Digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with live programming events

• US 7,448,063 B2
• Filed: 04/19/2002
• Issued: 11/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: OpenTV, Inc. (Kudelski SA)
• Original Assignee: ACTV, Inc. (Kudelski SA)
• Inventors: Freeman, Michael J., Ullman, Craig
• Primary Examiner(s): Kelley, Chris
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHELEHEDA, JAMES R
• Application Number:
  US10/126,480
• Publication Number:
  US 20020188943A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,391 Days
• Field of Search: 725/32, 725/91, 725/110, 725/136, 348/157, 348/207.1
• US Class Current: 725/136
• CPC Class Codes: G03C 1/26 Polymethine chain forming part of a heterocyclic ring
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/40 of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data retrieval of still image data G06F16/50; retrieval of audio data G06F16/60; retrieval of video data G06F16/70
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/10 Arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or the distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/90 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 11/042 Codec means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21805 enabling multiple viewpoints, e.g. using a plurality of cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23424 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234381 by altering the temporal resolution, e.g. decreasing the frame rate by frame skipping
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2365 Multiplexing of several video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2368 Multiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; 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 21/4143 embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4263 involving specific tuning arrangements, e.g. two tuners
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4305 Synchronising client clock from received content stream, e.g. locking decoder clock with encoder clock, extraction of the PCR packets arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter by comparing receiver clock with transmitter clock H04L7/0012; arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter wherein the receiver takes measures against momentary loss of synchronisation H04L7/0083
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4316 for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4331 Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4347 : Demultiplexing of several video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4383 : Accessing a communication channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44004 : involving video buffer management, e.g. video decoder buffer or video display buffer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44016 : involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44224 : Monitoring of user activity on external systems, e.g. Internet browsing
• 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 21/4622 : 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 21/4722 : for requesting additional data associated with the content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4755 : for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre retrieval personalisation and generation of user profiles for the retrieval of video data G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4758 : for providing answers, e.g. voting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4782 : Web browsing , e.g. WebTV
• 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 21/63345 : by transmitting keys key distribution for secret or secure communication H04L9/08; network support of key management H04L63/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/643 : Communication protocols network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP], H04L65/65
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/812 : involving advertisement data advertising per se G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8547 : involving timestamps for synchronizing content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8586 : by using a URL processing chained hypermedia data for information retrieval G06F16/94; information retrieval from the Internet by using URLs G06F16/955; URL in broadcast information H04H20/93; Web-based protocols H04L67/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/58 : Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/60 : Control of cameras or camera modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 : Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/76 : by influencing the image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 3/40 : with intermittently moving film
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/268 : Signal distribution or switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/44 : Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards H04N5/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/445 : for displaying additional information H04N5/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/45 : Picture in picture , e.g. displaying simultaneously another television channel in a region of the screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0806 : the signals being two or more video signals H04N7/0803, H04N7/081 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0882 : for the transmission of character code signals, e.g. for teletext circuits for the digital non-picture data signal H04N7/035
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/10 : Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable H04N7/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 : by receiver means only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 : with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 : Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17345 : Control of the passage of the selected programme
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17354 : in an intermediate station common to a plurality of user terminals

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different c125 amera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system. Once received at a viewer home, the signals are received and processed in an interactive digital cable box. Selections of the video, audio, graphics displays and/or Web pages can be made as a function of immediate viewer entries, or to interrogatory responses presented at the beginning or during the program, or based on a prestored viewer profile. Once a decision is made to switch from one video to another video option, the digital switch is performed seamlessly. The digital interactive system is based upon seamless branches which occur in the course of full-motion video.

Claims

1. A television reception system for receiving live interactive programming, the live interactive programming comprising a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, the video signals further comprising at least a first video signal and a second video signal, the reception system comprising:

a tuner that receives and tunes a transmission signal carrying the plurality of video signals from a plurality of video cameras providing differentiable views of a live event, the tuner including a demodulator that demodulates the plurality of video signals as directed by a microprocessor;

an audio switcher that receives an audio signal associated with the live event;

a forward error correction unit that detects redundant data in the transmitted video signals and corrects errors in the transmitted video signals;

a demultiplexor that demultiplexes the plurality of video signals to obtain a first video signal, and that extracts graphics data and control data from the plurality of video signals, and that demultiplexes the audio signal;

a decompressor/decoder connected to the demultiplexor that decompresses and decodes the first video signal the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video synchronizer that receives the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data and synchronizes the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video frame buffer that holds the synchronized first video signal for a number of frames and delays output of the synchronized first video signal to allow the decompressor/decoder lock onto and decompress the second video signal and to wait for a vertical interval of the second video signal;

a viewer interface for receiving a viewer entry;

the microprocessor, connected to the viewer interface and the decompressor/decoder and the demodulator, the microprocessor directing demodulation of the demodulator and directing operation of the demultiplexor to perform a seamless switch from the first video signal to the second video signal in response to at least one of the received viewer entry and a control code;

wherein

the decompressor/decoder further decompresses and decodes the demultiplexed second video signal; and

the microprocessor coordinates the decompressing and decoding of the first video signal, the holding of the first video signal in the video frame buffer by manipulating the fill and empty rate of the video frame buffer, and the decompressing and decoding of the second video signal such that the switch from the first video signal to the second video signal is imperceptible to a viewer as the first video signal is displayed as an output of the video frame buffer after the delay thereby masking the acquisition and decoding of the second video signal; and

a means for displaying the first video signal and the second video signal.

3. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the live interactive programming further comprises at least one digitally compressed audio signal;

the transmission signal further carries the at least one audio signal;

the demultiplexor is provided further for demultiplexing the at least one audio signal;

the decompressor/decoder is provided further for decompressing and decoding the at least one audio signal; and

the television reception system further comprises a means for playing the at least one audio signal.

4. The television reception system as set forth in claim 3, wherein

the at least one audio signal further comprises at least a first audio signal and a second audio signal;

the microprocessor is provided further for directing a switch from the first audio signal to the second audio signal in response to at least one of a viewer input and the control code, wherein

the microprocessor coordinates the decompressing and decoding of the first audio signal and the second audio signal.

5. The television reception system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the at least one audio signal is associated with at least one of the plurality of video signals.

6. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the live interactive programming further comprises:

a graphics signal;

the transmission signal further comprises the graphics signal;

the demultiplexor is provided further for demultiplexing the graphics signal;

the decompressor/decoder is provided further for decompressing and decoding the graphics signal; and

the means for displaying further comprises a means for displaying the graphics signal.

7. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1, wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises an interrogatory, which requests the viewer to provide a response;

and

the viewer entry comprises the response to at least one interrogatory.

8. The television reception system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the response comprises a selection of one of the plurality of video signals for display.

10. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of digitally compressed video signals corresponds, respectively, to one of a plurality of different predetermined camera angles of a live event.

11. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission signal is carried over at least one of the transmission mediums selected

from a group comprising:

a satellite transmission system;

a cable distribution system;

a broadcast transmission system;

the Internet;

a private network;

an in-stadium network.

12. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises the control code;

the transmission signal further carries the control code;

the demultiplexor is provided further for demultiplexing the control code; and

the decompressor/decoder is provided further for decompressing and decoding the control code.

13. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of digitally compressed video signals are compressed based upon a predicated video frame compression scheme.

14. The television reception system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the live interactive programming further comprises an encoded information segment address, which specifies the location of an information segment;

the transmission signal further carries the encoded information segment address;

the demultiplexor is provided further for demultiplexing the encoded information segment address; and

the decompressor/decoder is provided further for decompressing and decoding the encoded information segment address; and

wherein

the system further comprises a means for retrieving the information segment located at the information segment address; and

the means for displaying displays the information segment simultaneously with or in replacement of the first video signal or the second video signal.

15. The television reception system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the information segment address is a uniform resource locator.

16. The television reception system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the information segment address specifies an entry in a database index accessible via a communication network.

17. The system as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of video signals further comprises an encoded information segment address, which specifies the location of an information segment;

and wherein

the system further comprises a means for retrieving the information segment located at the information segment address; and

the means for displaying displays the information segment simultaneously with or in replacement of the first video signal or the second video signal.

18. The television reception system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the information segment address is a uniform resource locator.

19. The television reception system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the information segment address specifies an entry in a database index accessible via a communication network.

2. A television reception system for receiving live interactive programming, the live interactive programming comprising a plurality of digitally compressed video signals, the video signals further comprising at least a first video signal and a second video signal, the reception system comprising:

a tuner that receives and tunes a transmission signal carrying the plurality of video signals from a plurality of video cameras providing differentiable views of a live event, the tuner including a demodulator that demodulates the plurality of video signals directed by a microprocessor;

an audio switcher that receives an audio signal associated with the live event;

a forward error correction unit that detects redundant data in the transmitted video signals and corrects errors in the transmitted video signals;

a demultiplexor that demultiplexes the plurality of video signals to obtain a first video signal, and that extracts graphics data and control data from the plurality of video signals, and that demultiplexes the audio signal;

a decompressor/decoder connected to the demultiplexor that decompresses and decodes the first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video synchronizer that receives the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data and synchronizes the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video frame buffer that holds the synchronized first video signal for a number of frames and delays output the synchronized first video signal to allow the decompressor/decoder to lock onto and decompress the second video signal and to wait for a vertical interval of the second video signal;

a memory for storing a viewer profile;

the microprocessor, connected to the memory and the decompressor/decoder and the demodulator, the microprocessor directing demodulation of the demodulator and directing operation of the demultiplexor to perform a seamless switch from the first video signal to the second video signal in response to at least one of the stored viewer profile and a control code;

wherein

the decompressor/decoder further decompresses and decodes the demultiplexed second video signal; and

the microprocessor coordinates the decompressing and decoding of the first video signal, the holding of the first video signal in the video frame buffer by manipulating the fill and empty rate of the video frame buffer, and the decompressing and decoding of the second video signal such that the switch from the first video signal to the second video signal is imperceptible to a viewer as the first video signal is displayed as an output of the video frame buffer after the delay thereby masking the acquisition and decoding of the second video signal; and

a means for displaying the first video signal and the second video signal.

9. The television reception system as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a viewer interface for receiving a viewer entry, and wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises an interrogatory, which requests the viewer to provide a response;

and

the viewer entry comprises a response to at least one interrogatory, which response is stored in the memory as part of the viewer profile.

20. A live interactive digital presentation system, said live interactive digital presentation system comprising:

a means for receiving live interactive programming from a digital program stream, the live interactive programming comprising a plurality of digital video signals from a plurality of video cameras providing differentiable views of a live event, the means for receiving including means for demodulating the digital program stream to obtain video signals as directed by a microprocessor, the video signals further comprising at least a first video signal and a second video signal;

an audio switcher that receives an audio signal associated with the live event;

a forward error correction unit that detects redundant data in the transmitted video signals and corrects errors in the transmitted video signals;

a demultiplexor that demultiplexes the plurality of video signals to obtain a first video signal, and that extracts graphics data and control data from the plurality of video signals, and that demultiplexes the audio signal;

a decompressor/decoder connected to the demultiplexor that decompresses and decodes the first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video synchronizer that receives the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data and synchronizes the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

a video frame buffer that holds the synchronized first video signal for a number of frames and delays output of the synchronized first video signal to allow the decompressor/decoder to lock onto and decompress the second video signal and to wait for a vertical interval of the second video signal;

a viewer interface for receiving a viewer entry;

the microprocessor, connected to the viewer interface and the means for receiving and the means for demodulating the digital program stream, the microprocessor directing demodulation of the digital program stream and directing operation of the demultiplexor to perform a seamless switch from the first video signal to the second video signal in response to at least one of the received viewer entry and a control code;

wherein,

the decompressor/decoder further decompresses and decodes the demultiplexed second video signal; and

the microprocessor coordinates the decompressing and decoding of the first video signal, the holding of the first video signal in the video frame buffer by manipulating the fill and empty rate of the video frame buffer, and the decompressing and decoding of the second video signal such that the switch from the first video signal to the second video signal is imperceptible to a viewer as the first video signal is displayed as an output of the video frame buffer after the delay thereby masking the acquisition and decoding of the second video signal; and

a means for displaying the first video signal and the second video signal.

21. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises at least one digital audio signal;

and

the system further comprises a means for playing the at least one digital audio signal.

22. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 21, wherein

the at least one digital audio signal further comprises at least a first audio signal and a second audio signal;

and

the microprocessor is provided further for directing a switch from the first audio signal to the second audio signal in response to at least one of the received viewer entry and the control code.

23. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises a graphics signal;

and

the means for displaying further comprises a means for displaying the graphics signal.

24. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein the digital program stream is received by the means for receiving over a transmission medium selected from a group comprising:

satellite transmission system;

a cable distribution system;

a broadcast transmission system;

the Internet;

a private network;

an in stadium network.

25. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein the system is embodied within a computer workstation.

26. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of digital video signals corresponds, respectively, to one of a plurality of different predetermined camera angles of a live event.

27. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20, wherein one of the plurality of digital video signals corresponds to a main program video feed.

28. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 21, wherein

the at least one digital audio signal comprises a plurality of digital audio signals;

and

each of the plurality of digital video signals corresponds, respectively, to one of the plurality of digital audio signals.

29. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 20 further comprising:

a means for decoding, connected to the means for receiving, an encoded information segment address, wherein

the live interactive programming further comprises encoded information segment address, and

the information segment address specifies the location of an information segment; and

a means for retrieving, connected to the means for decoding, the information segment located at the information segment address; and

wherein

the means for displaying displays the information segment simultaneously with or in replacement of the first video signal or the second video signal.

30. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the information segment address comprises a uniform resource locator.

31. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the information segment address specifies an entry in a database index accessible via a communication network.

32. The interactive digital presentation system as set forth in claim 29, wherein the information segment address is encoded in a portion of at least one of the plurality of video signals.

33. A method for providing live interactive digital programming, the live interactive digital programming comprising a plurality of digitally compressed, multiplexed video signals, the plurality of video signals further comprising a first video signal and a second video signal, the method comprising:

receiving the live interactive digital programming from a plurality of video cameras providing differentiable views of a live event into a demodulator;

demodulating the plurality of video signals as directed by a microprocessor;

forward error correcting the plurality of demodulated video signals;

demultiplexing the plurality of demodulated video signals to create a first time-multiplexed video signal and a second time-multiplexed video signal on separate channels and to extract graphics data and control data from the plurality of demodulated video signals;

decompressing and decoding, in a decompressor/decoder device, the demultiplexed first and second time-multiplexed video signals and the extracted graphics data and control data from the plurality of demodulated video signals;

synchronizing the decompressed and decoded first video signal and the extracted graphics data and control data;

buffering the synchronized first video signal for a number of frames and delaying the output of the synchronized first video signal;

presenting the decompressed first video signal to a viewer;

obtaining a viewer input;

selecting the second video signal based on the viewer input;

commanding a demodulator to switch from the first video signal to the second video signal;

inserting a local sync and a frame sync to the second video signal to synchronize the second video signal with the first video signal;

directing a seamless switch during a vertical blanking interval of the first video signal to select the second video signal and select a second audio signal, whereby the buffering of the first video signal is the result of manipulating a fill and an empty rate of a video frame buffer, and the decompressing, decoding, and demodulation of the second video signal is such that the switch from the first video signal to the second video signal is imperceptible to a viewer; and

presenting the second video signal to the viewer.

34. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 33, said method further comprising:

obtaining viewer specific information;

creating a viewer profile with the viewer specific information; and

wherein

the step of selecting is further based, at least in part, on the viewer profile.

35. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 34, said method further comprising:

storing the viewer profile in a database.

36. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 34, wherein the obtaining viewer specific information further comprises:

presenting an interrogatory to the viewer, wherein the interrogatory requests the viewer to select a desired programming option;

collecting a response to the interrogatory from the viewer wherein the response comprises the viewer input.

37. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 33, 34, or 36, wherein the selecting is further based, at least in part, upon a control code.

38. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 37, wherein live interactive digital programming further comprises the control code.

39. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 33, wherein:

the live interactive digital programming further comprises at least one digital audio signal;

the step of demultiplexing further comprises demultiplexing the digital audio signal; and

the step of decompressing further comprises decompressing the demultiplexed digital audio signal; and

wherein

the method further comprises presenting the digital audio signal to a viewer.

40. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 39, wherein:

the at least one digital audio signal further comprises at least a first audio signal and a second audio signal;

the step of selecting is further based, at least in part, upon a control code; and

the method further comprises switching from the first audio signal to the second audio signal in response to at least one of the viewer input and the control code.

41. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 33, wherein:

the live interactive digital programming further comprises a graphics signal;

the step of demultiplexing further comprises demultiplexing the graphics signal; and

the step of decompressing further comprises decompressing the demultiplexed graphics signal; and

wherein

the method further comprises presenting the graphics signal to a viewer.

42. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 33, wherein the live interactive digital programming further comprises an information segment address, and the method further comprises:

decoding the information segment address; and

retrieving the related information segment at the information segment address.

43. The method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 42, wherein the information segment address comprises a uniform resource locator.

44. The system method for providing live interactive digital programming as set forth in claim 42, wherein the information segment address specifies an entry in a database index accessible via a communication network.

45. A method for providing live interactive digital programming, the live interactive digital programming comprising a plurality of digitally compressed, multiplexed video signals, the plurality of video signals further comprising a first video signal and a second video signal, the method comprising:

receiving the live interactive digital programming into a demodulator to create demodulated video signals;

forward error correcting the demodulated video signals;

demultiplexing the demodulated video signals to create a time-multiplexed first video signal;

storing the time-multiplexed first video signal in a memory to create a composite first video signal;

directing a pointer at a segment of the composite first video signal in said memory;

decompressing the segment of the composite first video signal to create a decompressed first video segment;

forwarding the decompressed first video segment to a display device;

obtaining a viewer input;

selecting the second video signal based on the viewer input;

directing a demodulator to switch from the first video signal to the second video signal;

instructing a demultiplexor to provide the second video signal to the memory;

filling the memory with frames from the second video signal;

moving the pointer to a beginning frame of the second video signal;

outputting the frames of the second video signal from the memory to a decompressor;

multiplexing the decompressed frames from the second video signal into identifiable packets

sending codes that link program elements and information segments of the first video signal and the second video signal;

synchronizing the second video signal to the first video signal;

directing a synchronous switch between the first video during a vertical blanking interval of the first video signal to select the second video signal and a second audio signal, whereby the switch from the first video signal to the second video signal is imperceptible to a viewer; and

presenting the second video signal to the viewer.