Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A digital television receiver comprising:

• a demodulator to demodulate a digital broadcasting signal including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data that includes a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), and to output demodulated PSIP data, wherein the EIT includes an AC-3 audio descriptor, a caption service descriptor, and a content advisory descriptor,
• wherein the VCT includes a short_name field, a major_channel_number field, a minor_channel number_field, a modulation_mode field, a carrier_frequency field, a channel_TSID field, a program number field, an ETM_location field, and an access_controlled field,
• wherein the VCT further includes a predefined data field which is set to zero for an inactive channel, wherein the inactive channel is a channel that is not presently carrying a broadcast program;
• however, the same inactive channel is scheduled to carry a broadcast program at a predetermined later time from a broadcasting station without local viewer interaction, wherein when the virtual channel is currently inactive, the receiver is capable of skipping over the virtual channel while a user is surfing;
• and
• a database to receive at least one table of the demodulated PSIP data.