Method and apparatus for masking the effects of latency in an interactive information distribution system

A method for masking latency within an information distribution system, where said latency occurs while transitioning from a first information stream to a second information stream, said method comprising the steps of:

• responding to a user command entered into a transceiver and, simultaneously, sending an upstream data command to the information distribution system to implement said user command;
• freezing an image frame of said first information stream and, simultaneously, activating a transition timer;
• fading at least a portion of said frozen image frame by masking said portion using an on-screen display overlay;
• removing information pertaining to the first information stream from a signal decoder;
• upon time out of the transition timer, fading from said frozen image frame into imagery decoded from said second information stream;
• and
• displaying said imagery from said second information stream.

Apparatus for masking latency within an information distribution system, where said latency occurs while transitioning from a first information stream to a second information stream, said apparatus comprising:

• a transceiver for responding to a user command entered into a set top terminal and for simultaneously sending an upstream data command to an information stream source within the information distribution system to implement said user command;
• a processor for recalling a predefined image from an image memory in response to said user command being entered;
• a decoder for fading at least a portion of imagery decoded from said first information stream into said predefined image and removing information pertaining to said first information stream from the decoder;
• where said processor causes said predefined image to fade into imagery decoded from said second information stream;
• and
• a display for displaying said imagery of said second information stream.

A digital storage medium containing a program that, when executed by a central processing unit, causes the central processing unit and circuitry connected to the central processing unit to perform a method for masking latency within an information distribution system, where said latency occurs while transitioning from a first information stream to a second information stream, said method comprising the steps of:

• responding to a user command entered into a transceiver and, simultaneously, sending an upstream data command to a information stream source within the information distribution system to implement said user command;
• recalling a predefined image from an image memory;
• fading at least a portion of imagery decoded from said first information stream into said predefined image;
• fading from said predefined image into imagery decoded from said second information stream;
• and
• displaying said imagery from said second information stream.