Inventors:
Christopher M. Clark - Knoxville TN, US
International Classification:
G06F 15/16
Abstract:
Systems are described for distributing supplemental data to media recipients that are experiencing a primary media event, such as a television or radio program, a movie or a live event. One of the methods includes receiving a media data stream from a media data source, where the media data stream includes primary data and associated data. The primary data includes a primary media presentation, such as a television program or commercial, and the associated data indicates availability of supplemental information related to the program or commercial. As the primary media presentation is presented to the media recipient via a media presentation device, the associated data is accessed from the media data stream. Based on the associated data, an indication is provided to the media recipient indicating that supplemental information is available. This indication may be in the form of a graphic icon that appears on a television screen or other display device. If the media recipient is interested in receiving the supplemental information, the media recipient activates a button on a remote control or other device which causes generation of a request for delivery of the supplemental information. In response to the request, the supplemental information is sent in an email message to the media recipient's email address. For example, the supplemental information may be an audio or video file, a document, or a link to a website which provides more information about a product depicted in the primary media presentation.