| abstract |
A platform for cable system operators delivering a full range of sophisticated new products to cable television subscribers implementing preferably a middleware solution, the information platform provides a flexible, versatile, and adaptable Internet-centric platform (12) that network operators can use to deploy interactive television applications. The information platform mediates the communication between an abundance of Web-based content and the television set (17). Content and applications are written entirely in industry standard HTML and Java. Traditional television programming is integrated with Web content using TV-specific extensions to HTML and Java. Applications can be loaded from the network, from carousels, or from file systems, such as flash memory or EEPROM. The information platform consists of client-side middleware integrated with a native electronic program guide application. It includes a master application that defines service functionality, TV ticker, a suite of games, and a microbrowser form broadcast managed content. |