Method and apparatus for distributing promotional materials

A computer readable storage device comprising computer instructions which, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

• receiving a first request for coupon information responsive to a media processor detecting a coupon tag received with a media program stream for a media program;
• transmitting, to the media processor, coupon information associated with a coupon without transmitting the coupon, wherein the transmitting of the coupon information is responsive to a determination that a coupon offer is available;
• receiving, from the media processor, a second request to acquire the coupon responsive to an action generated by an input device of the media processor;
• storing the coupon in a database associated with the media processor responsive to the receiving of the second request, wherein the coupon is one of a first coupon or a second coupon;
• selecting the first coupon responsive to determining from a scheduled presentation date for the media program and a time when the second request was received that the presentation of the media program is consistent with the scheduled presentation date;
• and
• selecting the second coupon responsive to determining from the scheduled presentation date and the time when the second request was received that the media program is being presented from a recording of the media program.

A server, comprising:

• a memory to store instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory, wherein responsive to executing the instructions, the processor performs operations comprising:
• receiving, from a media processor, a request for redeemable material associated with a media program stream of a media program;
• storing the redeemable material in a database in association with the media processor, wherein the redeemable material is associated with first and second coupons;
• selecting the first coupon responsive to a determination that the media program is being presented by the media processor during a program presentation schedule;
• and
• selecting the second coupon responsive to a determination that the media program is being presented by the media processor from a recording.