Described are methods and apparatus for enhancing a television
advertisement simultaneously displayed on a number of remote receivers.
In one embodiment, one or more advertisement templates are stored in
memory on each of the remote receivers. The templates include formatting
information and data fields into which can be inserted predefined types
of information. For example, a selected template may be adapted to
receive and display an advertiser's name, product, and a hyperlink to the
advertiser's web site. A content creator, (e.g., a program producer,
broadcaster, affiliate, cable company or satellite provider), embeds an
advertisement summary in a data service channel of a broadcast signal.
The advertisement summary includes a resource identifier unique to a
selected one of the advertisement templates. Upon receiving an
advertisement summary directed to a resident advertisement template, the
receiver combines custom advertisement information provided in the
advertisement summary with formatting information provided in the
advertisement template. The receiver employs the combined information to
create and display a custom advertisement, which may include hyperlinks
to additional produce or service information.