Patent ID: 7765575
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method within a system that includes a set top box capable of receiving content and television programming, the method for integrating the content concurrently with the television programming, the method comprising: prior to receiving the television programming, retrieving electronic program guide (EPG) data from a server, wherein the EPG data includes batch links associated with the television programming and wherein the batch links are associated with a predetermined time interval during which they are valid; storing the batch links in a database local to the system; after having stored the batch links, receiving the television programming; while receiving the television programming, extracting at least one real time link associated with the television programming from a data channel associated with the television programming, the at least one real time link being valid for a predetermined time interval commencing at the time of receipt; determining a logical address link status for the television programming, by determining whether the at least one real time link and the batch links are both valid for some common time interval; during a display of a program included in the television programming, identifying at least one link from the batch links and the at least one real time link; providing notification concurrently with the display of the programming that the at least one link has been identified; accessing content associated with the identified at least one link; and displaying concurrently with the programming the content accessed through the identified at least one link.