Patent ID: 8839283
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for selectively blocking a television commercial from a first television channel rendering by a television, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, by one or more processors from a user, an identification of a second television channel to provide audio and video content to substitute for a subsequent broadcast of the television commercial from the first television channel; receiving, by one or more processors, a first broadcast signal from the first television channel that is currently being rendered on the television and contains the television commercial; determining, by one or more processors from the first broadcast signal, a plurality of video and audio characteristics of the television commercial which form, at least in part, a signature for the television commercial; receiving, by one or more processors, a second, subsequent broadcast signal from the first television channel while the television is tuned to the first television channel; and determining, by one or more processors, that the second broadcast signal contains the signature; and in response, rendering, with audio or video, current content from the second broadcast channel, wherein the television is tuned to the second broadcast channel.