Apparatus and methods for handling interactive applications in broadcast networks

An interactive method comprising:

• receiving, at a display device, background video comprising a multiplicity of video frames, at least one of the multiplicity of video frames comprising a plurality of sub-pictures, each of the plurality of sub-pictures representing an alternative background;
• and
• switching, at the display device, between a first sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures and a second sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures.

A display device comprising:

• a receiver receiving background video comprising a multiplicity of video frames, at least one of the multiplicity of video frames comprising a plurality of sub-pictures, each of the plurality of sub-pictures representing an alternative background;
• and
• a processor switching between a first sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures and a second sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures, and rendering the second sub-picture for display.

A display device comprising:

• means for receiving background video comprising a multiplicity of video frames, at least one of the multiplicity of video frames comprising a plurality of sub-pictures, each of the plurality of sub-pictures representing an alternative background;
• and
• means for switching between a first sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures and a second sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures, and for rendering the second sub-picture for display.