Broadcast system with associated data capabilities

Abstract

A broadcast system includes a device to compare program material to be transmitted with a database of known material, and to transmit along with the program material data corresponding to that program material. A corresponding receiving system stores the data in memory and displays, at the selection of the user, the data corresponding to the program material. The user selectively stores the data on a magnetic recording card for electronic coupon or other uses. Various modes of operation are selectable by the user, and the data may be used as electronic coupons, or to control attached equipment, or to sound alarms, or for other applications. Broadcast of the associated data commences earlier than that of the program material so that such data are available for display on a receiver when the program material is first received. The receiver is connectable to remote terminals for the collection of information relating to a user's pattern of storing and accessing the broadcast data. The receiver is implemented as a module that is connectable to displays of various sizes, and the receiver self-configures so that the signals it sends to the display are appropriate for the size of the display.