Patent ID: 7769344

Claim:
A method for reprogramming a receiver station that receives television or radio programming, said receiver station having a data network connection to an external data network, a processor, an input device, and a data storage device, said method comprising the steps of: storing first operating instructions at said receiver station, executing said first operating instructions at said processor to perform a first function, said first operating instructions being different from permanent operating instructions permanently stored at said receiver station; generating a query at said receiver station, said query comprising a request by said receiver station for reprogramming; promulgating said query from said receiver station under control of said processor executing said first operating instructions through said data network connection to said external data network; receiving second operating instructions different from both said permanent operating instructions and said first operating instructions in response to said step of promulgating said query, said second operating instructions for controlling operation of said processor, wherein said first and said second operating instructions do not include audio data, video data, image data and any combination thereof; reprogramming said processor with said received second operating instructions; performing a second function by executing said second operating instructions at said processor, said second function including controlling reception of signals required to output a video programming transmission; receiving said signals required to output said video programming transmission; processing said signals to enable the output of said video programming transmission; and outputting said video programming transmission for display to a viewer.