provides the control and/or tuning data to the controller 122. In response, the controller 122 provides control signals to the digital broadcast receiver 110 to effect a variety of system control functionalities including, tuning of the DAB radio 115, frequency selection, and detection of on-air channel information. The command data, sometimes referred to as command messages, are system messages that cater more for communication within the DAB receiver 100, and for simple on-air messages and indications. Command messages are communicated with defined message events between the digital broadcast receiver 110 and the controller 122. The command data provides a communication Unk between a broadcasting system and the DAB receiver 100 that enables the DAB receiver 100 to maintain optimized reception of the digital broadcast signal 105.

When the data identifier 130 determines that the received data is the non-standard data type, the data identifier 130 provides the non-standard data to the non-standard data decoder 170. The non-standard data type is data which is not formatted in accordance with any known standard. For example, a non-standard data type may be data formatted in accordance with a proprietary format or protocol. Non-standard data may be identified using a method mentioned earlier or a unique file extension employed to allow recognition of a non-standard data file. There are two non-standard data types and these are an enhanced data type and integration data type. When the non-standard data decoder 170 determines that the received data is the enhanced data type, the non-standard data decoder 170 provides the enhanced data to an enhanced data decoder 171, and when the received data is the integration data type, the non-standard data decoder 170 provides the integration data to an integration data decoder 180.

The enhanced data decoder 171 includes four sub-decoders. These are a graphics sub-decoder 172, a smart video sub-decoder 174, an over-the--tir-progr--mming (OTP) sub-decoder 176, and a program sub-decoder 178.

When the enhanced data represents graphics content, the graphics sub-decoder 172 decodes the enhanced data and provides a graphics data signal to the presentation processor 160. The presentation processor 160 processes the graphics data signal and provides graphics display data to the display 155 which presents the graphics content for a user.

Similarly, when the enhanced data represents smart video content, the smart video sub-decoder 174 decodes the enhanced data and provides a smart video data signal to the presentation processor 160. The presentation processor 160 processes the smart video data signal and provides smart video display data to the display 155, which presents the smart video content. Video data could be delivered to the enhanced DAB receiver 100 in a variety of ways, and dependent on the method which is employed to deliver the video data, the presentation processor 160 processes the received video data accordingly.

For example, instead of using the full capacity of 1.5 megabits per second of the enhanced DAB receiver 100 to deliver video streaming data, a smaller portion of the capacity of say 500 kilobits per second, can be employed, with the video data now being sent at a lower frame or refresh rate. Here, the presentation processor 160 would recognize the slower bit rate, and decode and present the video content at the lower refresh rate. An alternative method would be to break a video file into a several portions, and transmit the portions separately. Then, at the receiver 100, the presentation processor 160 recognizes and assembles the received portions, decoding and presenting at least the portions that are received in the correct sequence.

In addition, when the enhanced data represents an OTP indicator, the OTP sub- decoder 176 decodes the enhanced data and provides a OTP indicator data signal to the presentation processor 160. The presentation processor 160 processes the OTP indicator data signal and provides OTP indicator display data to the display 155, which presents the OTP indicator. The OTP indicator indicates to a user that OTP data is being received by the enhanced DAB receiver 100.

When the enhanced data represents executable program content, the program sub- decoder 178 decodes the enhanced data and provides program data to the controller 122 for execution. The program data is an executable program which when executed by the controller 122, determines the operation of the enhanced DAB receiver 100. This feature advantageously enables new functionality to be added to the enhanced DAB receiver 100 by delivering additional software to the enhanced DAB receiver 100. In addition, updates to existing software can be conveniently delivered without the need for user intervention. Another advantage is, information providers that deliver information to subscribers using the enhanced DAB receiver 100 can also provide information provider specific programs to their subscribers. Thus, allowing information providers to provide value added delivery and presentation of information to such users.

The integration data decoder 180 includes two modules, a wireless data module 182 and a wired data module 184. When the integration data represents wireless data, the wireless data module 182 processes the wireless data and provides processed wireless data to an integration coupler 190. Similarly, when the integration data represents wired data, the wired data module 184 processes the wired data and provides processed wired data to an integration coupler 190.

The integration coupler 190 is a physical interface that supports coupling to integrated as well as removable wired and wireless communication devices and accessories. Wired communication devices include a local area networking (LAN) module, and wireless communication devices include a cellular phone. Wired accessories include additional data memory modules, a universal serial bus (USB) interface and wireless accessories which include Bluetooth modules. The integration coupler 190 includes a variety of physical connectors to provide physical connection between wired and wireless devices and accessories. The wired and wireless data modules 182 and 184 format the formatted wired and wireless data in accordance with the specific communication device and/or accessory that is connected to the integration coupler 190. Hence, the function of the integration data decoder 180 is that of a translator to enable communication between the enhanced DAB receiver 100 and wired and wireless communication devices and accessories in general, and between the controller 122 and the wired and wireless communication devices and accessories in particular. In addition, the integration coupler 190 is coupled to, and configured by the controller 122. Conventional DAB broadcasts provide one-way communication. The integration of the wireless and/or wired communication devices (not shown) via the integration coupler 190, allows the enhanced DAB receiver 100 to be used for broadband two-way communication. This is accomplished with the effective interface between the digital broadcast receiver 110 and wireless and/or wired communication devices. The wireless devices include GSM, CDMA, DECT, and Bluetooth while the wired devices include modules that support LAN protocols. The selection of whether transmissions to the enhanced DAB receiver 100 are to be carried via a GSM link or DAB broadcast will be dependent on which mode, i.e. GSM or DAB, is able to deliver information more efficiently based on whether the data to be delivered is for a particular user or for multiple users. GSM would be appropriate for the particular user, while DAB would be more suited for broadcasts for multiple users. Hence, by combining the two modes selectively, the GSM and DAB infrastructure can use its available radio frequency spectrum more effectively.

Within the enhanced DAB receiver, communications between the digital broadcast receiver 110 and a GSM communication device could, for example, use specific tags in SMS messages. Where these tags would identify data meant specifically for 2-way DAB applications for attached or non-attached modules. Attached modules are integrated devices, such as when a GSM module is integrated in the enhanced DAB receiver 100, and non-attached module is where separate GSM and DAB devices are coupled to communicate with each other via an interface like RS232, USB, IRDA Bluetooth, and the like. However, in both arrangements, it would be advantageous to use the display 155 of the enhanced DAB receiver 100, as it is generally expected to be larger and have better performance specifications, such as color and the like.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, the operation of the enhanced DAB receiver 100 will now be described. When the controller 122 determines that received data has been received 205 by the data identifier 130, determinations 210, 215, 220 and 225 are made by the data identifier 130 as to whether the received data is standard data, non-standard data, audio data, or command data. When the received data is not one of these recognized data types, the received data is deemed to be invalid 225, and the controller 122 returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. When the received data is determined 210 to be standard data, a further determination 235, 240, 245 and 250 is made by the standard data decoder 140 as to whether the standard data is text data, HTML data, image data or video data. Again, when the standard data is not one of these recognized data types, the standard data is deemed to be invalid 225, and the controller 122 returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. However, when the standard data is determined 235, 240, 245 or 250 to be text data,

HTML data, image data or video data, then the corresponding text, HTML, image or video decoder 141, 142, 143 or 144 decodes 255, 260, 265 or 270 the respective text, HTML, image or video data, and the resultant decoded data is processed by the presentation processor 160 for user presentation 280.The controller 122 then returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data.

When the received data is determined 220 to be audio data, then the audio data is decoded 222. A further determination 223 is made as to whether the decoded audio data is to be stored or presented. When the decoded audio data is conventional audio streaming data, then the decoded audio data is provided to the presentation processor 160 for user presentation 280. However, when the audio data is not conventional audio streaming data, then dependent on such factors as user selection and preferences, the decoded audio data is either sent for user presentation 280, or the decoded audio data is stored 224 by the controller 122 for presentation at a later time. The controller 122 then returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. When the received data is determined 225 to be command data, the command data is provided 227 to the controller 122 for execution. Subsequently, the controller 122 returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. When the received data is determined 215 to be non-standard data, further determinations 282 and 284 are made as to whether the received data is enhanced data or integration data, respectively. When the non-standard data is determined 282 and 284 to be neither of these data types, then the non-standard data is deemed to be invalid data 225 and the controller 122 returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. When the received data is enhanced data, further determination 286, 287, 288 or 289 is made as to whether the enhanced data is graphics, smart video, OTP or program data. As before, when the enhanced data is determined 286, 287, 288 and 289 to be neither of these data types, then the enhanced data is deemed to be invalid data 225 and the controller 122 returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. When the enhanced data is determined 286, 287, 288 and 289 to be graphics, smart video or OTP data, respectively, the enhanced data is decoded 291, 292, and 293 by a corresponding decoder 172, 174 or 176 and provided to the presentation processor 160 for user presentation 280. The controller 122 then returns to monitoring 205 receipt of received data. Alternatively, when the enhanced data is determined 289 to be program data, the program data is provided 290 to the controller 122 for execution.

When the non-standard data is determined 284 to be integration data, further determinations 294 and 295 are made as to whether the integration data is wireless data or wired data, and depending on the result of those determinations 294 and 295, the integration data is decoded 296 or 297 by either the wireless or wired data modules 182 or 184. The decoded wireless or wired data is then provided 298 to the integration coupler 190, and the controller 122 then returns to monitoring 205 received data.

The present invention, as described, provides post processing of received data and enhanced presentation capabilities. Thus, information provider specific data and presentation can be dehvered to the enhanced DAB receiver. In addition, with the OTP capability, such information specific applications can be delivered, installed and executed in the enhanced DAB receiver, without the need for user intervention. The enhanced digital broadcast receiver delivers text, audio and video content, and in addition, delivers graphics, smart video, and executable program. Further, the enhanced digital broadcast receiver also allows connectivity to a variety of wired and wireless devices, and supports PDA functionalities.

This is accomplished by an enhanced digital broadcast receiver that receives and decodes standard format data that supports the delivery of text, audio and video content. In addition, the enhanced digital broadcast receiver advantageously receives and decodes non- standard format data that support the delivery of graphics, smart video, and programs. The enhanced DAB receiver also supports integration with a variety of wired and wireless devices to provide two-way broadband communication capability. A PDA engine incorporated in the enhanced digital broadcast receiver provides the PDA functionalities that are integrated with received data in accordance with user selectable preferences.

The present invention therefore provides a method and apparatus for an enhanced digital broadcast receiver which overcomes, or at least reduces the abovementioned problems of the prior art. It will be appreciated that although only one particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a digital broadcast receiver having an input for receiving a digital broadcast signal and having an output for providing a data signal, wherein the data signal is extracted from the digital broadcast signal; and a data identifier having an input coupled to the output of the digital broadcast receiver, the data identifier for receiving the data signal and for determining whether the data signal is compliant with a known digital broadcast standard, the data identifier having a first output for providing standard compliant data when the data signal comphes with the known digital broadcast standard, and the data identifier having a second output for providing non-standard compliant data when the data signal does not comply with the known digital broadcast standard.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the data identifier comprises a non-standard compliant data comparator, the non-standard compliant data comparator for receiving the data signal and a non-standard compliant data reference, the non-standard compliant data comparator for comparing the data signal with the non-standard compliant data reference, and the non-standard compliant data comparator for providing an output indicating whether the data signal comphes with the non-standard compliant data reference.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the non-standard compliant data reference comprises a predetermined data format.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the non-standard compliant data reference comprises predetermined header information.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the non-standard compliant data reference comprises predetermined encryption data.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the non-standard compliant data reference comprises a predetermined data file extension.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a decoding engine having a non-standard compliant data decoder, the non-standard compliant data decoder having an input coupled to receive the non-standard compliant data signal from the second output of the data identifier, and the non-standard data decoder having a first output for providing enhanced data, and a second output for providing integration data.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 further comprising an enhanced data decoder, the enhanced data decoder being coupled to receive the enhanced data from the first output of the non-standard data decoder, the enhanced data decoder for decoding the enhanced data to produce presentation data and program data, the enhanced data decoder having a first output for providing the presentation data, and the enhanced data decoder having a second output for providing the program data.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the enhanced data decoder further comprises a graphics sub-decoder, the graphics sub-decoder for decoding the enhanced data and producing the presentation data having graphics content when the enhanced data provides the graphics content.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the enhanced data decoder further comprises a smart video sub-decoder, the smart video sub-decoder for decoding the enhanced data and producing the presentation data having smart video content.

11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the enhanced data decoder further comprises an over the air programming (OTP) indicator sub-decoder, the OTP indicator sub-decoder for decoding the enhanced data and producing the presentation data having OTP indicator content.

12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the enhanced data decoder further comprises a program sub-decoder, the program sub-decoder for decoding the enhanced data and producing an executable program.

13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a presentation processor, the presentation processor being adapted to receive the presentation data from the enhanced data decoder, the presentation processor for producing audio data and display data in accordance with the presentation data, the presentation processor having a first output for coupling to a display, and the first output for providing the display data to the display for presentation, and the presentation processor having a second output for coupling to an audio transducer, and the second output for providing the audio data to the audio transducer for presentation.

14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 further comprising an integration data decoder, the integration data decoder coupled to receive the integration data from the second output of the non-standard data decoder, the integration data decoder for processing the integration data to produce wireless and wired integration data, and the integration data decoder having an output for providing the wired and wireless integration data.

15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14 wherein the integration data decoder further comprises a wireless data module, the wireless data module for processing the integration data and producing the wireless integration data.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14 wherein the integration data decoder further comprises a wired data module, the wired data module for processing the integration data and producing the wired integration data.

17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14 further comprising an integration coupler, wherein the integration coupler is coupled to the output of the integration data decoder, and the integration coupler being adapted to physically connect to at least one of a variety of standard connectors for operably coupling to a variety of devices.

18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein the integration coupler further comprises an output for providing data received from at least one of the variety of devices.

19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 18 further comprising a controller, the controller being coupled to the digital broadcast receiver, the data identifier, the decoding engine, the presentation processor, the integration coupler, and the output of the integration coupler, the controller for controlling the functions of the digital broadcast receiver, the data identifier, the decoding engine, the presentation processor, and the integration coupler in accordance with an executable program, and for receiving the data from the at least one of the variety of devices.

20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 19 wherein the decoding engine further comprises a standard compliant data decoder, the standard comphant data decoder having an input coupled to receive the standard compliant data signal from the first output of the data identifier, the standard compliant data decoder for decoding the standard compliant data signal to produce the presentation data, and the standard compliant data decoder having an output coupled to provide the presentation data to the presentation processor.

21. A method for processing a broadcast digital signal in a digital broadcast receiver, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a digital broadcast signal; b) extracting received data from the digital broadcast signal; c) determining whether the received data is non-standard comphant data; and d) providing the received data when the received data is non-standard comphant data.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising the step of: e) determining whether the non-standard comphant data is one of a plurality of predetermined data types; f) when the non-standard compliant data is one of the plurality of predetermined data types, decoding the non-standard compliant data in accordance with the one of the plurality of predetermined data types.

23. A method in accordance with claim 22 further comprising the step of: g) determining the non-standard comphant data as invalid when the non-standard comphant data is not one of the plurality of predetermined data types.

24. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the plurality of predetermined data types includes enhanced data and integration data, and wherein step (f) comprises the steps of: determining the non-standard comphant data is enhanced data; and decoding the enhanced data to produce presentation data.

25. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the step of decoding comprises the steps of: determining that the enhanced data is graphics data representing at least one graphic image; and decoding the graphics data to produce presentation data for presenting the at least one graphics image on a display.

26. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the step of decoding comprises the steps of: determining that the enhanced data is smart video data representing at least part of a video recording; and decoding the smart video data to produce presentation data for presenting the at least part of the video recording on a display.

27. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the step of decoding comprises the steps of: determining that the enhanced data is over-the--rir-progr--mming (OTP) indicator data representing at least one OTP indicator; and decoding the OTP indicator data to produce presentation data for presenting the at least one OTP indicator on a display.

28. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the step of decoding comprises the steps of: determining that the enhanced data is program data representing at least one executable program; and decoding the program data to produce the at least one executable program.

29. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein step (f) further comprises the steps of: determining the non-standard comphant data is integration data; and decoding the integration data to produce wireless integration data; providing the wireless integration data to at least one of a variety of wireless communication devices.

30. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein step (f) further comprises the steps of: determining the non-standard comphant data is integration data; and decoding the integration data to produce wired integration data; providing the wired integration data to at least one of a variety of wired devices.