Patent ID: 8132212

Claim:
A method for a TV viewer to interact with content broadcast by a service provider over a subscriber television network wherein the TV viewer uses a remote control to interact with the content, the remote control comprising electronic switches, and wherein the remote control transmits signals for the subscriber television network, said method comprising: a) incorporating event identification data into the content, wherein said event identification data associates the content with an ability for the TV viewer to perform interactive tasks associated with the event by using the remote control; b) broadcasting for display an indicator visible to the TV viewer, wherein said indicator indicates to the TV viewer that the TV viewer is able to perform said interactive tasks using the remote control and that the provider is ready to receive input from the TV viewer; c) accepting input data from the TV viewer when the TV viewer activates an electronic switch on the remote control, said data indicating that the TV viewer desires detailed information, wherein said input data is accepted only during the period that the indicator is displayed to the TV viewer; d) broadcasting for display said detailed information so as to be visible to the TV viewer; e) accepting and capturing data that is generated by the TV viewer when the TV viewer activates at least one electronic switch on the remote control in response to said detailed information; f) using said captured data to incrementally form a query; and g) creating a transaction from the query, wherein: a TV viewer can initiate a call to action by activating one or more switches on the remote control, wherein said call to action is a request for a return communication with detailed information regarding an event or product; and the call to action is a TV viewer request for a return telephone call, a text message, or an email communication initiated by the service provider.