Patent ID: 7373651
Filing Date: 2008-05-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A data structure stored on computer readable media in a set top terminal, the data structure comprising: one or more data tags, each data tag used to provide information regarding a broadcast advertisement interspersed within broadcast programs or presented within an electronic program guide, wherein said broadcast advertisement comprises audio and video data; and one or more electronic program guide action tags, each electronic program guide action tag used to define a valid electronic program guide feature that may be accessed from within the broadcast advertisement, the electronic program guide feature being related to at least one of the broadcast advertisement and a program associated with the broadcast advertisement; the data structure operative to provide a link between the broadcast advertisement and the electronic program guide to provide access to electronic program guide features defined by the electronic program guide action tags from within the broadcast advertisement, the electronic program guide being represented by a signal generated by a set top terminal using software programs stored in a memory of the set top terminal, wherein the software programs at the set top terminal interpret the data structure to provide the link and determine electronic program guide controls that is presented and used in conjunction with the broadcast advertisement, wherein the data structure is formatted in combination with the broadcast advertisement for broadcast to the set top terminal.