Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 8,893,177 B1
• Filed: 05/23/1995
• Issued: 11/18/2014
• 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, Ciddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Brian
• Application Number:
  US08/447,621
• Time in Patent Office: 7,119 Days
• Field of Search: 348 6- 13, 348/468, 455 31- 63, 725 27- 38, 725/49, 725135-142, 725/145, 380210-212, 380/218, 709245-247, 270/270
• US Class Current: 725/38
• 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 programming 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. A method of delivering user specific programming at a receiver station of a plurality of receiver stations, said receiver station including a receiver, a detector, a computer, and a first output device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving generic video programming at said receiver station, said generic video programming including general content appropriate for display to a general audience at each receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations, said generic video programming to be outputted for a duration of time, wherein only a portion of said duration includes at least a first time interval, said first time interval for outputting said user specific programming pertinent to said generic video programming, and timed based on content of the generic video programming,

receiving data at said receiver station, wherein at least a portion of one of said data and said generic video programming is received from a remote transmitter station;

selecting, at said receiver station, said generic video programming;

delivering, at said receiver station, said generic video programming to said first output device for output to a user for said duration of time;

detecting, at said receiver station, said data before a time period during which said user specific information will be processed and delivering said data to said computer;

generating, at said receiver station in said time period, said user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations of said plurality of receiver stations to serve as a basis for delivering said user specific programming by processing said detected data;

receiving, storing and outputting a timing signal at said receiver station;

synchronizing, on the basis of said timing signal, outputs at said first output device of

     1) said user specific programming for output to the user of said receiver station based on said generated user specific information, said user specific programming having content related to said generic video programming output during said at least said first time interval and

     2) a pertinent portion of said generic video programming, said synchronized outputs output before the end of said at least said first time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming; and

outputting said synchronized outputs including said user specific programming and said pertinent portion of said generic video programming during said first time interval.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of synchronizing includes selecting said at least a first portion of said user specific information.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said only said portion of said duration includes a plurality of time intervals of specific relevance, said method further comprising the step of:

preparing to output additional user specific information in at least a second of said plurality of time intervals.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said only said portion of said duration includes at least one time interval during which user specific programming is not to be outputted at said first output device, said method further comprising the step of:

ceasing to output said user specific programming before said at least one time interval.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said user specific programming is selected before said at least one time interval.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein additional user specific programming is outputted at said first output device after said at least one time interval.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first output device includes a second output device, said method further comprising the step of:

outputting at said second output device at least one of (i) a portion of said user specific programming and (ii) information which explains a significance of said user specific programming.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said second output device outputs information which explains said significance of at least said portion of said user specific programming.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein supplemental information is outputted that identifies information included in said user specific programming by at least one of title and subject matter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said user specific programming includes at least one graphic image and audio describes subject matter included in said at least one graphic image.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said at least one graphic image is outputted at least one of a printer and a video monitor.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of said supplemental information is outputted at a speaker.

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

at least one of processing and outputting a digital television signal.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

detecting at least a first control signal pertaining to said user specific programming before display at said first output device of said generic video programming within said only a portion of said duration; and

outputting at least a portion of said user specific programming based on said at least said first control signal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first control signal is received from said at least one remote transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of:

selecting at least a portion of said data and said generic video programming based on said at least said first control signal.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein at least a second control signal pertaining to said user specific programming is detected before at least part of the generic video programming included in said at least said first time interval is displayed at said first output device, said method further comprising the step of:

passing said at least said second control signal to said computer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said user specific information is communicated to said first output device based on said at least said second control signal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein second data is generated in accordance with said at least said second control signal, said method further comprising the step of:

detecting said at least said second control signal before the end of said time period.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein said generic video programming is received from said remote transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of:

programming said receiver station to process digital data embedded in a signal including said generic video programming.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said receiver station performs at least one of said steps of generating and synchronizing based on said step of programming.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said data are received from said remote transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of:

programming said receiver station to process digital data embedded in a signal including said data.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said receiver station performs at least one of said steps of generating and synchronizing based on said step of programming.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

detecting at least a first discrete signal in a signal transmitted from said remote transmitter station; and

organizing information included in said at least a first discrete signal with information included in a second discrete signal in order to transfer at least one microprocessor instruction.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said at least one microprocessor instruction includes said information included in said at least said first discrete signal and said information included in a second discrete signal and said step of organizing comprises assembling.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein said data and said generic video programming are both received from said remote transmitter station.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said remote transmitter station includes at least one intermediate transmitter station, said method further comprising the step of:

tuning at least one receiver to receive said at least a portion of one of said data and said generic video programming.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein said receiver station is enabled to output said user specific programming based on a signal transmitted from said receiver station.

28. A method of delivering generic video programming for synchronizing with user specific programming at a receiver station of a plurality of receiver stations, said receiver station including a receiver, an output device, a detector, and at least one processor operatively connected to said output device, wherein said receiver station is adapted to detect data and generate user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations of said plurality of receiver stations, said user specific information to serve as a basis for outputting said user specific programming, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving generic video programming at a transmitter station, said generic video programming including general content appropriate for display to a general audience at each receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations, said generic video programming to be displayed at said output device for at least a duration of time, only a portion of said duration of time including a first time interval, said generic video programming to be selected and delivered to said output device at said receiver station, a pertinent portion of said generic video programming to be synchronized for output with said user specific programming on the basis of a timing signal received and stored at said receiver station, said user specific programming having content related to said generic video programming for output during said first time interval, wherein synchronized outputs of said generic video programming and said user specific programming during said first time interval explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming;

commencing, at said transmitter station, to transfer said generic video programming to a first transmitter at a first specific time; and

transmitting from said transmitter station an information transmission including said generic video programming.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of storing said generic video programming before said first specific time.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the steps of:

receiving said generic video programming from a second transmitter station; and

controlling at least one selective transfer device to communicate said generic video programming to at least one of (i) a memory and (ii) said first transmitter before said first specific time.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said at least one selective transfer device includes at least one of a switch and a processor.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein said transmitter station transmits both of said generic video programming and said data, said method further comprising the step of:

commencing to transfer said data to said first transmitter at a second specific time.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said transmitter station transmits at least one of said data before transmitting at least a portion of said generic video programming.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said user specific information is generated at said receiver station before said pertinent portion of said generic video programming is outputted at said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting a control signal which serves as a basis, at said receiver station, for outputting at least a portion of said user specific programming.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein said receiver station outputs audio while outputting said generic video programming, said method further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station said audio.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said audio explains a significance of at least a portion of said user specific programming, said method further comprising the step of:

commencing to transfer said audio to said first transmitter before transferring said at least a portion of said generic video programming to said at least said first transmitter.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said user specific information is outputted at said output device while said at least said portion of said generic video programming is outputted at said at least one output device.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said audio explains a meaning of said user specific programming.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said generic video programming and said audio are included in television programming, said method further comprising the step of transmitting a television signal.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein a control signal enables said receiver station to deliver said user specific programming at said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

embedding said control signal in at least one of said television signal and a multichannel signal including said television signal.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said control signal causes said receiver station to at least one of generate said user specific information and communicate said user specific programming to said output device.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said transmitter station includes a second site having a second transmitter and said control signal causes said transmitter station to transfer said at least one of said television signal and a multichannel signal including said television signal to a second transmitter.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said second transmitter site is an intermediate transmitter site.

44. A method of delivering user specific programming a receiver station of a plurality of receiver stations, said receiver station including a receiver, an output device, a detector, and a processor operatively connected to said output device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving data at a transmitter station;

generating at said transmitter station user specific information by processing said data, said user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations of said plurality of receiver stations, said user specific information to serve as a basis for outputting said user specific programming;

receiving said transmitter station generic video programming, said generic video programming including general content appropriate for display to a general audience at each receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations, said generic video programming to be selected and outputted at said output device for at least a duration of time, only a portion of said duration of time including a first time interval, said generic video programming to be selected and delivered to said output device at said receiver station, a pertinent portion of said generic video programming to be synchronized for output with said user specific programming on the basis of a timing signal received and stored at said receiver station, said user specific programming having content related to said generic video programming for output during said first time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs of said generic video programming and said user specific programming during said first time interval explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming;

and

transmitting from said transmitter station said generic video programming and said user specific information.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of:

storing at least one of said generic video programming and said data in accordance with a control signal.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of:

identifying said at least one of said generic video programming and said data in accordance with said control signal.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of:

controlling at least one selective transfer device to communicate said at least one of said generic video programming and said data to at least one of (i) a memory and (ii) a transmitter in accordance with said control signal.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein said at least one selective transfer device includes at least one of a switch and a processor.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein said at least one first control signal includes a schedule.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of:

transmitting at least one instruction which serves as a basis at said at least one receiver station for outputting at least a portion of said user specific programming.

51. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of:

transmitting audio in accordance with a control signal.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said audio explains a significance of at least a portion of said user specific programming.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein said control signal causes said transmitter station to transfer said audio from at least one of a switch and a memory to a transmitter.

54. The method of claim 44, wherein said generic video programming is included in television programming, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting a television signal in accordance with a control signal.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein at least one instruction enables said receiver station to deliver said user specific programming at said output device, said method further comprising the step of:

embedding said at least one instruction in at least one of said television signal and a multichannel signal including said television signal.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said at least one instruction enables said at least one receiver station to identify at least said television programming.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said control signal includes said at least one instruction.

58. The method of claim 44, wherein transmitter is located at a second transmitter station, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating control signal to a second transmitter; and

transmitting said at least said first control signal.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said control signal enables said second transmitter station to identify a programming signal, said method further comprising the step of:

including at least a first identifier in said control signal.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein said at least said second transmitter station identifies said programming signal based on a comparison, said method further comprising the steps of:

including a second identifier in at least one second control signal; and

transmitting said at least said second control signal.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein said programming signal includes said generic video programming.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein said at least one second control signal enables said second transmitter station to transmit said programming signal at a scheduled time, said method further comprising the step of:

including at least one datum of said scheduled time in at least one of said at least said first control signal and said second control signal.

63. A method of delivering user specific programming at a receiver station of a plurality of receiver stations, said receiver station including a receiver, a detector, a computer, and output device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving generic video programming at said receiver station, said generic video programming including general content appropriate for display to a general audience at each receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations, said generic video programming to be outputted for a duration of time, wherein only a portion of said duration includes a time interval, and said generic video programming is received from at least one remote transmitter station;

selecting and delivering at said receiver station said generic video programming to said output device for output to a user of said receiver station;

receiving at said received station from said at least one remote transmitter station said user specific information to serve as a basis for delivering said user specific programming, said user specific information being generated at said at least one remote transmitter station by processing data in a time period, said data being stored at said at least one remote transmitter station before said time period, said user specific information having content of particular relevance to the user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations of said plurality of receiver stations;

communicating said user specific information from said at least one remote transmitter station to said receiver station prior to said at least one time interval of specific relevance based on said step of generating;

receiving, storing and outputting a timing signal at said receiver station;

synchronizing, on the basis of said timing signal, outputs at said output device of

     1) said user specific programming for output to the user of said receiver station based on said communicated user specific information, said user specific programming having content related to said generic video programming output during said time interval and

     2) a pertinent portion of said generic video programming, said synchronized outputs output before the end of said time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming; and

outputting said synchronized outputs including said pertinent portion of said generic video programming and said user specific programming.

64. An apparatus for coordinating a programming presentation at a mass medium programming receiver station comprising:

a first receiver section for receiving generic mass medium programming at said mass medium programming receiver station, said generic mass medium programming including general content appropriate for display to a general audience at other receiver stations, said generic mass medium programming to be outputted for a duration of time, only a portion of said duration of time including a first time interval, said first time interval for outputting user specific programming pertinent to said generic mass medium programming;

an output device for outputting synchronized outputs including said user specific programming and a pertinent portion of said generic mass medium programming;

a second receiver section for receiving user specific information generated at a transmitter station, said user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at said other receiver stations, said user specific information to serve as a basis for delivering said user specific programming;

a processor operatively connected to said first receiver section, said second receiver section and said output device, said processor selecting said generic mass medium programming, delivering said generic mass medium programming to said output device for output to the user for said duration of time, receiving and storing a timing signal, and synchronizing on the basis of said timing signal said outputs at said output device of

     1) said user specific programming for output to the user based on said received user specific information, said user specific programming having content related to said generic mass medium programming output during said first time interval and

     2) said pertinent portion of said generic mass medium programming, said synchronized outputs output before the end of said first time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming.

65. An apparatus for coordinating a programming presentation at a mass medium programming receiver station comprising:

a first receiver section for receiving generic mass medium programming and data at said mass medium programming receiver station;

a plurality of output devices for outputting synchronized outputs including said user specific programming and a pertinent portion of said generic mass medium programming;

a detector operatively connected to said first receiver section for detecting said data before a time period during which user specific information will be processed;

a processor operatively connected to said first receiver section, said detector and said plurality of output devices, said processor generating user specific information by processing said data, said user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations, said user specific information serving as a basis for delivering said user specific programming, said processor receiving and storing a timing signal, said processor synchronizing on the basis of said timing signal said outputs at said output device of

     1) said user specific programming for output to the user based on said generated user specific information, said user specific programming having content related to said generic mass medium programming output during said first time interval and

     2) said pertinent portion of said generic mass medium programming, said synchronized outputs output before the end of said first time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming.

66. An apparatus for coordinating a programming presentation at a mass medium programming receiver station comprising:

a first receiver section for receiving generic mass medium programming and data at said mass medium programming receiver station;

a output device operatively connected to said first receiver section for outputting synchronized outputs including said user specific programming and a pertinent portion of said mass medium programming to a user;

a detector operatively connected to said first receiver section for detecting said data before a time period during which user specific information will be processed;

a processor operatively connected to said first receiver section, said detector and said output device, said processor generating user information by processing said data said user specific information having content of particular relevance to a user of said receiver station without having particular relevance to other users at other receiver stations, said user specific information serving as a basis for delivering said user specific programming, said processor receiving and storing a timing signal, said processor synchronizing on the basis of said timing signal said outputs at said output device of

     1) said user specific programming for output to the user based on said generated user specific information, said user specific programming having content related to said generic mass medium programming output during said first time interval and

     2) said pertinent portion of said generic mass medium programming, said synchronized outputs output before the end of said first time interval, wherein said synchronized outputs explain or make apparent the meaning of said user specific programming.