Interactive cable television system without a return path
First Claim
1. A method for providing interactive information content in an analog cable system having only a one way communication path from a cable headend, the method comprising:
- receiving at a set-top box a plurality of interactive information content signals on at least one analog channel from the cable headend;
the set-top box sending to a television for display a selection screen for selection of at least one of the plurality of interactive information content signals; and
based on a received selection signal at the set-top box, outputting an interactive information content signal associated with the selection signal to the television.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for providing interactive information content in an analog cable system having only a one-way communication path from a cable head end to a communication device, such as a set-top box that is associated with a television is disclosed. A set-top box receives a plurality of interactive information content signals on at least one analog channel from the cable head end. In certain embodiments the interactive information content signals are data streams that sent over an analog carrier channel. The set-top box provides a selection screen to the television for display. A user can then use a user-input device, such as, a remote control to make a selection. In general, the user will select a key, such as a directional key and the remote control will provide the selection/directional signal to the set-top box. The set-top box then outputs a new information content signal based the received selection signal without having to transmit to the head end.
100 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for providing interactive information content in an analog cable system having only a one way communication path from a cable headend, the method comprising:
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receiving at a set-top box a plurality of interactive information content signals on at least one analog channel from the cable headend;
the set-top box sending to a television for display a selection screen for selection of at least one of the plurality of interactive information content signals; and
based on a received selection signal at the set-top box, outputting an interactive information content signal associated with the selection signal to the television. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer program product on a computer readable medium having computer code thereon for operation with a set-top box for providing interactive information content in an analog cable system having only a one way communication path from a cable headend, the computer code comprising:
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computer code for receiving a plurality of interactive information content signals on at least one analog channel from the cable headend;
computer code for sending to a television for display a selection screen for selection of at least one of the plurality of interactive information content signals; and
computer code for outputting to the television an interactive information content signal associated with a received selection signal. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification