System and method for simulating two-way connectivity for one way data streams

A system comprising:

• a one-way delivery sub-system for delivering from a network to a consumer a combined data stream having a primary data stream that contains a plurality of programs and associated data that relates to one or more of said plurality of programs;
• consumer location equipment comprising:
• a receiver for receiving said combined data stream;
• a digital processor connected to said receiving means for separating said associated data from said combined data stream;
• memory storing said associated data, said memory being connected to said processor;
• a human interface connected to said memory means for accessing and selectively interacting with said stored associated data.

A system comprising:

• first creation means for creating a primary data stream;
• second creation means for creating associated data,
• first one-way delivery means communicating with said first creation means for delivering said primary data stream to said consumer;
• second one-way delivery means communicating with said second creation means for delivering said associated data to said consumer;
• consumer location equipment comprising:
• first means for receiving said primary data stream;
• second means for receiving said associated data stream;
• memory means storing said associated data;
• processing means connected to said memory means for accessing said stored associated data;
• a two-way communications channel connected to said processing means, sand two-way communications channel being adapted to carry digital communications in two directions;
• and
• a consumer interface connected to said processing means for interacting with said associated data.

A method comprising:

• generating a stream of primary data;
• generating a stream of associated data;
• combining said primary and associated data into a single data stream;
• delivering said combined data stream to a consumer;
• separating said associated data from said combined data stream;
• storing said separated associated data;
• displaying said accessed associated data;
• selectively interacting with said stored associated data using a computer.

A system comprising:

• a primary data stream generator;
• an associated data stream generator;
• a data synchronizer;
• a sequencer having as inputs said primary data stream generator, said associated data stream generator and said synchronizer, said sequencer being adapted to generate a combination signal containing said primary data stream and said associated data;
• a delivery sub-system connected to the output of said sequencer for delivering said combination signal to said consumer;
• consumer location equipment comprising:
• a receiver for said combination signal;
• a decoder connected to said receiver for separating said associated data from said combination signal;
• a memory storing said associated data, said means being connected to said decoder;
• a processor connected to said memory for accessing said stored associated data;
• a human interface connected to said processor for displaying said associated data;
• and
• a two-way communications channel connected to said processor.