Convergence systems described in the prior art typically focus on advancing
hardware architecture. Such systems provide limited solutions as consumers are restricted to the use of proprietary networks, incur significant extra costs upgrading their equipment and pay subscription fees. General public demands low cost solutions for the consumption of
the Internet media content in a traditional
TV watching experience in the
living room.The present invention provides a
software-based solution and includes methods, systems, and
software codes for a cost effective delivery and organization of
multimedia content, informational feeds and interactive advertisements transmitted over
the Internet to the user's TV and / or entertainment
system already present in the user's home or office.This invention will further advance the convergence of
the Internet, portable screen-based media devices, land line and mobile telephones, and traditional television communication channels.
Media content will freely migrate from
infinite number of providers / multi-platform environment per consumers' demand, anytime and anywhere.A
software program installed on a computer allows users to select from a
list of channels obtained from an Internet
database. The
system accesses the corresponding URL of
media content via the Internet. A separate URL is accessed at the same time as the main broadcast with each channel's program information which can be displayed
on demand. The
system sends the output to the user's AV system. A
computer keyboard or a
wireless remote control can be used to navigate channels and perform interactive functions of the
user interface. Users can select different geographical areas to access local TV channels and radio stations. All channels have a designated alpha-numeric channel ID.
Clickable images, video, captions,
scrolling ticker or other content which may represent informational feeds or advertisements can be displayed on the screen at any
time based on the information obtained from a remote URL. Statistics and
user feedback can be sent to a remote URL.