(19)
(11) EP 1 950 899 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
16.02.2011 Bulletin 2011/07

(43) Date of publication A2:
30.07.2008 Bulletin 2008/31

(21) Application number: 08150532.3

(22) Date of filing: 23.01.2008
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
H04H 60/83(2008.01)
H04N 7/173(2011.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA MK RS

(30) Priority: 23.01.2007 GB 0701250

(71) Applicant: Cabot Communications Ltd
Filwood Road Bristol BS16 3RY (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Wyatt, Martyn
    Cardiff CF3 5XA (GB)

(74) Representative: Perkins, Sarah et al
Stevens Hewlett & Perkins 1, Pemberton Row
London EC4A 3BG
London EC4A 3BG (GB)

   


(54) A method of implementing an automated return channel using broadcast receiver apparatus


(57) An automated return channel is established utilising a viewer's own telephone service (14) and a television (13) in combination with a DVB receiver (10). Program instructions for implementing an interactive event are communicated to the DVB receiver (10) as part of a remote broadcast signal. The program instructions include identification of telephonic audio clips which are communicated to the speakers of the television (13). When an interactive event is selected by a viewer, the telephonic audio clip is sounded through the speakers of the television (13) and causes the viewer's telephone to establish a telephonic connection with the interactive event. The advantages of this method is that the viewer is only required to indicate their wish to participate in the interactive event using a conventional remote control unit (16) and the interactive events can be implemented involving individual channel suppliers: interactive events are not limited to the broadcast service supplier.







Search report