Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 10,715,835 B1
• Filed: 06/06/1995
• Issued: 07/14/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Heard, Erin F
• Application Number:
  US84/704,76
• Time in Patent Office: 9,170 Days
• Field of Search: 348 13, 348 7, 348 8, 348 9, 348 10, 348 12, 348 14, 348 16, 348385, 348426, 348 5, 348 3, 348723, 348724, 348725, 455 51, 455 31, 455 42, 455 121, 380 20, 380 16, 380 10, 380 9, 380 54, 379105, 379131, 304521, 725139, 725136, 725 86, 725104
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/071 containing electro-optic elements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/14 for monitoring programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/28 Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/30 by a single channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/70 characterised in that receivers can be addressed
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/13 Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/21 Billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/27 Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/31 Arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/37 for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/41 for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/00 Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD] real-time bi-directional transmission of motion video data H04N7/14 ; broadcast or conference over packet switching networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/20 Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21 : Server components or server architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21815 : comprising local storage units
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/222 : Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end provisioning of proxy services in data packet switching networks H04L67/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2351 : involving encryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 : Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2407 : Monitoring of transmitted content, e.g. distribution time, number of downloads arrangements for monitoring programmes for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25 : Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies maintenance or administration in data networks H04L41/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 : Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 : Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41 : Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4117 : for generating hard copies of the content, e.g. printer, electronic paper interfaces to printers G06F3/12; printing data G06K15/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 : home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4135 : external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41415 : involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 : embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 : providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 : Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42684 : Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming H04L61/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4307 : Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43072 : of multiple content streams on the same device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/432 : Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video databases G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 : by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 : Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4353 : involving decryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4363 : Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 : Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4385 : Multiplex stream processing, e.g. multiplex stream decrypting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44227 : Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4432 : Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server resetting in general G06F1/14; program loading or initiating in general G06F9/445; bootstrapping in general G06F9/4401; secure boots of computer platforms G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/45 : Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 : Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 : Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 : Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 : End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 : Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4888 : for displaying teletext characters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63 : Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing real-time session protocols H04L65/1101; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/633 : Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client management of faults, events, alarms in data networks H04L41/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 : for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/818 : OS software
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8352 : involving content or source identification data, e.g. Unique Material Identifier [UMID]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/46 : for receiving on more than one standard at will deflecting circuits of multi-standard receivers H04N3/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 : Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/084 : with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 : with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 : Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A unified system of programing communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

Claims

1. An apparatus for promoting and selectively delivering programming at a receiver station comprising:

a first receiver section that receives a promotional video program at said receiver station, said promotional video program promoting said programming and including a request for a viewer response to receive said promoted programming;

output apparatus including a plurality of output components for outputting programming, one output component operatively functional at said receiver station to display said promotional video program;

programmable processor apparatus operatively functional at said receiver station to receive a signal that designates said programming;

a second receiver section operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus to receive a viewer response to said request for a viewer response to receive said promoted programming;

a storage device operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus to store said viewer response, said programmable processor apparatus accessing said storage device in response to said viewer response to at least one of control reception of said promoted programming and control presentation of said promoted programming;

a third receiver section that receives said promoted programming at said receiver station; and

a selective transfer device at said receiver station, that under control of said programmable processor apparatus based on said signal that designates programming, selectively transfers said promoted programming from said third receiver section to a selected output component of said plurality of output components of said output apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a telephone device for communicating with a remote station.

3. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive viewing apparatus having a plurality of output components, said method comprising the steps of:

programming programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus to respond to a control signal from a remote programming supplier;

receiving, at receiver apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, a first portion of said mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first portion of said mass medium programming including an image that promotes a second portion of said mass medium programming;

displaying, at an output component of said interactive viewing apparatus, said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having input apparatus that is caused by a subscriber to receive input from said subscriber;

prompting said subscriber for a reply, during said step of displaying said image, as to whether said subscriber wants said second portion of said mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having transmitter apparatus for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said subscriber at said input apparatus in response to said step of prompting said subscriber, said interactive viewing apparatus having storage apparatus connected to said input apparatus for storing said reply;

storing, at said storage apparatus, said reply from said subscriber;

receiving, at said programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, said control signal from said remote programming supplier;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said received control signal, said stored reply from said subscriber;

selecting, based on said step of processing, one or more portions of information processed at said interactive viewing apparatus, said selected one or more portions of information evidencing one of

     1) an order placed by said subscriber and

     2) an identification of said second portion of said mass medium programming;

communicating, with said transmitter apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus based on said step of processing, said selected one or more portions of information processed at said interactive viewing apparatus to said remote site;

selecting, based on said step of processing, a specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus at which to output said second portion of said mass medium programming;

controlling, with said programmable processor apparatus, a selective transfer device to communicate said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus based on said stored reply from said subscriber; and

delivering said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus and outputting said second portion of said mass medium programming based on said steps of processing and controlling.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus outputs at least one of audio, hard copy, and television, said method further comprising the steps of:

delivering instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

communicating said second portion of said mass medium programming to said specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus in accordance with said delivered instructions.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said control signal is embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal and said step of prompting comprises emitting audio which performs at least one of offering and describing said second portion of said mass medium programming.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said mass medium programming is delivered in a multichannel signal transmitted by one of a remote cable video image transmitter station and a satellite video image transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of tuning a converter to receive at least one instruction.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein evidence information evidences at least one of availability and use of said second portion of said mass medium programming, said evidence information being at least one of stored and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that at least one of identifies and designates at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of data;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a network;

(5) a broadcast station;

(6) a channel on a cable system;

(7) a time of transmission;

(8) a unique identifier datum;

(9) a source of data;

(10) a supplier of data;

(11) a distributor; and

(12) an advertisement.

8. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of:

communicating code incorporated in an instruction to said programmable processor apparatus, and performing, on a basis of said code, at least one of;

receiving a signal including said second portion of said mass medium programming;

actuating at least one of a video output device, audio output device, and print output device to output said second portion of said mass medium programming in a specific way;

decrypting at least a portion of said second portion of said mass medium programming;

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate selected specific output to an output apparatus;

generating a subscriber specific datum to present with said second portion of said mass medium programming; and

delivering a subscriber specific datum at said interactive viewing apparatus which functions at least one of simultaneously and sequentially with said second portion of said mass medium programming.

9. The method of claim 3, said method further comprising the step of:

embedding an identifier in said image that enables said interactive viewing apparatus to process said second portion of said mass medium programming.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein said interactive viewing apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

11. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:

storing some of said second portion of said mass medium programming at said storage apparatus.

12. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, an instruct signal which is effective to process said reply from said subscriber.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, an instruct signal which is effective to establish communications with a remote station.

14. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, a signal which is effective to control said interactive viewing apparatus to receive information to at least one of supplement said image and to process said second portion of said mass medium programming.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said programmable processor apparatus is operatively connected to said plurality of output components, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, at least one of a code and a datum to serve as a basis for enabling one of said plurality of output components to output programming.

16. A method for selectively outputting desired information at a receiver station in response to a viewer response synchronized with a video solicitation, said receiver station having receiver apparatus, processor apparatus which includes programmable processor apparatus, a storage device, programming output apparatus including 1) a video display and 2) a second output device of said programming output apparatus which is other than a video display, and viewer input apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to provide said desired information at said programming output apparatus;

storing viewer data at said storage device at said receiver station;

receiving an information transmission at said receiver apparatus at said receiver station, said information transmission including a video signal and a control signal;

selecting, with said programmable processor apparatus, said video signal from said information transmission;

displaying video programming from said video signal on said video display under control of said programmable processor apparatus, said video programming including said video solicitation, said video solicitation promoting use of said desired information;

receiving a viewer response at said viewer input apparatus in response to and coordinated with said video solicitation in said video programming;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said viewer response to determine whether said viewer response is affirmative to said video solicitation from said step of receiving a viewer response;

selecting said control signal at said receiver station with said processor apparatus, said control signal designating said desired information;

communicating said selected control signal to said programmable processor apparatus at said receiver station based on information contained in said selected control signal;

causing said programmable processor apparatus, in response to said received, selected, and communicated control signal and if said viewer response is affirmative, to commence generating said desired information at said programmable processor apparatus by processing said stored viewer data at a time when said desired information does not exist;

generating said desired information at said programmable processor apparatus based on said step of causing;

communicating said generated desired information to said programming output apparatus at said receiver station in response to said received, selected, and communicated control signal; and

outputting said desired information at said programming output apparatus at said receiver station in a coordinated multimedia presentation, said coordinated multimedia presentation outputting said video programming at said video display in coordination with said desired information, and outputting said desired information at said programming output apparatus in coordination with said video programming.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said programming output apparatus has a plurality of output devices, said method further comprising the steps of:

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate said desired information to a specific at least one of said plurality of output devices;

communicating to a remote station at least one of;

(1) an order for said desired information;

(2) a datum designating delivery of said desired information; and

(3) some usage data regarding some functioning of said receiver station in respect of at least one of said desired information and said viewer response; and

billing for delivery of said desired information on a basis of information communicated to said remote station.

18. A method for promotion and delivery of processor instructions for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said processor instructions being effective at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus to selectively perform a function, said method comprising the steps of:

outputting, at at least one output device of said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, mass medium programming that promotes use of said function, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having an input device which is actuated to receive input from a user;

prompting said user during said mass medium programming whether said user wants said function promoted in said step of outputting, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having a transmitter for communicating subscriber information to at least one remote site;

receiving a reply from said user at said input device in response to said step of prompting said user, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having a programmable processor apparatus for processing said reply;

receiving a control signal at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said control signal designating said processor instructions;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said reply from said step of receiving a reply to determine if said reply is affirmative;

selecting, with said programmable processor apparatus, at least one of code and data designating said processor instructions;

communicating said selected at least one of code and data from a transmitter at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus to said at least one remote site if said reply is affirmative;

controlling, with said programmable processor apparatus, a selective transfer device to deliver said processor instructions to said programmable processor apparatus in response to said control signal if said reply is affirmative; and

processing said processor instructions with said programmable processor apparatus to selectively control said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus to perform said function.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said selected at least one of code and data identifies said processor instructions, said method further comprising the step of billing for delivery of said processor instructions.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein information evidencing at least one of an availability, use and usage of said processor instructions are at least one of stored at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting evidence information that identifies at least one of:

mass medium programming;

a use of data;

a transmission station;

a receiver station;

a network;

a broadcast station;

a channel on a cable system;

a time of transmission;

a unique identifier datum;

at least one of a source and supplier of data;

at least one of a distributor and an advertisement; and

a payment obligation.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein said processor instructions are embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving said television signal;

inputting at least a portion of said received television signal to a digital detector; and

detecting said processor instructions in said received television signal.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein said processor instructions are embedded in a multichannel signal, said method further comprising the step of:

decoding at least one of a downloadable code and a data portion of said multichannel signal, wherein said at least one of a downloadable code and a data portion of said multichannel signal is found outside a viewable and an audible portion of said mass medium programming.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus receives downloadable code from at least one of said at least one remote site and a second remote site, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said downloadable code to said programmable processor apparatus and performing, on a basis of said downloadable code, at least one of;

receiving a signal including said processor instructions;

actuating a video, audio, or print output device;

decrypting at least a portion of said processor instructions;

controlling said selective transfer device;

generating a user specific datum to present in accordance with said processor instructions; and

outputting a user specific datum at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

25. A method for selectively receiving information at a receiver station in response to a user reply synchronized with a video programming solicitation, said receiver station having programmable processor apparatus, a storage device, user input apparatus, and output apparatus including a video display, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to communicate control instructions;

receiving a plurality of electronic transmissions at a receiver at said receiver station;

selecting, under control of said programmable processor apparatus, one electronic transmission from said received plurality of electronic transmissions;

displaying video programming on said video display from said selected one electronic transmission, said video programming including a solicitation promoting use of a digital information portion of said plurality of electronic transmissions;

receiving said user reply at said user input apparatus in response to and coordinated with said solicitation in said displayed video programming;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus at said receiver station, said user reply from said step of receiving said user reply to make a determination that said user reply is affirmative to said video programming solicitation;

communicating said control instructions based on said determination;

receiving, selecting and selectively processing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said digital information portion in response to at least a first of said communicated control instructions, said digital information portion of said plurality of electronic transmissions received in a part of said plurality of electronic transmissions that does not contain said video programming; and

coordinating and causing output of a multimedia presentation at said output apparatus at said receiver station in response to at least a second of said control instructions, said multimedia presentation including

     1) at least a portion of said video programming and

     2) processed information content which is output in said coordinated multimedia presentation based on said step of receiving, selecting and processing said digital information portion of said plurality of electronic transmissions.

26. A method for data promotion and delivery for use with an interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having a plurality of users, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having receiver apparatus, programmable processor apparatus and input apparatus, said receiver apparatus having a plurality of receiver devices each of which is operative to receive said data, said programmable processor apparatus having a plurality of different components each operative to process said data independently, said input apparatus capable of receiving 1) a first instruction input by a local user at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus and 2) a second instruction supplied from a first remote site which is remote from said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to each of said first and said second instructions;

receiving, at said receiver apparatus at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said mass medium programming including information that promotes data;

outputting said mass medium programming including said information that promotes data;

prompting said local user whether said local user wants said data promoted in said step of outputting;

receiving said first instruction from said local user at said input apparatus to serve as a basis for responding to said step of prompting said local user, said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus having memory apparatus for storing said first instruction;

storing said first instruction at a specific portion of said memory apparatus in response to said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to each of said first and said second instructions;

receiving, at said receiver apparatus at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus, said second instruction, said second instruction designating said data;

passing said second instruction to said programmable processor apparatus;

controlling a specific one of said plurality of said receiver devices from which to communicate said data and a specific one of said plurality of different components of said programmable processor apparatus to which to communicate data;

routing, under control of said programmable processor apparatus and in response said second instruction, said data from a selected specific one of said plurality of receiver devices to a selected said specific one of said plurality of different components of said programmable processor apparatus; and

delivering said data to said specific one of said plurality of different components of said programmable processor apparatus based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to each of said first and said second instructions.

27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of:

billing for delivery of said data.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said data are embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

receiving said television signal;

inputting at least some of said received television signal to a detector; and

detecting said data in said received television signal.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein evidence information evidences at least one of availability and use of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data, said evidence information being at least one of stored and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that at least one of identifies and designates at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of data;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a receiver station;

(5) a network;

(6) a broadcast station;

(7) a channel on a cable system;

(8) a time of transmission;

(9) a unique identifier datum;

(10) a source of data;

(11) a payment obligation;

(12) a supplier of data;

(13) a distributor; and

(14) an advertisement.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

receiving at least one bit of data that at least one of a) designates at least one of a time of transmission and a channel of transmission of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data and b) specifies at least one of a title and subject matter of at least one of said mass medium programming and said data; and

subsequently receiving at least one of said mass medium programming and said data on the basis of said at least one bit of data.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus receives processor code, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor code to said programmable processor apparatus; and

performing, as a result of execution of said processor code at said programmable processor apparatus, at least one action selected from the group consisting of;

receiving a signal including said data;

actuating at least one of a video, audio, and print output device to output said data;

decrypting at least a portion of said data;

controlling a selective transfer device to communicate a selected specific output to a selected specific output device;

generating a local user specific datum to present with said data; and

delivering a local user specific datum at said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus at least one of simultaneously and sequentially with at least one of said mass medium programming and said data.

32. The method of claim 26, wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

33. The method of claim 26 wherein said interactive mass medium programming output apparatus is included in a network having a plurality of transmitter stations, and further comprising the step of:

assembling, in said network, at least a portion of at least one processor instruction, said at least one processor instruction being effective at said interactive mass medium program output apparatus to deliver said data, said interactive mass medium program output apparatus having a receiver device for receiving said at least a portion of said at least one processor instruction from one remote site included is said network.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of said processor instruction is embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein said data is received at said interactive mass medium program output apparatus in a data portion of a multichannel signal, said method further comprising the step of:

decoding said data portion of said multichannel signal in response to said step of processing, said data portion of said multichannel signal being found outside at least one of a viewable and audible portion of said mass medium programming.

36. A method for promoting and delivering a product through use of an interactive video viewing apparatus, said interactive video viewing apparatus including programmable processor apparatus, receiver apparatus, transmitter apparatus, output apparatus and input apparatus, said input apparatus capable of receiving 1) a first instruction input by a local user who is present at said interactive video viewing apparatus and 2) a second instruction supplied from a first remote site which is remote from said interactive video viewing apparatus, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an associated product delivery device, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to each of said first and said second instructions;

receiving, at said receiver apparatus at said interactive video viewing apparatus, video programming in a first programming signal, said video programming promoting said product;

displaying, at said output apparatus of said interactive video viewing apparatus, said video programming that promotes said product;

offering said product on condition of a specific user input received at said input apparatus from said local user coordinated with display of said video programming promoting said product;

receiving said first instruction from said local user at said input apparatus, said first instruction including said specific user input, said interactive video viewing apparatus having memory for storing said specific user input;

storing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said first instruction, including said specific user input, from said local user at said memory at said interactive video viewing apparatus;

receiving said second instruction at said interactive video viewing apparatus, and communicating said second instruction to said programmable processor apparatus, said second instruction designating a first control signal;

comparing, with said programmable processor apparatus, information contained in said stored first instruction with information contained in said second instruction in response to said second instruction, based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus;

controlling said interactive video viewing apparatus with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said second instruction based on said steps of comparing and programming;

selecting, under control of said programmable processor apparatus, information that evidences

     1) an order placed by said local user and

     2) an identification of said product based on said step of comparing and based on said step of controlling;

transmitting to a remote data collection station, with said transmitter apparatus of said interactive video viewing apparatus based on said step of controlling, said selected information that evidences

     1) an order placed by said local user and

     2) an identification of said product;

receiving said first control signal at said interactive video viewing apparatus and communicating said first control signal to said programmable processor apparatus, said first control signal designating said product and data operative to deliver said product;

controlling, with said programmable processor apparatus, said product delivery device, associated with said interactive video viewing apparatus, to provide said product in response to said first control signal based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus; and

providing to said local user said product based on said step of controlling said product delivery device in response to said first control signal.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

detecting said second instruction in programming received at said interactive video viewing apparatus.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein said product delivery device has a plurality of output devices and said product is delivered at a specific one or more of said plurality of output devices, said method further comprising the steps of:

controlling a selective transfer device to communicate an instruction in respect of said product to said specific one or more of said plurality of output devices; and

actuating an output device to output said product on a basis of said communicated instruction.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein said first control signal includes processor instructions and said programmable processor apparatus responds to said processor instructions.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein said processor instructions include downloadable executable code and a command which causes said programmable processor apparatus to execute said downloadable executable code.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein evidence information evidences availability, use or usage of said video programming or delivery of said product, said evidence information being stored or communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that identifies or designates one or more of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of programming;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a receiver station;

(5) a network;

(6) a broadcast station;

(7) a channel on a cable system;

(8) a time of transmission;

(9) a unique identifier datum;

(10) a source or supplier of data;

(11) a distributor or an advertisement; and

(12) a payment obligation.

42. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

receiving a signal including programming or a second of said processor control instructions on a basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

43. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

actuating a video, audio, or print output device, as appropriate, to output said product on a basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

44. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate said product to said product delivery device on a basis of said processor control instructions.

45. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

generating a local user specific datum to present with said product on a basis of said processor control instructions.

46. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

delivering a local user specific datum at said interactive video viewing apparatus simultaneously or sequentially with said video programming or said product on a basis of said processor control instructions.

47. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered as a result of execution of instructions, said method further comprising:

embedding a code or datum in said video programming that enables said interactive video viewing apparatus to control a presentation of said product in accordance with said instructions.

48. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating an identification code to said storage device and storing said identification code at a storage location associated with said video programming.

49. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating to and storing at said storage device information to evidence an availability, use, or usage of said video programming or a portion of digital data.

50. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to generate output associated with said product.

51. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process said first instruction.

52. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to establish communication with a remote station.

53. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process digital information in a video signal.

54. The method of claim 36, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device a code or datum to serve as a basis for enabling said product delivery device to output said product.

55. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of delivering further goods to said local user, said further goods associated with said product, said step of delivering said further goods including physical shipping through couriers or other shipping methods.

56. The method of claim 36, wherein said step of comparing includes selecting a second signal designating delivery of said product.

57. The method of claim 36, wherein said product is delivered locally to said local user.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said product is a physical product.

59. A method of selectively delivering programming at a receiver station, said receiver station having programmable processor apparatus, output apparatus including an image display device, said output apparatus having a plurality of output locations, an input device for inputting user information, storage apparatus for storing data and programming, said storage apparatus having a plurality of storage locations, a transmitter for communicating user information to a remote station, selective transfer apparatus operatively connected to said output apparatus, said input device, said storage apparatus, said transmitter and said programmable processor apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

storing subscriber data at said storage apparatus at said receiver station;

displaying image programming at said image display device at said receiver station;

outputting an offer for further programming in a course of said image programming, said offer promoting said further programming;

receiving, at said input device, a subscriber order in response to said offer;

querying with said programmable processor apparatus said remote station for specific programming data;

receiving at least one datum of said specific programming data from said remote station in response to said step of querying;

storing at said storage apparatus said at least one datum of said specific programming data received from said remote station;

producing said further programming, with said programmable processor apparatus, by processing said stored at least one datum of said specific programming data and said stored subscriber data;

controlling, with said programmable processor apparatus, said storage apparatus to store said further programming from said step of producing at a specific storage location of said plurality of storage locations at said storage apparatus;

selecting with said programmable processor apparatus a specific output location of said plurality of output locations at said output apparatus;

routing, with said selective transfer apparatus under control of said programmable processor apparatus, said further programming from said specific storage location of said plurality of storage locations at said storage apparatus to said selected specific output location of said plurality of output locations at said output apparatus at said receiver station; and

outputting, at said selected specific output location of said plurality of output locations at said output apparatus based on said subscriber order, said further programming to a subscriber based on said step of routing said further programming.

60. The method of claim 59 further comprising the step of:

at least one of receiving, locating, identifying and outputting said further programming on a basis of code received from said remote station.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein said further programming is outputted in response to a control signal, said method further comprising the steps of:

inputting to a control signal detector at least a portion of an information transmission received from said remote station; and

detecting said control signal in said at least a portion of said information transmission.

62. The method of claim 59 wherein said receiver station includes a converter for receiving a multichannel information transmission, said method further comprising:

tuning said converter to receive said further programming on a basis of said subscriber order.

63. The method of claim 59, wherein said receiver station includes a converter for receiving a multichannel information transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

tuning said converter to receive a control instruction; and

outputting said further programming on a basis of said control instruction.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein said receiver station includes a converter for receiving a multichannel information transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

tuning said converter to receive said further programming; and

storing at least one of code and a datum which designates said further programming.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein said receiver station includes a converter for receiving a multichannel information transmission, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least one of code and a datum which designates said further programming to said remote station; and

tuning said converter to receive said further programming.

66. The method of claim 59, wherein said receiver station communicates at least one of code and a datum which designates said further programming to said remote station, said method further comprising the steps of:

programming said receiver station to output said further programming on a basis of said at least one of code and a datum detected in an information transmission; and

billing said subscriber for said further programming.

67. The method of claim 59, wherein said at least one datum of said specific programming data enables said receiver station to output said further programming, said method further consisting of the step of:

generating said further programming by processing said at least one datum of said specific programming data.

68. A method of processing signals to output additional material at a receiver station having receiver apparatus, programmable processor apparatus, input apparatus, peripheral apparatus, and output apparatus, said programmable processor apparatus being operatively connected to said receiver apparatus for receiving a control signal and operatively connected to said output apparatus for causing output of said additional material at a specific output location of said output apparatus, said input apparatus being operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus for inputting information to said programmable processor apparatus, said peripheral apparatus operatively connected to said receiver apparatus for receiving information from said receiver apparatus and communicating information to said receiver apparatus, said peripheral apparatus operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus for receiving information from said programmable processor apparatus and communicating information to said programmable processor apparatus, said peripheral apparatus operatively connected to said output apparatus for receiving information from said output apparatus and communicating information to said output apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to said control signal;

receiving, at said receiver apparatus, one or more information transmissions including mass medium programming and said control signal;

passing said mass medium programming to said output apparatus;

outputting said mass medium programming at said output apparatus;

prompting a user for a user reply to receive additional material, at least a part of said mass medium programming promoting use of said additional material;

receiving said user reply from said user at said input apparatus in response to said step of prompting said user;

inputting information to said programmable processor apparatus to enable output of said additional material at said receiver station based on said user reply;

detecting said control signal at said receiver station;

passing said control signal to, or within, said programmable processor apparatus based on information contained in said control signal;

controlling said programmable processor apparatus to perform a plurality of functions in response to said detected and passed control signal based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus;

locating information with said programmable processor apparatus based on said step of controlling said programmable processor apparatus, said located information to serve as a basis for outputting said additional material;

processing said located information at said receiver station to provide said additional material for output at said receiver station based on said step of controlling said programmable processor apparatus;

selecting a location of said output apparatus at said receiver station at which to output said additional material based on said step of controlling said programmable processor apparatus;

instructing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said receiver apparatus to receive and communicate said located information to serve as a basis for outputting said additional material; and

selectively controlling, with said programmable processor apparatus, said output apparatus to output said additional material based on said user reply.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said control signal includes downloadable code and said controlling further comprises the steps of:

executing said downloadable code based on said user reply; and

controlling said output apparatus in accordance with said downloadable code.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein said step of controlling further comprises the steps of:

enabling said control signal based on said user reply; and

controlling said output apparatus based on said enabled control signal.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein said receiver station includes a storage device, said additional material includes at least one of video, text, and a graphic and said step of controlling further comprises the step of:

controlling said output apparatus to output at least one of a combined presentation and sequential presentation of said mass medium programming and said at least one of video, text, and a graphic.

72. The method of claim 68, wherein said control signal is embedded in a signal including a television program, said method further comprising the step of:

controlling a tuner to tune to receive said located information on the basis of said user reply.

73. The method of claim 68, wherein said one or more information transmissions includes a plurality of channels and said step of controlling further comprises the step of:

controlling a converter to receive said located information.

74. An interactive receiver station apparatus for accepting and storing user input in response to promotional video programming and selectively authorizing delivery of a product at a receiver station, said interactive receiver station apparatus comprising:

a first receiver that receives a video signal, said video signal including said promotional video programming and a first instruction, said promotional video programming promoting said product;

a display operatively connected to said first receiver, said display outputting said promotional video programming promoting said product;

a second receiver that receives said user input, said user input entered at said interactive receiver station apparatus in response to content of said promotional video programming promoting said product;

a memory operatively connected to said second receiver that stores said user input;

a product delivery device;

transmitter apparatus; and

programmable processor apparatus operatively connected to said first receiver, said second receiver, said memory, said product delivery device and said transmitter apparatus, said programmable processor apparatus programmed to respond to said first instruction and said user input, said programmable processor apparatus processing information contained in said first instruction and said stored user input to authorize delivery of said product, said programmable processor apparatus selecting information that evidences

     1) an order placed by a local user and

     2) an identification of said product based on processing information contained in said first instruction and said stored user input, said programmable processor apparatus causing said transmitter apparatus to transmit to a remote data collection station said information that evidences

     1) an order placed by a local user and

     2) an identification of said product based on processing information contained in said first instruction and said stored user input;

said programmable processor apparatus controlling said product delivery device to provide to said local user said product in response to processing information contained in said first instruction and said stored user input to authorize delivery of said product.

75. The interactive receiver station apparatus of claim 74, wherein said transmitter apparatus includes a telephone device.

76. An apparatus for promoting and selectively delivering programming at a receiver station comprising:

a plurality of receiver devices including a first receiver device that receives promotional information at said receiver station, said promotional information promoting said programming, a second receiver device that receives a viewer response to a request for said viewer response to receive said programming promoted in said promotional information;

output apparatus including a plurality of output components, said plurality of output components including one that outputs said promotional information; and

a storage device that stores said viewer response;

a selective transfer device; and

programmable processor apparatus operatively connected to said plurality of receiver devices, output apparatus, said storage device and said selective transfer device, said programmable processor apparatus programmed to respond to a first instruction and said viewer response, said programmable processor apparatus in response to said first instruction and said viewer response selectively controlling reception of said programming at one of said plurality of receiver devices, selecting an output component of said output apparatus to output said programming and controlling said selective transfer device to route said programming from said one of said plurality of receiver devices to said selected output component of said output apparatus.

77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said promotional information is a prompt that urges a user to request said programming.

78. The apparatus of claim 76, further including a telephone device for communicating with a remote station.

79. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive video viewing apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving first mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first mass medium programming including information that promotes second mass medium programming;

displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an input device to receive input from a user;

prompting said user for a reply, during said step of displaying said information, as to whether said user wants said second mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having a transmitter for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said user at said input device in response to said step of prompting said user, said input device communicating said reply as multiple bits, said interactive video viewing apparatus having programmable processor apparatus for processing said reply;

processing said reply with said programmable processor apparatus and selecting at least one of a code and a datum designating said second mass medium programming;

communicating said selected at least one of said code and said datum to a remote site;

receiving said second mass medium programming in a second programming signal, said programmable processor apparatus controlling reception of said second mass medium programming in response to said step of processing said reply; and

selectively delivering said second mass medium programing to an output device, said programmable processor apparatus controlling delivery of said second mass medium programming in response to said step of processing said reply.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein said output device outputs at least one of audio, hard copy, and television, said method further comprising the steps of:

delivering instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

communicating said delivered second mass medium programming to said output device in accordance with said delivered instructions.

81. The method of claim 79, wherein said at least one of said code and said datum is embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal and said step of prompting comprises emitting audio which performs at least one of offering and describing said second mass medium programming.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein said second mass medium programming is delivered in a multichannel signal transmitted by one of a remote cable video image transmitter station and a satellite video image transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of tuning a converter to receive at least one instruction.

83. The method of claim 79, wherein evidence information evidences at least one of availability and use of at least one of said information and said second mass medium programming, said evidence information being at least one of stored and communicated to a remote data collection station, said method further comprising the step of selecting said evidence information that at least one of identifies and designates at least one of:

(1) a mass medium program;

(2) a use of data;

(3) a transmission station;

(4) a network;

(5) a broadcast station;

(6) a channel on a cable system

(7) a time of transmission;

(8) a unique identifier datum;

(9) a source of data;

(10) a supplier of data;

(11) a distributor; and

(12) an advertisement.

84. The method of claim 79 further comprising the steps of:

communicating code incorporated in an instruction to said programmable processor apparatus, and performing, on a basis of said code incorporated in said instruction, at least one of;

receiving a signal including said second mass medium programming;

actuating at least one of a video output device, audio output device, and print output device to output said second mass medium programming in a specific way;

decrypting at least a portion of said second mass medium programming;

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate selected specific output to said output device;

generating for said user a user specific datum to present with said second mass medium programming; and

delivering for said user a user specific datum at said interactive video viewing apparatus which functions at least one of simultaneously and sequentially with said second mass medium programming.

85. The method of claim 79, said method further comprising the step of:

embedding an identifier in said information that enables said interactive video viewing apparatus to process said second mass medium programming.

86. The method of claim 79, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus comprises a microcomputer.

87. The method of claim 79, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing said second mass medium programming at said storage device.

88. The method of claim 79, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to process a user reaction to a content of an information transmission which includes said first mass medium programming.

89. The method of claim 79, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus and said transmitter, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to establish communications with a remote station.

90. The method of claim 79, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, a signal which is effective to control said interactive video viewing apparatus to receive additional information to at least one of supplement said information and to process said second mass medium programming.

91. The method of claim 79, wherein said programmable processor apparatus is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at a storage device, at least one of a code and a datum to serve as a basis for enabling said output device to output said second mass medium programming.

92. The method of claim 79, wherein said information that promotes is a prompt that urges a user to request said second mass medium programming.

93. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive viewing apparatus having a plurality of different output components, said method comprising the steps of:

programming programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus to respond to a control signal from a remote programming supplier;

receiving, at receiver apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, a first portion of said mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first portion of said mass medium programming including an image that promotes a second portion of said mass medium programming;

displaying, at display apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having input apparatus that is caused by a subscriber to receive input from said subscriber;

prompting said subscriber for a reply, during said step of displaying said image, as to whether said subscriber wants said second portion of said mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having transmitter apparatus for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said subscriber at said input apparatus in response to said step of prompting said subscriber, said interactive viewing apparatus having storage apparatus connected to said input apparatus for storing said reply;

storing, at said storage apparatus, said reply from said subscriber;

receiving, at said programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, said control signal from said remote programming supplier;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said received control signal, said stored reply from said subscriber;

selecting, based on said step of processing, one or more portions of information processed at said interactive viewing apparatus, said selected one or more portions of information evidencing one of

     1) an order placed by said subscriber and

     2) an identification of said second portion of said mass medium programming;

communicating, with transmitter apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus based on said step of processing, said selected one or more portions of information processed at said interactive viewing apparatus to a remote site;

selecting, based on said step of processing, a specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus at which to output said second portion of said mass medium programming;

routing, under control of said programmable processor apparatus, said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component at said interactive viewing apparatus in response to said received control signal based on said stored reply from said subscriber; and

delivering said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component at said interactive viewing apparatus and outputting said second portion of said mass medium programming based on said steps of processing and routing.

94. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive viewing apparatus having a plurality of different output components, said method comprising the steps of:

programming programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus to respond to a control signal from a remote programming supplier;

receiving, at receiver apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, a first portion of said mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first portion of said mass medium programming including an image that promotes a second portion of said mass medium programming;

displaying, at display apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having input apparatus that is caused by a subscriber to receive input from said subscriber;

prompting said subscriber for a reply, during said step of displaying said image, as to whether said subscriber wants said second portion of said mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said image, said interactive viewing apparatus having transmitter apparatus for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said subscriber at said input apparatus in response to said step of prompting said subscriber, said interactive viewing apparatus having storage apparatus connected to said input apparatus for storing said reply;

storing, at said storage apparatus, said reply from said subscriber;

receiving, at said programmable processor apparatus at said interactive viewing apparatus, said control signal from said remote programming supplier;

processing, with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said received control signal, said stored reply from said subscriber;

selecting, based on said step of processing, a specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus at which to output said second portion of said mass medium programming;

routing, under control of said programmable processor apparatus, said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus in response to said received control signal based on said stored reply from said subscriber; and

delivering said second portion of said mass medium programming to said selected specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus and outputting said second portion of said mass medium programming based on said steps of processing and routing.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein said specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus outputs at least one of audio, hard copy, and video, said method further comprising the steps of:

delivering processor instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

communicating said second portion of said mass medium programming to said specific output component of said interactive viewing apparatus in accordance with said delivered processor instructions.

96. The method of claim 94, wherein said control signal is embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal and said step of prompting comprises emitting audio which performs at least one of offering and describing said second portion of said mass medium programming.

97. The method of claim 94, wherein said mass medium programming is delivered in a multichannel signal transmitted by one of a remote cable video image transmitter station and a satellite video image transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of tuning a converter to receive at least one instruction.

98. The method of claim 94, communicating wherein encrypted code is communicated to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to cause decryption of said encrypted code;

decrypting said encrypted code at said interactive viewing apparatus under control of said programmable processor apparatus based on said last named step of programming; and

decrypting encrypted programming at said interactive viewing apparatus using said decrypted code to control a process of decrypting said encrypted programming.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein said decrypted encrypted programming includes said second portion of said mass medium programming.

100. The method of claim 94, further comprising the step of:

storing some of said mass medium programming at said storage apparatus.

101. The method of claim 94, further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, an instruct signal which is effective to process said reply from said subscriber.

102. The method of claim 101, further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage apparatus, an instruct signal which is effective to establish communications with a remote station.

103. The method of claim 102, further comprising the step of:

transmitting to said remote station information evidencing delivery of said second portion of said mass medium programming at said interactive viewing apparatus.

104. A method for promoting and delivering a service through use of an interactive video viewing apparatus, said interactive video viewing apparatus including programmable processor apparatus, receiver apparatus, transmitter apparatus, output apparatus and input apparatus, said input apparatus capable of receiving 1) a first instruction input by a local user who is present at said interactive video viewing apparatus 2) a second instruction supplied from a first remote site which is remote from said interactive video viewing apparatus, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an associated service delivery apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to respond to each of said first and said second instructions;

receiving, at said receiver apparatus at said interactive video viewing apparatus, video programming in a first programming signal, said video programming promoting said service;

displaying, at said output apparatus of said interactive video viewing apparatus, said video programming that promotes said service;

offering said service on condition of a specific user input received at said input apparatus from said local user coordinated with display of said video programming promoting said service;

receiving said first instruction from said local user at said input apparatus, said first instruction including said specific user input, said interactive video viewing apparatus having memory for storing said specific user input;

storing, with said programmable processor apparatus, said first instruction, including said specific user input, from said local user at said memory at said interactive video viewing apparatus;

receiving said second instruction at said interactive video viewing apparatus, and communicating said second instruction to said programmable processor apparatus, said second instruction designating a first control signal;

comparing, with said programmable processor apparatus, information contained in said stored first instruction with information contained in said second instruction in response to said second instruction, based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus;

controlling said interactive video viewing apparatus with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said second instruction based on said steps of comparing and programming said programmable processor apparatus;

selecting, under control of said programmable processor apparatus, information that evidences

     1) an order placed by said local user and

     2) an identification of said service based on said step of comparing and based on said step of controlling;

transmitting to a remote data collection station, with said transmitter apparatus of said interactive video viewing apparatus based on said step of controlling, said selected information that evidences

     1) an order placed by said local user and

     2) an identification of said service;

receiving said first control signal at said interactive video viewing apparatus and communicating said first control signal to said programmable processor apparatus, said first control signal designating said service and providing data operative to deliver said service at service output apparatus of said service delivery apparatus;

controlling said programmable processor apparatus to select individually controllable components of said service delivery apparatus and instruct said selected individually controllable components selectively to provide said service at said service delivery apparatus in response to said first control signal based on said step of programming said programmable processor apparatus; and

providing said service at said service delivery apparatus based on said step of controlling said programmable processor apparatus to select said selected individually controllable components of said service delivery apparatus in response to said first control signal.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is printing.

106. The method of claim 104 further comprising detecting said second instruction in programming received at said interactive video viewing apparatus.

107. The method of claim 104, wherein said service delivery apparatus has a plurality of output devices and said service is delivered at a specific one or more of said plurality of output devices, said method further comprising the steps of:

controlling a selective transfer device to communicate an instruction in respect of said service to said specific one or more of said plurality of output devices; and

actuating an output device to output said service on a basis of said communicated instruction.

108. The method of claim 104, wherein said first control signal includes processor instructions and said programmable processor apparatus responds to said processor instructions.

109. The method of claim 108 wherein said processor instructions include downloadable executable code and a command which causes said programmable processor apparatus to execute said downloadable executable code.

110. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

receiving a signal including programming or a second of said processor control instructions on a basis of said first of said processor control instructions.

111. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating at least a first of said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

actuating a video, audio, or print output device, as appropriate, to output said service on a basis of a second of said processor control instructions.

112. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

controlling a selective transmission device to communicate said service to said service delivery apparatus on a basis of said processor control instructions.

113. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

generating a local user specific datum to serve as a basis for delivering said service on the basis of said processor control instructions.

114. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of processor control instructions, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating said processor control instructions to a signal processor; and

delivering a local user specific datum at said interactive video viewing apparatus simultaneously or sequentially with said video programming or said service on a basis of said processor control instructions.

115. The method of claim 104, wherein said service is delivered as a result of execution of instructions, said method further comprising:

embedding a code or datum in said video programming that enables said interactive video viewing apparatus to control a performance of said service in accordance with said instructions.

116. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating an identification code to said storage device and storing said identification code at a storage location associated with said video programming.

117. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

communicating to and storing at said storage device information to evidence availability, use, or usage of said video programming or a portion of digital data.

118. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to generate data to be used in a performance of said service.

119. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process said first instruction.

120. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to establish communication with a remote station.

121. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device an instruct signal which is effective to process digital information in a video signal.

122. The method of claim 104, wherein said interactive video viewing apparatus includes a storage device, said method further comprising:

storing at said storage device a code or datum to serve as a basis for enabling said service delivery apparatus to perform said service.

123. The method of claim 104, wherein providing said service includes delivering a product using physical shipping through couriers or other shipping methods.

124. The method of claim 104, wherein said step of comparing includes selecting a signal designating delivery of said service.

125. The method of claim 104, further including a step of locally delivering said service to said local user.

126. The method of claim 104, wherein said service includes printing.

127. An interactive receiver station apparatus for accepting and storing user input in response to a promotional video programming and selectively authorizing delivery of a service at a receiver station, said interactive receiver station apparatus comprising:

a first receiver that receives a video signal, said video signal including said promotional video programming and a first instruction, said promotional video programming promoting said service;

a display operatively connected to said first receiver, said display outputting said promotional video programming promoting said service;

a second receiver that receives said user input, said user input entered at said interactive receiver station apparatus in response to content of said promotional video programming promoting said service;

a memory operatively connected to said second receiver that stores said user input;

a service delivery device including individually controllable components;

transmitter apparatus; and

programmable processor apparatus operatively connected to said first receiver, said second receiver, said memory, said service delivery device and said transmitter apparatus, said programmable processor apparatus programmed to respond to said first instruction and said user input, said programmable processor apparatus processing information contained in said first instruction and said stored user input to authorize delivery of said service, said programmable processor apparatus selecting information that evidences

     1) an order placed by a local user and

     2) an identification of said service based on processing information contained in said first instruction and stored user input, said programmable processor apparatus causing said transmitter apparatus to transmit to a remote data collection station said information that evidences

     1) an order placed by a local user and

     2) an identification of said service based on processing information contained in said first instruction and stored user input;

said programmable processor apparatus selecting at least one individually controllable component of said service delivery device to provide to said local user said service in response to processing information contained in said first instruction and stored user input to authorize delivery of said service.

128. The interactive receiver station apparatus of claim 127, wherein said transmitter apparatus includes a telephone device.

129. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive video viewing apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving first mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first mass medium programming including information that promotes second mass medium programming;

displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an input device to receive input from a user;

prompting said user for a reply, during said step of displaying said information, as to whether said user wants said second mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having a transmitter for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said user at said input device in response to said step of prompting said user, said input device communicating said reply as multiple bits, said interactive video viewing apparatus having programmable processor apparatus for processing said reply;

processing said reply with said programmable processor apparatus and authorizing reception, with said programmable processor apparatus, of said second mass medium programming;

receiving said second mass medium programming in a second programming signal, said programmable processor apparatus controlling reception of said second mass medium programming based on said step of processing said reply; and

selectively delivering said second mass medium programing to an output device, said programmable processor apparatus controlling delivery of said second mass medium programming based on said step of processing said reply.

130. A method for mass medium programming promotion and selective delivery for use with an interactive video viewing apparatus comprising the steps of:

receiving first mass medium programming in a first programming signal, said first mass medium programming including information that promotes second mass medium programming;

displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having an input device to receive input from a user;

prompting said user for a reply, during said step of displaying said information, as to whether said user wants said second mass medium programming promoted in said step of displaying said information, said interactive video viewing apparatus having a transmitter for communicating said reply to a remote site;

receiving said reply from said user at said input device in response to said step of prompting said user, said input device communicating said reply as multiple bits, said interactive video viewing apparatus having programmable processor apparatus for processing said reply;

storing said reply for processing by said programmable processor apparatus;

identifying, at said interactive video viewing apparatus, a control signal transmitted from a remote source;

routing said control signal to said programmable processor apparatus based on information contained in said control signal;

processing said reply with said programmable processor apparatus in response to said control signal and authorizing reception, with said programmable processor apparatus, of said second mass medium programming, said interactive video viewing apparatus having receiver apparatus for receiving said second mass medium programming;

receiving said second mass medium programming in a second programming signal, said programmable processor apparatus controlling reception of said second mass medium programming based on said step of processing said reply; and

selectively delivering said second mass medium programming to an output device at said interactive video viewing apparatus, said programmable processor apparatus controlling delivery of said second mass medium programming based on said step of processing said reply.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein said output device outputs at least one of audio, hard copy, and television, said method further comprising the steps of:

delivering instructions to said programmable processor apparatus; and

communicating said delivered second mass medium programming to said output device in accordance with said delivered instructions.

132. The method of claim 130, wherein at least one of a code and a datum is embedded in a non-visible portion of a television signal and said step of prompting comprises emitting audio which performs at least one of offering and describing said second mass medium programming.

133. The method of claim 130, wherein said second mass medium programming is delivered in a multichannel signal transmitted by one of a remote cable video image transmitter station and a satellite video image transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of tuning a converter to receive at least one instruction.

134. The method of claim 130, communicating wherein encrypted code is communicated to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the steps of:

programming said programmable processor apparatus to cause decryption of said encrypted code;

decrypting said encrypted code at said interactive viewing apparatus under control of said programmable processor apparatus based on said last named step of programming; and

decrypting encrypted programming at said interactive viewing apparatus using said decrypted code to control a process of decrypting said encrypted programming.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein said decrypted encrypted programming includes said second mass medium programming.

136. The method of claim 130, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing said second mass medium programming at said storage device.

137. The method of claim 130, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to process a user reaction to a content of an information transmission which includes said first mass medium programming.

138. The method of claim 130, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus and said transmitter, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, an instruct signal which is effective to establish communications with a remote station.

139. The method of claim 130, wherein a storage device is operatively connected to said programmable processor apparatus, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at said storage device, a signal which is effective to control said interactive video viewing apparatus to receive additional information to at least one of supplement said information and to process said second mass medium programming.

140. The method of claim 130, wherein said programmable processor apparatus is operatively connected to said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

storing, at a storage device, at least one of a code and a datum to serve as a basis for enabling said output device to output said second mass medium programming.

141. The method of claim 130, wherein said information that promotes is a prompt that urges a user to request said second mass medium programming.