An interactive information aggregator is provided for off-broadcast access
to trigger information, which can include interactive television
triggers, accompanying content and data, network addresses. The
aggregator can be implemented in an interactive television system so as
to perform real-time capture and aggregation of trigger information
through cooperation with content providers, use of a network of
collection devices deployed in the interactive television system, or
generation of trigger information by third-party entities. The aggregated
information can then be made available to ancillary devices used by
viewers, independently of being provided to a set top box and television.
For instance, the aggregated information can be provided to ancillary
devices that do not have direct access or capability to process
television broadcast signals. This provides users of the ancillary
devices with the capability to participate in an interactive television
experience where they would otherwise not have such interactive
capability.