METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENABLING INTERACTIVITY IN A MOBILE BROADCAST NETWORK

• US 20100064307A1
• Filed: 09/09/2009
• Published: 03/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: MALHOTRA, Vikram Y., COYER, James D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,613,026 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/14 Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/80 characterised by transmission among terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1086 session scope modification
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/401 wherein the services involve a main real-time session and one or more additional parallel real-time or time sensitive sessions, e.g. white board sharing or spawning of a subconference
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41407 embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop constructional details of equipment or arrangements specially adapted for portable computer application G06F1/1626; arrangements specially adapted for mobile receivers in broadcast systems H04H20/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4661 Deriving a combined profile for a plurality of end-users of the same client, e.g. for family members within a home user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47214 for content reservation or setting reminders; for requesting event notification, e.g. of sport results or stock market stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services over packet-switching network H04L12/1859; notification of incoming messages in packet switching networks H04L51/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4786 e-mailing message switching systems, e.g. electronic mail systems H04L51/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4788 communicating with other users, e.g. chatting arrangements for providing for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms, to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1813; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4826 using recommendation lists, e.g. of programs or channels sorted out according to their score
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63775 for uploading keys, e.g. for a client to communicate its public key to the server key management H04L9/08; network support of key management H04L63/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64315 DVB-H
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 by receiver means only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

Methods and systems enable viewers of mobile TV to interact and communicate with one another in real time regarding programs being viewed. Viewers may search other viewers on the mobile TV system. Viewers may invite other viewers to join them in viewing a program or to chat. Viewers may write programs with rating since the broadcast network provider for tallying and broadcast to others. Viewers may set reminders for programs and share those reminders with other viewers. Programs may be hosted by individuals who may control the broadcast stream and communicate with viewers of the program. Viewers may also create ad hoc channels in which they can share their favorite programs with other viewers.

Claims

1. A method for enabling viewer interactivity in a mobile TV broadcast system, comprising:

receiving viewer data from a first mobile device;

storing the received viewer data;

receiving a request for viewer data from a second mobile device; and

transmitting the received viewer data to the second mobile device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises transmitting the viewer data via a unicast network.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

generating a viewer data message;

encrypting the viewer data message; and

broadcasting the encrypted viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

generating a viewer data message;

tagging the viewer data message; and

broadcasting the tagged viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving an encryption key from the second mobile device,

wherein encrypting the viewer data message comprises encrypting the viewer data message using the encryption key received from the second mobile device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether the second mobile device is qualified to receive viewer data received from the first mobile device,

wherein transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device is accomplished only when the second mobile device is qualified to receive viewer data received from the first mobile device.

7. The method of claim 3, further comprising transmitting a decryption key to the second mobile device via a unicast network.

8. An interactivity server, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to access a broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving viewer data from a first mobile device;

storing the received viewer data;

receiving a request for viewer data from a second mobile device; and

transmitting the received viewer data to the second mobile device.

9. The interactivity server of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises transmitting the viewer data via the unicast network.

10. The interactivity server of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

generating a viewer data message;

encrypting the viewer data message; and

broadcasting the encrypted viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

11. The interactivity server of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

generating a viewer data message;

tagging the viewer data message; and

broadcasting the tagged viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

12. The interactivity server of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform further steps comprising receiving an encryption key from the second mobile device,

wherein encrypting the viewer data message comprises encrypting the viewer data message using the encryption key received from the second mobile device

13. The interactivity server of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform further steps comprising:

determining whether the second mobile device is qualified to receive the viewer data received from the first mobile device,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device is accomplished only when the second mobile device is qualified to receive viewer data received from the first mobile device.

14. The interactivity server of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform further steps comprising transmitting a decryption key to the second mobile device via the unicast network.

15. An interactivity server, comprising:

means for receiving viewer data from a first mobile device;

means for storing the received viewer data;

means for receiving a request for viewer data from a second mobile device; and

means for transmitting the received viewer data to the second mobile device.

16. The interactivity server of claim 15, wherein means for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises means for transmitting the viewer data via a unicast network.

17. The interactivity server of claim 15, wherein means for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

means for generating a viewer data message;

means for encrypting the viewer data message; and

means for broadcasting the encrypted viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

18. The interactivity server of claim 15, wherein means for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

means for generating a viewer data message;

means for tagging the viewer data message; and

means for broadcasting the tagged viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

19. The interactivity server of claim 18, further comprising means for receiving an encryption key from the second mobile device,

wherein means for encrypting the viewer data message comprises means for encrypting the viewer data message using the encryption key received from the second mobile device.

20. The interactivity server of claim 15, further comprising:

means for determining whether the second mobile device is qualified to receive the viewer data received from the first mobile device,

wherein means for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises means for transmitting the viewer data when the second mobile device is qualified to receive viewer data received from the first mobile device.

21. The interactivity server of claim 18, further comprising means for transmitting a decryption key to the second mobile device via the unicast network.

22. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving viewer data from a first mobile device;

at least one instruction for storing the received viewer data;

at least one instruction for receiving a request for viewer data from a second mobile device; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the received viewer data to the second mobile device.

23. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises at least one instruction for transmitting the viewer data via a unicast network.

24. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

at least one instruction for generating a viewer data message;

at least one instruction for encrypting the viewer data message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the encrypted viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

25. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device comprises:

at least one instruction for generating a viewer data message;

at least one instruction for tagging the viewer data message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the tagged viewer data message in an overhead content transmission.

26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for receiving an encryption key from the second mobile device,

wherein the at least one instruction for encrypting the viewer data message comprises at least one instruction for encrypting the viewer data message using the encryption key received from the second mobile device.

27. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining whether the second mobile device is qualified to receive the viewer data received from the first mobile device,

wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting viewer data to the second mobile device is accomplished only when the second mobile device is qualified to receive viewer data received from the first mobile device.

28. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for transmitting a decryption key to the second mobile device via a unicast network.

29. A method for enabling viewer interactivity in a mobile TV broadcast system, comprising:

receiving an invitation message from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

transmitting the invitation message to a second mobile device via the unicast network;

receiving an invitation response message from the second mobile device via the unicast network; and

transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the invitation response message is transmitted to the first mobile device in an overhead content broadcast.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

determining a mobile TV program being displayed by the first mobile device;

creating an instruction message containing instructions configured to cause the second mobile device to display the mobile TV program determined to be displayed by the first mobile device; and

transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

encrypting the instruction message; and

broadcasting the encrypted instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

tagging the instruction message; and

broadcasting the tagged instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

34. An interactivity server, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to access a broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving an invitation message from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

transmitting the invitation message to a second mobile device via the unicast network;

receiving an invitation response message from the second mobile device via the unicast network; and

transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device.

35. The interactivity server of claim 34, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that the invitation response message is transmitted to the first mobile device in an overhead content broadcast.

36. The interactivity server of claim 34, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform further steps comprising:

determining a mobile TV program being displayed by the first mobile device;

creating an instruction message containing instructions configured to cause the second mobile device to display the mobile TV program determined to be displayed by the first mobile device; and

transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device.

37. The interactivity server of claim 34, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

encrypting the instruction message; and

broadcasting the encrypted instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

38. The interactivity server of claim 34, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

tagging the instruction message; and

broadcasting the tagged instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

39. An interactivity server, comprising:

means for receiving an invitation message from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

means for transmitting the invitation message to a second mobile device via the unicast network;

means for receiving an invitation response message from the second mobile device via the unicast network; and

means for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device.

40. The interactivity server of claim 39, wherein means for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device comprises means for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device in an overhead content broadcast.

41. The interactivity server of claim 39, further comprising:

means for determining a mobile TV program being displayed by the first mobile device;

means for creating an instruction message containing instructions configured to cause the second mobile device to display the mobile TV program determined to be displayed by the first mobile device; and

means for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device.

42. The interactivity server of claim 39, wherein means for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

means for encrypting the instruction message; and

means for broadcasting the encrypted instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

43. The interactivity server of claim 39, wherein means for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

means for tagging the instruction message; and

means for broadcasting the tagged instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

44. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving an invitation message from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

at least one instruction for transmitting the invitation message to a second mobile device via the unicast network;

at least one instruction for receiving an invitation response message from the second mobile device via the unicast network; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device.

45. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device comprises at least one instruction for transmitting the invitation response message to the first mobile device in an overhead content broadcast.

46. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining a mobile TV program being displayed by the first mobile device;

at least one instruction for creating an instruction message containing instructions configured to cause the second mobile device to display the mobile TV program determined to be displayed by the first mobile device; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device.

47. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

at least one instruction for encrypting the instruction message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the encrypted instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

48. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting the instruction message to the second mobile device comprises:

at least one instruction for tagging the instruction message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the tagged instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

49. A method for enabling viewer interactivity in a mobile TV broadcast system, comprising:

receiving chat data from a first mobile device via a unicast network; and

transmitting the chat data to a second mobile device.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein transmitting the chat data to the second mobile device comprises transmitting the chat data via the unicast network.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein transmitting the chat data to the second mobile device comprises:

creating a chat data message;

encrypting the chat data message; and

broadcasting the encrypted chat data message in an overhead content.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein transmitting the chat data to the second mobile device comprises:

creating a chat data message;

tagging the chat data message; and

broadcasting the tagged chat data message in an overhead content.

53. An interactivity server configured to enable viewer interactivity in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to the broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving chat data from a first mobile device via the unicast network;

creating a chat data message; and

broadcasting the chat data to a second mobile device via the broadcast network.

54. The interactivity server of claim 53, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising encrypting the chat data message, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that broadcasting the chat data comprises broadcasting the encrypted chat data message in an overhead content.

55. The interactivity server of claim 53, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising tagging the chat data message, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that broadcasting the chat data comprises broadcasting the tagged chat data message in an overhead content.

56. An interactivity server configured to enable viewer interactivity in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

means for receiving chat data from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

means for creating a chat data message; and

means for broadcasting the chat data to a second mobile device via a broadcast network.

57. The interactivity server of claim 56, further comprising means for encrypting the chat data message, wherein means for broadcasting the chat data comprises means for broadcasting the encrypted chat data message in an overhead content.

58. The interactivity server of claim 56, further comprising means for tagging the chat data message, wherein means for broadcasting the chat data comprises means for broadcasting the tagged chat data message in an overhead content.

59. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving chat data from a first mobile device via a unicast network;

at least one instruction for creating a chat data message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the chat data to a second mobile device via a broadcast network.

60. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for encrypting the chat data message, wherein the at least one instruction for broadcasting the chat data comprises at least one instruction for broadcasting the encrypted chat data message in an overhead content.

61. The computer program product of claim 59, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for tagging the chat data message, wherein the at least one instruction for broadcasting the chat data comprises at least one instruction for broadcasting the tagged chat data message in an overhead content.

62. A method for enabling mobile TV viewers to rate mobile TV broadcast programs, comprising:

receiving program data;

generating a rating overlay content;

broadcasting the rating overlay content in an overhead content;

receiving a plurality of viewer rating messages via a unicast network;

tallying the ratings received in the plurality of viewer rating messages;

generating a rating results overlay content; and

broadcasting the rating results overlay content in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising encrypting the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

64. The method of claim 62, further comprising tagging the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

65. An interactivity server, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to access a broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving program data;

generating a rating overlay content;

broadcasting the rating overlay content in an overhead content via the broadcast network;

receiving a plurality of viewer rating messages via the unicast network;

tallying the ratings received in the plurality of viewer rating messages;

generating a rating results overlay content; and

broadcasting the rating results overlay content in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission via the broadcast network.

66. The interactivity server of claim 65, further wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising encrypting the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

67. The interactivity server of claim 65, further wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising tagging the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

68. An interactivity server, comprising:

means for receiving program data;

means for generating a rating overlay content;

means for broadcasting the rating overlay content in an overhead content;

means for receiving a plurality of viewer rating messages via a unicast network;

means for tallying the ratings received in the plurality of viewer rating messages;

means for generating a rating results overlay content; and

means for broadcasting the rating results overlay content in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

69. The interactivity server of claim 68, further comprising means for encrypting the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

70. The interactivity server of claim 68, further comprising means for tagging the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

71. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving program data;

at least one instruction for generating a rating overlay content;

at least one instruction for broadcasting the rating overlay content in an overhead content;

at least one instruction for receiving a plurality of viewer rating messages via a unicast network;

at least one instruction for tallying the ratings received in the plurality of viewer rating messages;

at least one instruction for generating a rating results overlay content; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the rating results overlay content in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

72. The computer program product of claim 71, wherein computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for encrypting the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

73. The computer program product of claim 71, wherein computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for tagging the rating results overlay content prior to broadcasting.

74. A method for enabling mobile TV viewers to set reminders for mobile TV programs within a mobile broadcast network, comprising:

receiving a viewer reminder request message from a first mobile device via a unicast network, the viewer reminder request message including a program identifier for a program for which a reminder is requested and an amount of time in advance of broadcast time that a reminder is requested;

determining a program corresponding to the program identifier;

generating an alert message for the determined program at the amount of time in advance of broadcast time for the determined program; and

transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises transmitting the alert message via the unicast network.

76. The method of claim 74, wherein transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

77. The method of claim 74, further comprising:

determining whether the alert may be shared with other mobile TV viewers;

broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission;

receiving a viewer response message from a second mobile device via the unicast network;

generating a viewer response list message; and

broadcasting the viewer response list message in the overhead content of the mobile TV broadcast transmission.

78. The method of claim 76, further comprising encrypting the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

79. The method of claim 76, further comprising tagging the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

80. An interactivity server configured to enable mobile TV viewers to set reminders for mobile TV programs within a mobile broadcast network, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to access a broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving a viewer reminder request message from a first mobile device via the unicast network, the viewer reminder request message including a program identifier for a program for which a reminder is requested and an amount of time in advance of broadcast time that a reminder is requested;

determining a program corresponding to the program identifier;

generating an alert message for the determined program at the amount of time in advance of broadcast time for the determined program; and

transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device.

81. The interactivity server of claim 80, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises transmitting the alert message via the unicast network.

82. The interactivity server of claim 80, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

83. The interactivity server of claim 80, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

determining whether the alert may be shared with other mobile TV viewers;

broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission;

receiving a viewer response message from a second mobile device via the unicast network;

generating a viewer response list message; and

broadcasting the viewer response list message in the overhead content of the mobile TV broadcast transmission.

84. The interactivity server of claim 82, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising encrypting the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

85. The interactivity server of claim 82, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising tagging the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

86. An interactivity server configured to enable mobile TV viewers to set reminders for mobile TV programs within a mobile broadcast network, comprising:

means for receiving a viewer reminder request message from a first mobile device via a unicast network, the viewer reminder request message including a program identifier for a program for which a reminder is requested and an amount of time in advance of broadcast time that a reminder is requested;

means for determining a program corresponding to the program identifier;

means for generating an alert message for the determined program at the amount of time in advance of broadcast time for the determined program; and

means for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device.

87. The interactivity server of claim 86, wherein means for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises means for transmitting the alert message via the unicast network.

88. The interactivity server of claim 86, wherein means for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises means for broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

89. The interactivity server of claim 86, further comprising:

means for determining whether the alert may be shared with other mobile TV viewers;

means for broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission;

means for receiving a viewer response message from a second mobile device via the unicast network;

means for generating a viewer response list message; and

means for broadcasting the viewer response list message in the overhead content of the mobile TV broadcast transmission.

90. The interactivity server of claim 88, further comprising means for encrypting the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

91. The interactivity server of claim 88, further means for comprising tagging the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

92. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving a viewer reminder request message from a first mobile device via a unicast network, the viewer reminder request message including a program identifier for a program for which a reminder is requested and an amount of time in advance of broadcast time that a reminder is requested;

at least one instruction for determining a program corresponding to the program identifier;

at least one instruction for generating an alert message for the determined program at the amount of time in advance of broadcast time for the determined program; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device.

93. The computer program product of claim 92, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises at least one instruction for transmitting the alert message via the unicast network.

94. The computer program product of claim 92, wherein the at least one instruction for transmitting the alert message to the first mobile device comprises at least one instruction for broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission.

95. The computer program product of claim 92, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining whether the alert may be shared with other mobile TV viewers;

at least one instruction for broadcasting the alert message in an overhead content of a mobile TV broadcast transmission;

at least one instruction for receiving a viewer response message from a second mobile device via the unicast network;

at least one instruction for generating a viewer response list message; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the viewer response list message in the overhead content of the mobile TV broadcast transmission.

96. The computer program product of claim 94, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises at least one instruction for encrypting the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

97. The computer program product of claim 94, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises least one instruction for comprising tagging the viewer alert overhead content prior to broadcasting.

98. A method for inviting a celebrity to host a broadcast program, comprising:

creating a host invite message;

transmitting the host invite message to a celebrity mobile device using a unicast network;

receiving the response invite message from the celebrity mobile device;

creating a host control data message; and

transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device using the unicast network.

99. An interactivity server configured to invite a celebrity to host a broadcast program in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to the broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

creating a host invite message;

transmitting the host invite message to a celebrity mobile device using the unicast network;

receiving the response invite message from the celebrity mobile device;

creating a host control data message; and

transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device using the unicast network.

100. An interactivity server configured to invite a celebrity to host a broadcast program in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

means for creating a host invite message;

means for transmitting the host invite message to a celebrity mobile device using a unicast network;

means for receiving the response invite message from the celebrity mobile device;

means for creating a host control data message; and

means for transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device using the unicast network.

101. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for creating a host invite message;

at least one instruction for transmitting the host invite message to a celebrity mobile device using a unicast network;

at least one instruction for receiving the response invite message from the celebrity mobile device;

at least one instruction for creating a host control data message; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device using the unicast network.

102. A method for enabling a celebrity host to control a mobile television broadcast program, comprising:

receiving a celebrity command message from a celebrity mobile device via a unicast network; and

executing the command message to modify the program; and

broadcasting the modified program via a mobile television broadcast network.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein:

executing the command message to modify the program comprises generating a substitute content; and

broadcasting the modified program comprises broadcasting the substitute content.

104. The method of claim 102, further comprising:

receiving text data from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

generating a text data message including the received text data;

broadcasting the text data message in an overhead content transmission.

105. The method of claim 104, further comprising:

encrypting the text data message prior to broadcasting; and

transmitting a decryption key to mobile devices via the unicast network, the decryption key configured to enable mobile devices to decrypt the encrypted text data message.

106. The method of claim 104, further comprising:

tagging the text data message;

transmitting tag data to mobile devices via the unicast network, the tag data configured to enable mobile devices to identify the tagged text data message within the overhead content transmission.

107. The method of claim 104, further comprising:

creating a host invitation message;

transmitting the host invitation message to the celebrity mobile device via a unicast network;

receiving an invitation response message from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

creating a host control data message; and

transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network.

108. An interactivity server configured to enable a celebrity host to control a mobile television broadcast program, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to the mobile television broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving a celebrity command message from a celebrity mobile device via the unicast network; and

executing the command message to modify the program; and

broadcasting the modified program via the mobile television broadcast network.

109. The interactivity server of claim 108, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions such that:

executing the command message to modify the program comprises generating a substitute content; and

broadcasting the modified program comprises broadcasting the substitute content.

110. The interactivity server of claim 108, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

receiving text data from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

generating a text data message including the received text data;

broadcasting the text data message in an overhead content transmission.

111. The interactivity server of claim 110, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

encrypting the text data message prior to broadcasting; and

transmitting a decryption key to mobile devices via the unicast network, the decryption key configured to enable mobile devices to decrypt the encrypted text data message.

112. The interactivity server of claim 110, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

tagging the text data message;

transmitting tag data to mobile devices via the unicast network, the tag data configured to enable mobile devices to identify the tagged text data message within the overhead content transmission.

113. The interactivity server of claim 110, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

creating a host invitation message;

transmitting the host invitation message to the celebrity mobile device via a unicast network;

receiving an invitation response message from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

creating a host control data message; and

transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network.

114. An interactivity server configured to enable a celebrity host to control a mobile television broadcast program, comprising:

means for receiving a celebrity command message from a celebrity mobile device via a unicast network; and

means for executing the command message to modify the program; and

means for broadcasting the modified program via a mobile television broadcast network.

115. The interactivity server of claim 114, wherein:

means for executing the command message to modify the program comprises means for generating a substitute content; and

means for broadcasting the modified program comprises means for broadcasting the substitute content.

116. The interactivity server of claim 114, further comprising:

means for receiving text data from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

means for generating a text data message including the received text data;

means for broadcasting the text data message in an overhead content transmission.

117. The interactivity server of claim 116, further comprising:

means for encrypting the text data message prior to broadcasting; and

means for transmitting a decryption key to mobile devices via the unicast network, the decryption key configured to enable mobile devices to decrypt the encrypted text data message.

118. The interactivity server of claim 116, further comprising:

means for tagging the text data message;

means for transmitting tag data to mobile devices via the unicast network, the tag data configured to enable mobile devices to identify the tagged text data message within the overhead content transmission.

119. The interactivity server of claim 116, further comprising:

means for creating a host invitation message;

means for transmitting the host invitation message to the celebrity mobile device via a unicast network;

means for receiving an invitation response message from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

means for creating a host control data message; and

means for transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network.

120. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving a celebrity command message from a celebrity mobile device via a unicast network; and

at least one instruction for executing the command message to modify the program; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the modified program via a mobile television broadcast network.

121. The computer program product of claim 120, wherein:

the at least one instruction for executing the command message to modify the program comprises at least one instruction for generating a substitute content; and

the at least one instruction for broadcasting the modified program comprises at least one instruction for broadcasting the substitute content.

122. The computer program product of claim 120, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for receiving text data from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

at least one instruction for generating a text data message including the received text data;

at least one instruction for broadcasting the text data message in an overhead content transmission.

123. The computer program product of claim 122, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for encrypting the text data message prior to broadcasting; and

at least one instruction for transmitting a decryption key to mobile devices via the unicast network, the decryption key configured to enable mobile devices to decrypt the encrypted text data message.

124. The computer program product of claim 122, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for tagging the text data message;

at least one instruction for transmitting tag data to mobile devices via the unicast network, the tag data configured to enable mobile devices to identify the tagged text data message within the overhead content transmission.

125. The computer program product of claim 122, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for creating a host invitation message;

at least one instruction for transmitting the host invitation message to the celebrity mobile device via a unicast network;

at least one instruction for receiving an invitation response message from the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network;

at least one instruction for at least one instruction for creating a host control data message; and

at least one instruction for transmitting the host control data message to the celebrity mobile device via the unicast network.

126. A method for enabling a mobile TV viewer to create an ad hoc channel, comprising:

receiving a request to create an ad hoc channel message from a mobile device via a unicast network, the message including tag data;

creating an ad hoc channel using the tag data received in the message;

receiving program content tag data of programs scheduled for broadcast;

comparing the tag data received in the message to the program content tag data;

determining that the tag data received from the mobile device matches the program content tag data;

generating a recording instruction message when the tag data received in the message matches the program tag data; and

broadcasting the recording instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

127. The method of claim 126, further comprising:

encrypting the recording instructions message prior to broadcast.

128. The method of claim 126, further comprising:

tagging the recording instruction message prior to broadcast.

129. An interactivity server configured to enable a mobile TV viewer to create an ad hoc channel in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor; and

a network access port coupled to the processor and configured to the mobile TV broadcast network and a unicast network,

wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

receiving a request to create an ad hoc channel message from a mobile device via the unicast network, the message including tag data;

creating an ad hoc channel using the tag data received in the message;

receiving program content tag data of programs scheduled for broadcast;

comparing the tag data received in the message to the program content tag data;

determining that the tag data received from the mobile device matches the program content tag data;

generating a recording instruction message when the tag data received in the message matches the program tag data; and

broadcasting the recording instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

130. The interactivity server of claim 129, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

encrypting the recording instructions message prior to broadcast.

131. The interactivity server of claim 129, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

tagging the recording instruction message prior to broadcast.

132. An interactivity server configured to enable a mobile TV viewer to create an ad hoc channel in a mobile TV broadcast network, comprising:

means for receiving a request to create an ad hoc channel message from a mobile device via a unicast network, the message including tag data;

means for creating an ad hoc channel using the tag data received in the message;

means for receiving program content tag data of programs scheduled for broadcast;

means for comparing the tag data received in the message to the program content tag data;

means for determining that the tag data received from the mobile device matches the program content tag data;

means for generating a recording instruction message when the tag data received in the message matches the program tag data; and

means for broadcasting the recording instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

133. The interactivity server of claim 132, further comprising:

means for encrypting the recording instructions message prior to broadcast.

134. The interactivity server of claim 132, further comprising:

means for tagging the recording instruction message prior to broadcast.

135. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer readable storage medium comprising;

at least one instruction for receiving a request to create an ad hoc channel message from a mobile device via a unicast network, the message including tag data;

at least one instruction for creating an ad hoc channel using the tag data received in the message;

at least one instruction for receiving program content tag data of programs scheduled for broadcast;

at least one instruction for comparing the tag data received in the message to the program content tag data;

at least one instruction for determining that the tag data received from the mobile device matches the program content tag data;

at least one instruction for generating a recording instruction message when the tag data received in the message matches the program tag data; and

at least one instruction for broadcasting the recording instruction message in an overhead content transmission.

136. The computer program product of claim 135, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for encrypting the recording instructions message prior to broadcast.

137. The computer program product of claim 135, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for tagging the recording instruction message prior to broadcast.