(19)

(11)

EP 1 142 307 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 10.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/41 (21) Application number: 99966434.5 (22) Date of filing: 17.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H04N 5/00, G06F 9/46 (86) International application number: PCT/US9930/248 (87) International publication number: WO 0040/006 (06.07.2000 Gazette 2000/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 23.12.1998 US 220207 (71) Applicant: PowerTV, Inc. Cupertino, CA 95014-2154 (US)	(72) Inventor: HOUHA, James, A. Cupertino, Ca 90514 (US) (74) Representative: Balsters, Robert et al Novapat International SA,9, rue du Valais 1202 Genève 1202 Genève (CH)