Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 9,210,370 B1
• Filed: 06/02/1995
• Issued: 12/08/2015
• 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): Burd, Kevin M
• Application Number:
  US08/460,394
• Time in Patent Office: 7,494 Days
• Field of Search: 348/467, 348/466, 348/13, 348/8, 348/7, 348/10, 348/12, 348/385, 348/1, 348/9, 348/484, 348/460, 348/461, 348/480, 455/2, 455/4.1, 455/5.1, 455/39, 380/9, 380/10, 380/49, 380/15, 380/14, 380/20, 380/21, 380/48, 380/54, 345/629, 713/1, 725/93
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 programming or reprogramming at least two of a plurality of receiver stations from a transmitter station remote from said plurality of receiver stations, said transmitter station transmitting programming to said plurality of receiver stations, said plurality of receiver stations including programmable devices of different particular types or versions, a first receiver station including a first programmable device of a first specific type or version, a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, said first programmable device having a memory, a second receiver station including a second programmable device of a second specific type or version, a signal detector and a receiver, said second programmable device having a memory, said method comprising the steps of:

storing, at said first receiver station, information specifying said first specific type or version of said first programmable device;

storing, at said second receiver station, information specifying said second specific type or version of said second programmable device

receiving an information transmission at said receiver at said first receiver station and said second receiver station from said transmitter station remote from said plurality of receiver stations, said information transmission including a first control signal which designates a first designated type or version of programmable device to be programmed or reprogrammed with first operating system instructions and a second control signal which designates a second designated type or version of programmable device to be programmed or reprogrammed with second operating system instructions, said first designated type or version of programmable device different from said second designated type or version of programmable device and said first operating system instructions different from said second operating system instructions;

passing said information transmission to said signal detector and detecting said first control signal and said second control signal at said first receiver station and said second receiver station;

automatically performing a first comparison and a second comparison, at said first receiver station, said first comparison performed in response to said first control signal to determine whether said first designated type or version of programmable device is present at said first receiver station and said second comparison performed in response to said second control signal to determine whether said second designated type or version of programmable device is present or not present at said first receiver station, thereby confirming that said first programmable device is to be programmed or reprogrammed with said first operating system instructions;

communicating an encrypted signal including said first operating system instructions to a decryptor at said first receiver station in response to said first step of automatically performing a first comparison and a second comparison;

decrypting said first operating system instructions;

communicating said decrypted first operating system instructions to said memory of said first programmable device when said first step of automatically performing a first comparison and a second comparison determines that said first specific type or version is said first designated type or version;

automatically performing a first comparison and a second comparison, at said second receiver station, said first comparison performed in response to said first control signal to determine whether said first designated type or version of programmable device is present or not present at said second receiver station and said second comparison performed in response to said second control signal to determine whether said second designated type or version of programmable device is present at said second receiver station, thereby confirming that said second programmable device is to be programmed or reprogrammed with said second operating system instructions; and

communicating said second operating system instructions to said memory of said second programmable device when said second step of automatically performing a first comparison and a second comparison determines that said second specific type or version is said second designated type or version.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said information transmission includes said first operating system instructions, and said step of communicating an encrypted signal includes communicating said first operating system instructions from said receiver to said decryptor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first comparison at said first receiver station comprises matching a portion of said stored information to information contained in said first control signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first receiver station includes said second specific type or version of programmable device

and said second comparison at said first receiver station determines that said second specific type or version of said second programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device and further comprising the step of:

communicating said second operating system instructions to a storage device associated with said second specific type or version of programmable device at said first receiver station when said second comparison at said first receiver station determines that said second specific type or version of programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first receiver station does not include said second specific type or version of programmable device, said method further comprising the step of:

discarding instructions when said second comparison at said first receiver station determines that said second designated type or version of programmable device is not present at said first receiver station.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said first programmable device is a decoder.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first programmable device is a computer.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of communicating said decrypted first operating system instructions includes controlling a switch to transfer said first operating system instructions to said memory.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of booting said first operating system instructions.

10. The method of claim 1, further including the step of receiving at said first receiver station from said transmitter station a first further control signal which causes said receiver station to perform said step of decrypting.

11. The method of claim 10, further including the step of receiving at said first receiver station from said transmitter station a second further control signal which causes said first receiver station to perform at least one of said steps of communicating.

12. The method of claim 1, further including the step of receiving at said first receiver station from said transmitter station a first further control signal which causes said receiver station to perform at least one of said steps of communicating.

13. A method of programming or reprogramming a first receiver station which includes a first receiver, a decryptor and a first programmable device having a first memory, wherein said first programmable device is of a first specific type or version different from a second specific type or version of a second programmable device included in a second receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said first receiver station, an information transmission including a first control signal designating a first designated type or version of programmable device and a second control signal designating a second designated type or version of programmable device, said first control signal for causing a first determination using said first control signal that said first specific type or version of programmable device is said first designated type or version of programmable device and said second control signal for causing a second determination using said second control signal that said first specific type or version of programmable device is not said second designated type or version of programmable device, said information transmission causing programming or reprogramming of said first receiver station by i) said first receiver station automatically determining that said first specific type or version is said first designated type or version and is not said second designated type or version, ii) said first receiver communicating an encrypted signal including operating system instructions to said decryptor, iii) said decryptor decrypting first operating system instructions based on said determination that said first specific type or version is said first designated type or version and discarding second operating system instructions based on said determination that said first specific type or version is not said second designated type or version, and iv) said decryptor communicating said decrypted operating system instructions to said first memory; and

transmitting said information transmission including said first control signal and said second control signal from said transmitter station to said first receiver station.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said first control signal includes said operating system instructions and is effective to communicate said first operating system instructions from said first receiver to said first memory.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein designating information contained in said first control signal is for comparison with specifying information stored at said first receiver station that specifies the type or version of said first programmable device.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said second receiver station is remote from said transmitter station and includes a second memory,

said second control signal causing programming or reprogramming of said second receiver station by communicating second operating system instructions to said second memory based on a determination that said second specific type or version of said second programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station additional control signals, each additional control signal designating one of a plurality of different types or versions of programmable devices at a plurality of receiver stations including said first receiver station and said second receiver station, each additional control signal including operating system instructions of said one of said plurality of different types or versions, until a control signal that designates each one of said plurality of different types or versions is transmitted.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein said first operating system instructions control a decoder.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said first operating system instructions control a computer.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein said first control signal is operative to cause a switch to transfer said operating system instructions to said first memory.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein said first control signal is effective to boot said operating system instructions.

22. The method of claim 13, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a first further control signal which causes said decryptor to decrypt said first operating system instructions.

23. The method of claim 22, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a second further control signal which causes said first receiver station to perform at least one of communicating said encrypted signal and communicating said decrypted first operating system instructions.

24. The method of claim 13, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a first further control signal which causes said first receiver station to perform at least one of communicating said encrypted signal and communicating said decrypted first operating system instructions.

25. A method of programming or reprogramming a first receiver station and a second receiver station, said first receiver station including a first receiver and a first programmable device having a first memory, said second receiver station including a second receiver and a second programmable device having a second memory, wherein said first programmable device is a first specific type or version of programmable device different from a second specific type or version of programmable device of said second programmable device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said first receiver station, a first control signal designating a first designated type or version of programmable device;

receiving, at said transmitter station a second control signal designating a second designated type or version of programmable device;

receiving, at said transmitter station, encrypted first operating system instructions, said first control signal causing said first receiver station to perform a first automatic comparison to determine that said first specific type or version is said first designated type or version, and said second control signal causing said first receiver station to perform a second automatic comparison to determine that said first specific type or version is not said second designated type or version;

said first control signal causing said first receiver station to decrypt said first operating system instructions and to communicate said first operating system instructions to said first memory based on said first automatic comparison;

receiving at said transmitter station second operating system instructions, said second control signal causing said second receiver station to perform an automatic comparison to determine that said second specific type or version is said second designated type or version and to communicate said second operating system instructions to said second memory based on said automatic comparison at said second receiver station; and

transmitting an information transmission including said first control signal and said second control signal from said transmitter station to said first receiver station and said second receiver station.

26. The method of claim 25, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a first further control signal which causes said first receiver station to decrypt said first operating system instructions.

27. The method of claim 26, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a second further control signal which causes said first receiver station to communicate said first operating system to said first memory.

28. The method of claim 25, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a first further control signal which causes said first receiver station to communicate said first operating system instructions to said first memory.

29. A method of programming or reprogramming a receiver station from a transmitter station remote from said receiver station, said transmitter station transmitting programming, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission at said receiver station, from said transmitter station remote from said receiver station, said information transmission including a first control signal which designates a first designated type or version of programmable device and a second control signal which designates a second type or version of programmable device;

passing said information transmission to a signal detector at said receiver station and detecting said first control signal and said second control signal;

determining, using said first control signal, whether a programmable device of said first designated type or version is present at said receiver station

determining, using said second control signal, whether or not a programmable device of said second designated type or version is present or not at said receiver station;

connecting a source of operating system instructions to apparatus associated with a programmable device at said receiver station of a specific type or version equivalent to said first designated type or version, said programmable device when operating under control of said operating system instructions being enabled to control a controllable device at said receiver station in a specific fashion and unable to control said controllable device in said specific fashion under control of different operating system instructions associated with said second designated type or version of programmable device; and

communicating said operating system instructions from said connected source to a memory of said programmable device in response to determining that said programmable device present at said receiver station is of said first designated type or version.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said information transmission includes said operating system instructions, and said step of communicating includes communicating said operating system instructions from a receiver receiving said information transmission at said receiver station to said memory.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said step of connecting is based on matching information stored at said receiver station that specifies said specific type or version of said programmable device with information contained in said first control signal that designates said first designated type or version.

32. The method of claim 29 wherein said receiver station includes a second programmable device of a second specific type or version, said method further comprising the steps of:

connecting said source of operating system instructions to apparatus associated with said second programmable device; and

communicating operating system instructions to a storage device associated with said second programmable device in response to said second control signal.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein when said receiver station cannot connect said source of operating system instructions to a programmable device of said designated type or version, said first control signal is discarded.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein said programmable device of said first designated type or version is a decoder.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein said programmable device of said first designate type or version is a computer.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein said step of connecting includes configuring a switch to transfer said operating system instructions to said memory.

37. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of booting said operating system instructions.

38. The method of claim 29, wherein said controllable device is enabled by said operating instructions to perform a function including contacting a remote receiver station.

39. The method of claim 38 comprising the step of receiving, at said receiver station, downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said receiver station to perform said function including contacting.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said downloadable executable code is received at said receiver station from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said receiver station.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein a portion of said downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said downloadable code based on said operating system instructions.

42. The method claim 41, wherein said portion of said downloadable executable code causes said receiver station to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein said controllable device comprises an auto dialer and said function comprises dialing a specific telephone number, said method further comprising the step of causing said auto dialer, automatically with said programmable device, to dial a specific telephone number associated with said remote receiver station.

44. The method of claim 29, wherein said controllable device comprises an output device enabled by said operating instructions to perform a function including outputting specific programming.

45. The method of claim 44 comprising the step of receiving, at said receiver station, downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said receiver station to compute a portion of said specific programming.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein said downloadable executable code is received at said receiver station from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said receiver station.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein a portion of said downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said downloadable code based on said operating system instructions.

48. The method claim 47, wherein said portion of said downloadable executable code causes said receiver station to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said receiver station.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein said programmable device comprises a computer and said function comprises outputting particular specific programming computed by said computer, said method further comprising the step of causing said receiver station to contact a remote receiver station to obtain information to be processed by said computer to compute a portion of said particular specific programming, said remote receiver station remote from said receiver station.

50. A method of programming or reprogramming at least one of a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said at least one of a plurality of receiver stations, an information transmission including a first control signal designating a first designated type or version of programmable device and a second control signal designating a second designated type or version of programmable device, said first control signal causing said at least one of a plurality of receiver stations to determine that a programmable device of a first specific type or version is equivalent to said first designated type or version, said second control signal causing said at least one of a plurality of programmable devices to determine that said programmable device is not equivalent to said second designated type or version, said first control signal causing programming or reprogramming of said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations by communicating first operating system instructions to said programmable device of a first specific type or version equivalent to said first designated type or version by connecting a source of said first operating system instructions to apparatus associated with said programmable device at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations, said programmable device when operating under control of said first operating instructions being enabled to control a controllable device at said at least one of a plurality of receiver stations; and

transmitting from said transmitter station said information transmission including said first control signal and said second control signal to said plurality of receiver stations.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said information transmission includes operating system instructions and said first control signal is effective to communicate said operating system instructions from a receiver at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to said programmable device of said first specific type or version.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein said first control signal is effective to connect said receiver to said apparatus associated with said programmable device at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations based on matching information stored at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations that designates said first specific type or version of programmable device at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to information contained in said first control signal.

53. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station additional control signals, each additional control signal designating one of a plurality of different types or versions of programmable devices at said plurality of receiver stations and including operating system instructions of said one of a plurality of different types or versions, until one control signal has been transmitted that designates each one of said plurality of different types or versions of programmable devices.

54. The method of claim 50, wherein said operating system instructions control a decoder.

55. The method of claim 50, wherein said operating system instructions control a computer.

56. The method of claim 50, wherein said first control signal is operative to configure a switch to connect said source of said operating system instructions to said apparatus associated with said programmable device.

57. The method of claim 50, wherein said first control signal is effective to boot said operating system instructions.

58. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of transmitting a first further control signal which controls said programmable device to cause said controllable device to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said first further control signal includes downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said programmable device to cause said controllable device to contact a remote receiver station.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations a second further control signal which executes said downloadable executable code.

61. The method claim 59, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

62. The method of claim 59, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to output specific programming at an output device at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to compute a portion of said specific programming.

64. A method of programming or reprogramming receiver stations of a plurality of receiver stations, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said receiver stations, an information transmission including a first control signal and a second control signal, said first control signal designating a first designated type or version of programmable device for determining at a first receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations that a programmable device of a first specific type or version is said first designated type or version and said second control signal designating a second designated type or version of programmable device for determining at said first receiver station that said programmable device of said first specific type or version is not said second designated type or version, said first control signal causing said first receiver station based on said determination that said programmable device of said first specific type or version is equivalent to said first designated type or version is present at said first receiver station,

     1) to connect a source of a first specific set of operating system instructions to apparatus at said first receiver station associated with said programmable device of a first specific type or version,

     2) to select said first specific set of operating system instructions from a plurality of sets of operating system of instructions that differ from one another, and

     3) to communicate said selected first specific set of operating system instructions to said apparatus associated with said programmable device of said first specific type or version, said programmable device of a first specific type or version when operating under control of said specific set of operating system instructions being enabled to control a controllable device at said first receiver station, said second control signal causing a second receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations

     1) to determine that a programmable device of a second specific type or version equivalent to said second designated type or version of is present at said second receiver station,

     2) to connect a source of a second specific set of operating system instructions to apparatus at said second receiver station associated with said programmable device of a second specific type or version,

     3) to select said second specific set of operating system instructions from said plurality of sets of operating system instructions, and

     4) to communicate said selected second specific set of operating system instructions to said apparatus associated with said programmable device of said second specific type or version;

receiving at said transmitter station said plurality of sets of operating system of instructions that differ from one another, said plurality of sets of operating system instructions including said first specific set of operating system instructions and said second specific set of operating system instructions; and

transmitting from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations

     1) said information transmission including said first control signal and said second control signal and

     2) said plurality of sets of operating system of instructions including said first specific set of operating system instructions and said second specific set of operating system instructions.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising the step of transmitting a first further control signal which controls said programmable device of said first specific type or version to cause said controllable device to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said plurality of receiver stations.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said first further control signal includes downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said programmable device of said first specific type or version to cause said controllable device to contact said remote receiver station.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a second further control signal which executes said downloadable executable code.

68. The method claim 66, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

69. The method of claim 66, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to output specific programming at an output device at said first receiver station.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to compute a portion of said specific programming.

71. A method of controlling one receiver station of a plurality of receiver stations from a transmitter station remote from said one receiver station, said transmitter station transmitting programming to said plurality of receiver stations, said plurality of receiver stations including programmable apparatus of different particular types or versions, said one receiver station including programmable apparatus of a specific type or version, a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, an information transmission at said receiver of said one receiver station, from said transmitter station remote from said receiver station, said information transmission including a first control signal which designates said specific type or version of programmable apparatus to be controlled and a second control signal that designates a second type or version of programmable apparatus to be controlled;

passing said information transmission to said signal detector and detecting said first control signal;

automatically performing a comparison at said one receiver station, in response to said first control signal, to determine that a programmable apparatus of said specific type or version is present at said one receiver station and performing a second comparison at said one receiver station, in response to said second control signal, to determine that a programmable apparatus of said second type or version is present or not present at said one receiver station;

communicating an encrypted signal including operating system instructions to a decryptor;

decrypting said operating system instructions;

communicating said decrypted operating system instructions to said programmable apparatus of said specific type or version at said one receiver station; and

executing said communicated decrypted operating instructions to control operation of said programmable apparatus of said specific type or version at said one receiver station based on said step of automatically performing a comparison.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein said information transmission includes said operating system instructions, and said step of communicating an encrypted signal includes communicating said operating system instructions from said receiver to said decryptor.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein said step of automatically performing a comparison includes matching information stored at said one receiver station to information contained in said first control signal.

74. The method of claim 71, wherein said one receiver station includes a plurality of different types or versions of programmable apparatus,

said automatically performing a second comparison determines that a programmable apparatus of a second specific type or version is present at said one receiver station, said method further comprising the step of:

communicating second operating system instructions to said programmable apparatus of a second specific type or version determined to be present.

75. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of discarding instructions upon automatically performing a comparison to determine that a programmable apparatus of said second specific type or version is not present at said one receiver station.

76. The method of claim 71, wherein said programmable apparatus of said specific type or version includes a decoder and said first control signal specifies a type or version of decoder.

77. The method of claim 71, wherein said programmable apparatus of said specific type or version includes a computer and said first control signal specifies a type or version of computer.

78. The method of claim 71, wherein said step of communicating said decrypted operating system instructions includes configuring a switch to communicate said operating system instructions to said programmable apparatus of said specific type or version.

79. The method of claim 71, further including the step of receiving at said one receiver station from said transmitter station a first further control signal which causes said one receiver station to perform said step of decrypting.

80. The method of claim 79, further including the step of receiving at said one receiver station from said transmitter station a second further control signal which causes said one receiver station to perform at least one of said steps of communicating.

81. The method of claim 71, further including the step of receiving at said one receiver station from said transmitter station a first further control signal which causes said one receiver station to perform at least one of said steps of communicating.

82. A method of programming a receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said receiver station, an information transmission including a first control signal and a second control signal, said first control signal designating a first designated type or version of programmable device and causing said receiver station to determine that a programmable device of a first specific type or version is equivalent to said first designated type or version is present at said receiver station, said second control signal designating a second designated type or version of programmable device and causing said receiver station to determine that said programmable device of a first specific type or version is not equivalent to said second designated type or version, said first control signal causing said first receiver station

     1) to connect a source of a first set of operating system instructions to apparatus at said receiver station associated with said programmable device of a first specific type or version

     2) to select said first set of operating system instructions, and

     3) to communicate said selected first set of operating system instructions to said apparatus associated with said programmable device of a first specific type or version, said programmable device of a first specific type or version when operating under control of said first set of operating system instructions being enabled to control a controllable device at said receiver station; and

transmitting to said receiver station said information transmission including said first control signal and said second control signal.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein said first information transmission includes said first set of operating system instructions and is effective to communicate said first set of operating system instructions from a receiver to a memory associated with said programmable device of a first specific type or version.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein said first set of operating system instructions control a decoder.

85. The method of claim 82, wherein said first set of operating system instructions control a computer.

86. The method of claim 82, wherein said first control signal is operative to cause a switch to transfer said first set of operating system instructions to a memory associated with said programmable device of a first specific type or version.

87. The method of claim 82, wherein designating information of said first control signal is for comparison with specifying information stored at said receiver station that specifies one or more types or versions of programmable devices at said receiver station.

88. The method of claim 82, wherein said second control signal is further effective to enable said receiver station to communicate a second set of operating system instructions to a second programmable device of said second designated version.

89. The method of claim 82, wherein said first control signal is effective to boot said first set of operating system instructions.

90. The method of claim 82, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said receiver station a first further control signal which causes said receiver station to decrypt said first set of operating system instructions.

91. The method of claim 90, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said receiver station a second further control signal which causes said receiver station to communicate said decrypted first set of operating system instructions to a first memory.

92. The method of claim 82, further including the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said receiver station a first further control signal which causes said receiver station to communicate said decrypted first set of operating system instructions to said first memory.

93. A method of programming or reprogramming a receiver station from a transmitter station remote from said receiver station, said transmitter station transmitting programming, said receiver station including a first programmable device of a first specific type and version, a second programmable device of a second specific type and version, a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, said first programmable device having a first memory, said second programmable device having a second memory, wherein said first programmable device and said second programmable device are different from each other and said first specific type or version is different from said second specific type or version, said method comprising the steps of:

storing, at said receiver station, information specifying said first specific type and version of said first programmable device and said second specific type and version of said second programmable device;

receiving an information transmission at said receiver at said receiver station, from said transmitter station remote from said receiver station, said information transmission including one or more control signals which designate a first designated type and version of programmable device and a second designated type and version of programmable device;

passing said information transmission to said signal detector and detecting said one or more control signals;

automatically performing, at said receiver station and in response to said one or more control signals, comparisons to determine whether said first specific type and version of said first programmable device is said first designated type and version of programmable device and whether said second specific type and version of said first programmable device is said second designated type and version of programmable device;

selecting first operating system instructions and communicating said selected first operating system instructions to said first memory when said step of automatically performing comparisons determines that said first specific type and version of said first programmable device is said first designated type and version of programmable device, said first operating instructions controlling execution of first downloadable executable code by said first programmable device; and

selecting second operating system instructions and communicating said selected second operating system instructions to said second memory when said step of automatically performing comparisons determines that said second specific type and version of said second programmable device is said second designated type and version of programmable device said second operating instructions controlling execution of second downloadable executable code by said second programmable device, wherein said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions are different from each other.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions is received at said receiver station from said transmitter station in said information transmission.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein both of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions are received at said receiver station in said information transmission.

96. The method of claim 93, wherein said one or more control signals boot at least one of one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions at said receiver station.

97. The method of claim 93, further comprising the step of receiving at said receiver station from said transmitter station a command which causes said receiver station to perform a function under control of a portion of one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions.

98. The method of claim 93, wherein said first downloadable executable code, when executed, causes said receiver stations to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said receiver station.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein said first downloadable executable code is received at said receiver station from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said receiver station.

100. The method of claim 98, wherein a portion of said first downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said downloadable code based on said first operating system instructions.

101. The method claim 100, wherein said portion of said first downloadable executable code causes said receiver station to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

102. The method of claim 93, wherein said first downloadable executable code causes an auto dialer, automatically, to dial a specific telephone number associated with said remote receiver station.

103. The method of claim 93, wherein said second downloadable executable code causes an output device to output specific programming.

104. The method of claim 103 wherein said second downloadable executable code causes said receiver station to compute a portion of said specific programming.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein said second downloadable executable code is received at receiver station from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said receiver station.

106. The method of claim 104, wherein a portion of said second downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said second downloadable code based on said second operating system instructions.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein said portion of said second downloadable executable code causes said receiver station to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said receiver station.

108. The method of claim 103, wherein said receiver station includes a computer and said second downloadable code causes output of particular specific programming computed by said computer, said method further comprising the step of causing said receiver station to contact a remote receiver station to obtain information to be processed by said computer to compute a portion of said particular specific programming, said remote receiver station remote from said receiver station.

109. A method of programming or reprogramming a first receiver station which includes a first programmable device of a first specific type and version, a second programmable device of a second specific type and version, a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, said first programmable device having a first memory, said second programmable device having a second memory, wherein said first programmable device and said second programmable device are different from each other and said first specific type and version is different from said second specific type and version, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said first receiver station, one or more first control signals designating a first designated type and version of programmable device and a second designated type and version of programmable device, said one or more first control signals causing programming or reprogramming of said first receiver station upon detection of said one or more first control signals at said first receiver station, said first receiver station automatically determining that said first specific type and version of said first programmable device is said first designated type and version of programmable device and communicating first operating system instructions to said first memory in response to said one or more first control signals, said first receiver station automatically determining that said second specific type and version of said second programmable device is said second designated type and version of programmable device and communicating second operating system instructions to said second memory in response to said one or more first control signals, wherein said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions are different from each other;

transmitting said one or more first control signals from said transmitter station to said first receiver station;

receiving at said transmitter station one or more second control signals, said one or more second control signals causing execution of downloaded executable code by at least one of said first programmable device under control of said first operating system instructions and said second programmable device under control of said second operating system instructions; and

transmitting said one or more second control signals from said transmitter station to said first receiver station.

110. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of transmitting one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions from said transmitter station to said receiver station.

111. The method of claim 110, further comprising the step of transmitting the other of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions from said transmitter station to said receiver station.

112. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of transmitting a command which causes said receiver station to boot at least one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions at said receiver station.

113. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said receiver station a command which causes said receiver station to perform a function under control of a specific instruction of one of said first operating system instructions and said second operating system instructions.

114. The method of claim 109, further comprising the step of transmitting a first further control signal which controls at least one of 1) said first programmable device to cause said first receiver station to contact a remote receiver station and 2) said second programmable device to cause said first receiver station to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said first receiver station.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein said first further control signal includes said downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said at least one of said first programmable device and said second programmable device to cause to cause said first receiver station to contact a remote receiver station.

116. The method of claim 115, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said first receiver station a second further control signal which executes said downloadable executable code.

117. The method claim 115, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

118. The method of claim 115, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to output specific programming at an output device at said first receiver station.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said first receiver station to compute a portion of said specific programming.

120. A method of programming or reprogramming programmable apparatus at a plurality of receiver stations, each receiver station having at least one programmable device, a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, each programmable device of said at least one programmable device at each said receiver station including memory and being of a specific type and version of programmable device, wherein said plurality of receiver stations includes at least two programmable devices which are functionally different from each other, wherein the specific type and version of programmable device of a first of said at least two programmable devices is different from the specific type and version of a second of said at least two programmable devices, and wherein each said receiver station stores at least one first datum specifying the specific type and version of said at least one programmable device at said each said receiver station, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said plurality of receiver stations, one or more control signals, said one or more control signals designating designated types and versions of programmable device of said programmable apparatus at said plurality of receiver stations, said one or more of control signals designating a designated type and version of said at least one programmable device at said each said receiver station, including the different designated types and versions of programmable device of said at least two programmable devices which are functionally different from each other, said one or more control signals causing programming or reprogramming of said programmable apparatus at said plurality of receiver stations upon detection of said one or more control signals at each said receiver station of said plurality of receiver stations, each said receiver station automatically determining that said stored at least one first datum specifying said specific type and version of said at least one programmable device at said each said receiver station corresponds to at least one second datum contained in said one or more control signals, said at least one second datum designating said designated type and version of said at least one programmable device at said each said receiver station, each said receiver station automatically selecting and communicating operating system instructions, based on said determining, to said memory at said each programmable device of said programmable apparatus at said each said receiver station, said selected operating instructions effective to control said each programmable device of said programmable apparatus, wherein said at least two programmable devices which are functionally different from each other receive operating instructions which are different from each other;

transmitting said one or more control signals from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations;

receiving at said transmitter station downloadable executable code including instructions for execution by said at least two programmable devices under control of said selected operating instructions; and

transmitting a transmission including said downloadable executable code from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver station.

121. The method of claim 120, further comprising the step of transmitting a first set of said operating system instructions from said transmitter station to at least a first of said plurality of receiver stations.

122. The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of transmitting a second set of said operating system instructions from said transmitter station to a second of said plurality of receiver stations, wherein said first set of said operating system instructions and said second set of said operating system instructions are different from each other.

123. The method of claim 120, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to at least one of said plurality of receiver stations a command which causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to boot said operating system instructions.

124. The method of claim 120, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to at least one of said plurality of receiver stations a command which causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to perform a function under control of said operating system instructions.

125. The method of claim 120, further comprising the step of transmitting a first further control signal which controls said at least one programmable device at each said receiver station to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said plurality of receiver stations.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein said downloadable executable code, when executed, causes each said at least one programmable device to cause each said receiver station to contact said remote receiver station.

127. The method of claim 126, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations a second further control signal which executes said downloadable executable code.

128. The method claim 126, wherein said downloadable executable code causes each said receiver station to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

129. The method of claim 126, wherein said downloadable executable code causes each said receiver station to output different specific programming at an output device at each said receiver station.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein said downloadable executable code causes each said receiver station to compute a portion of said specific programming.

131. A method of programming or reprogramming a plurality of receiver stations from a transmitter station remote from said plurality of receiver stations, said transmitter station transmitting programming, each of said plurality of receiver stations having a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, a first of said plurality of receiver stations including a first programmable device of a first specific type or version, said first programmable device having a first memory and operatively connected to a first controllable device, a second of said plurality of receiver stations including a second programmable device of a second specific type or version, said second programmable device having a second memory and operatively connected to a second controllable device, said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations remote from each other, said first controllable device and said second controllable device of different types from each other, said first programmable device and said second programmable device of different types or versions from each other and said first specific type or version different from said second specific type or version, said method comprising the steps of:

storing, at said first of said plurality of receiver stations, information specifying said first specific type or version of said first programmable device and, at said second of said plurality of receiver stations, information specifying said second specific type or version of said second programmable device;

receiving from said transmitter station one or more information transmissions at each of said plurality of receiver stations, said information transmission including one or more control signals which designate a first designated type or version of programmable device and a second designated type or version of programmable device;

passing at least a portion of said one or more information transmissions to each of said signal detectors at each of said plurality of receiver stations and detecting at least a portion of said one or more control signals at said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations;

automatically performing, at said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations and in response to said one or more control signals, comparisons to determine at said first of said plurality of receiver stations whether said first specific type or version of said first programmable device is said first designated type or version of programmable device and at said second of said plurality of receiver stations whether said second specific type or version of said first programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device;

selecting first operating system instructions and communicating said selected first operating system instructions to said first memory at said first of said plurality of receiver stations when said step of automatically performing comparisons determines that said first specific type or version of said first programmable device is said first designated type or version of programmable device, said first operating system instructions different from second operating system instructions;

selecting said second operating system instructions and communicating said selected second operating system instructions to said second memory at said second of said plurality of receiver stations when said step of automatically performing comparisons determines that said second specific type or version of said second programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device;

controlling said first programmable device at said first of said plurality of receiver stations in accordance with said selected and communicated first operating system instructions;

controlling said second programmable device at said second of said plurality of receiver stations in accordance with said selected and communicated second operating system instructions;

causing said first controllable device to perform a first function based on said step of controlling said first programmable device, said first function different from a second function; and

causing said second controllable device to perform said second function based on said step of controlling said second programmable device.

132. The method of claim 131, wherein said first function comprises contacting a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said first of said plurality of receiver stations.

133. The method of claim 132, said method comprising the step of receiving, at said first of said plurality of receiver stations, downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said first of said plurality of receiver stations to perform said step of contacting.

134. The method of claim 133, wherein said downloadable executable code is received at said first of said plurality of receiver stations from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said first of said plurality of receiver stations.

135. The method of claim 133, wherein a portion of said downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said downloadable code based on said first operating system instructions.

136. The method claim 135, wherein said portion of said downloadable executable code causes said first of said plurality of receiver stations to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

137. The method of claim 132, wherein said first controllable device comprises an auto dialer and said first function comprises dialing a specific telephone number, said method further comprising the step of causing said auto dialer, automatically with said first controllable device, to dial a specific telephone number associated with said remote receiver station.

138. The method of claim 131, wherein said second controllable device comprises an output device and said second function comprises outputting specific programming.

139. The method of claim 138 comprising the step of receiving, at said second of said plurality of receiver stations, downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said second of said plurality of receiver stations to compute a portion of said specific programming.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein said downloadable executable code is received at said second of said plurality of receiver stations from one of a plurality of transmitter stations remote from said second of said plurality of receiver stations.

141. The method of claim 139, wherein a portion of said downloadable executable code is executed in response to a viewer input, said method further including the step of processing said viewer input and executing said portion of said downloadable code based on said first operating system instructions.

142. The method of claim 141, wherein said portion of said downloadable executable code causes said second of said plurality of receiver stations to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said second of said plurality of receiver stations.

143. The method of claim 138, wherein said second controllable device comprises a computer and said second function comprises outputting particular specific programming computed by said computer, said method further comprising the step of causing said second of said plurality of receiver stations to contact a remote receiver station to obtain information to be processed by said computer to compute a portion of said particular specific programming, said remote receiver station remote from said second of said plurality of receiver stations.

144. A method of programming or reprogramming a plurality of receiver stations, each of said plurality of receiver stations having a signal detector, and a receiver operatively connected to said signal detector, a first of said plurality of receiver stations including a first programmable device of a first specific type or version, said first programmable device having a first memory and operatively connected to a first controllable device, a second of said plurality of receiver stations including a second programmable device of a second specific type or version, said second programmable device having a second memory and operatively connected to a second controllable device, said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations remote from each other, said first controllable device and said second controllable device of different types from each other, said first programmable device and said second programmable device of different types or versions from each other and said first specific type or version different from said second specific type or version, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a transmitter station remote from said plurality of stations, one or more control signals designating a first designated type or version of programmable device and a second designated type or version of programmable device, said one or more control signals causing programming or reprogramming of said first of said plurality of receiver stations upon detection of said one or more control signals at said first of said plurality of receiver stations and causing programming or reprogramming of said second of said plurality of receiver stations upon detection of said one or more control signals at said second of said plurality of receiver stations, said plurality of receiver stations each passing at least a portion of said one or more information transmissions to each of said signal detectors at each of said plurality of receiver stations and detecting one or more portions of said one or more control signals at said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations;

said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations automatically performing comparisons, in response to said one or more portions of said one or more control signals, and determining at said first of said plurality of receiver stations that said first specific type or version of said first programmable device is said first designated type or version of programmable device and at said second of said plurality of receiver stations that said second specific type or version of said first programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device;

said first of said plurality of receiver stations selecting first operating system instructions and communicating said selected first operating system instructions to said first memory at said first of said plurality of receiver stations as a consequence of determining that said first specific type or version of said first programmable device is said first designated type or version of programmable device, said first operating system instructions different from second operating system instructions;

said second of said plurality of receiver stations selecting said second operating system instructions and communicating said selected second operating system instructions to said second memory at said second of said plurality of receiver stations as a consequence of determining that said second specific type or version of said second programmable device is said second designated type or version of programmable device;

said first of said plurality of receiver stations controlling said first programmable device at said first of said plurality of receiver stations in accordance with said selected and communicated first operating system instructions;

said second of said plurality of receiver stations controlling said second programmable device at said second of said plurality of receiver stations in accordance with said selected and communicated second operating system instructions;

said first of said plurality of receiver stations causing said first controllable device to perform a first function based on said step of controlling said first programmable device, said first function different from a second function;

said second of said plurality of receiver stations causing said second controllable device to perform said second function based on said step of controlling said second programmable device; and

transmitting said one or more control signals from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations in one or more information transmissions.

145. The method of claim 144, further comprising the step of transmitting a first further control signal which controls at least one of 1) said first programmable device to cause said first controllable device to contact a remote receiver station and 2) said second programmable device to cause said second controllable device to contact a remote receiver station, said remote receiver station remote from said first of said plurality of receiver stations and said second of said plurality of receiver stations.

146. The method of claim 145, wherein said first further control signal includes downloadable executable code which, when executed, causes said at least one of said first programmable device and said second programmable device to cause performance of said step of contacting.

147. The method of claim 146, further comprising the step of transmitting from said transmitter station to said plurality of receiver stations a second further control signal which executes said downloadable executable code.

148. The method claim 146, wherein said downloadable executable code causes at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to contact said remote receiver station by dialing a telephone number.

149. The method of claim 146, wherein said downloadable executable code causes at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to output specific programming at an output device at said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein said downloadable executable code causes said at least one of said plurality of receiver stations to compute a portion of said specific programming.