System and method for identification and insertion of advertising in broadcast programs

Abstract

A broadcast system and method for identification and insertion of advertising in broadcast programs includes receiving a broadcast data stream, identifying an advertisement in the broadcast data stream, and updating an advertisement schedule including information identifying the advertisement and a location of the advertisement within a program in the broadcast data stream. On playback, the advertisement or a replacement advertisement is inserted into the program at the location or at another location within the program.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001] This application is related to, hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, and claims priority to GB Application Serial No. GB0303176.2, filed 12 Feb. 2003, and titled "A SYSTEM FOR CAPTURE AND SELECTIVE PLAYBACK OF BROADCAST PROGRAMMES", this application is also related to, and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. V01.001), filed on even date herewith, for "SYSTEM FOR CAPTURE AND SELECTIVE PLAYBACK OF BROADCAST PROGRAMS".FIELD[0002] Embodiments relate to the broadcast of programs. More particularly, embodiments relate to systems, methods, computer program code, and means for the identification and insertion of advertising in broadcast programs.BACKGROUND[0003] A television viewer can receive a television signal in many ways including: VHF / UHF antenna; cable; satellite receiver dish; and copper wire (telephone, power line). The viewer can receive ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention introduces a system and method for identifying and inserting advertisements in broadcast programs. The system receives a broadcast data stream, identifies an advertisement, and updates an advertisement schedule with information about the advertisement and its location in the program. On playback, the advertisement or a replacement advertisement is inserted into the program at the specified location. The replacement advertisement may be selected based on information associated with the program or the original advertisement. The invention allows for the insertion of advertisements into archived copies of programs and may include a link or reference to additional promotional materials. The technical effects of the invention include improved advertisement placement and increased advertisement effectiveness."

Problems solved by technology

These regional variations are somewhat limited in that each advertising slot has a predetermined duration.

While this `super-video` functionality might be attractive to a viewer, it presents a challenge to broadcasters' advertising revenues.

The broadcast times of the events themselves cannot however be controlled by the viewer.

When, however, view on demand facilities are provided by a re-broadcaster to allow time-shifting, the suppression or lack of advertisements represents a loss of potential revenue--viewers watching the re-broadcast are able to view the program without paying the original premium and without advertisements.

Since advertising is an important source of revenue for the majority of content providers, it is likely that any potential reduction in advertising effectiveness will result in either a corresponding increase in license royalties or an outright refusal to license.

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