Importance

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Abstract

Tags are inserted into a broadcast stream. The tags contain command and control information that a receiver acts upon. For example, tags may indicate start and end points of a program segment. The receiver may skip the segment automatically or in response to the viewer pressing a button. Or, the receiver may automatically replace commercial segments with new segments. As another example, menus, icons, and Web pages may be displayed based on tags. If a menu requires that the viewer exit from playback of program material, the receiver returns the viewer back to the same exit point when the interaction is complete. Menus and icons may be used to generate leads, generate sales, and schedule the recording of programs. As another example, an icon is displayed to indicate that an advertised program is available for recording. The viewer presses a single button to cause the receiver to schedule the recording.

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First Claim