Set top to internet device communication and use

Abstract

A method and system for providing Web-based information that is relevant to a program being viewed on a television. A data stream providing a set of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) is provided along with the program content. The URLs identify Web sites that are relevant to the program content. Based on user preferences specified in a user profile, URLs for Web sites that are likely to be of particular interest to the user can be culled from the overall set of URLs. These URLs are sent to a device connected to the Internet (e.g., a personal computer system), allowing the user to access Web-based information relevant to the program content. The program content continues to be displayed on the television and the Web-based information is displayed on the personal computer system. Accordingly, the user can view targeted information that is of interest without interrupting the display on the television.

1 . A method for providing a user with Web-based information associated with program content viewable on a television, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) receiving said program content;    b) receiving a data stream comprising a set of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) identifying Web sites associated with said program content; and    c) selecting from said data stream one or more URLs of particular interest to a user;    wherein said program content is displayed on said television and Web-based information identified by said one or more URLs is optionally displayed on a device other than said television.