In a media automation system, a database server transmits a request to a traffic and billing system to identify both an advertisement for potential inclusion in a content block, and a first primary programming item to be scheduled adjacent to the advertisement in a broadcast log, i.e. a paired advertisement and primary programming item, and receives a message identifying the advertisement and the first primary programming item from the traffic and billing system in response to that request. The database server responds to the message from the traffic and billing system by inserting the advertisement into the broadcast log adjacent to the first primary programming item, transmitting a signal notifying the traffic and billing system that the advertisement and the first primary programming item have been inserted into the broadcast log, and delivering the broadcast log to a media server.

In a media automation system, a database server transmits a request to a traffic and billing system to identify both an advertisement for potential inclusion in a content block, and a first primary programming item to be scheduled adjacent to the advertisement in a broadcast log, i.e. a paired advertisement and primary programming item, and receives a message identifying the advertisement and the first primary programming item from the traffic and billing system in response to that request. The database server responds to the message from the traffic and billing system by inserting the advertisement into the broadcast log adjacent to the first primary programming item, transmitting a signal notifying the traffic and billing system that the advertisement and the first primary programming item have been inserted into the broadcast log, and delivering the broadcast log to a media server.

.[.A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming..]. .Iadd.A method and apparatus to reprogram a receiver station, where the receiver station includes a receiver and a programmable device of a specific version having a memory. The receiver station receives an electronic digital information transmission including operating system instructions and a digital control signal that designates a designated hardware version of a programmable device. The received operating system instructions are communicated to the memory if a match occurs between the designated hardware version included in the transmission and the specific version of the programmable device resident at the receiver station..Iaddend.

The disclosed technology teaches streamlining use of Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) 130 framework for delivery of addressable advertising, via a campaign management delegate system that carries out a method that includes receiving an ad management service placement request from a broadcast cable provider for ad insertion into a program and conducting real time bidding for ad insertion during the program. The disclosed method also includes accepting new content provided by a successful bidder, after receiving the placement request and automatically formatting the new content, and uploading the new content to the broadcast cable provider in time for playback with content that prompted the placement request. The method includes responding to the placement request with a placement response that includes a VMAP as reference to the new content. New content can also be uploaded to a CIS managed by the cable provider or provided on behalf of the provider.

The disclosed technology teaches streamlining use of Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) 130 framework for delivery of addressable advertising, via a campaign management delegate system that carries out a method that includes receiving an ad management service placement request from a broadcast cable provider for ad insertion into a program and conducting real time bidding for ad insertion during the program. The disclosed method also includes accepting new content provided by a successful bidder, after receiving the placement request and automatically formatting the new content, and uploading the new content to the broadcast cable provider in time for playback with content that prompted the placement request. The method includes responding to the placement request with a placement response that includes a VMAP as reference to the new content. New content can also be uploaded to a CIS managed by the cable provider or provided on behalf of the provider.

Digital multimedia is broadcast to wireless receivers on a unidirectional wireless broadcast channel, while control data necessary for presentation of the multimedia is provided on a bidirectional, point-to-point wireless link.

Digital multimedia is broadcast to wireless receivers on a unidirectional wireless broadcast channel, while control data necessary for presentation of the multimedia is provided on a bidirectional, point-to-point wireless link.

A system and method to provide streaming video content to a screen of a smart electronic device in non-viewable form until a user agrees to view the video in exchange for an incremental amount of currency, at which time the streaming video content becomes viewable in pre-determined increments of time pre-paid for by the user of the smart device by interacting with the screen. The user can determine through the screen how many increments of viewable streaming of video content are desired to be purchased and viewed by interacting with the screen in a pre-determined way each time the streaming video content becomes non-viewable.

A system and method to provide streaming video content to a screen of a smart electronic device in non-viewable form until a user agrees to view the video in exchange for an incremental amount of currency, at which time the streaming video content becomes viewable in pre-determined increments of time pre-paid for by the user of the smart device by interacting with the screen. The user can determine through the screen how many increments of viewable streaming of video content are desired to be purchased and viewed by interacting with the screen in a pre-determined way each time the streaming video content becomes non-viewable.

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. .[.At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc..]. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.