A system is described for deriving benefits from the reception and
processing of composite video signals from a display device 10 by a
hand-held device 12, such as a smart card, personal digital assistant
("PDA"), or mobile phone. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data
creating composite video signals. The users directs the hand-held device
12 toward display device 10 by placing leading edge 18 in the path of the
video signal. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and
received by a hand-held device 12. Aiming light 24 and/or audio
transducer 34 alert the user of hand-held device 12 that auxiliary data
is being received. The auxiliary data is then utilized by hand-held
device 12. In other embodiments of hand-held device 12, the auxiliary
data is received from a decoder box, which in turn transmits the
information to device 12 by RF which may be received by the RF antenna 68
of the device.The user receives benefits such as promotional
opportunities resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data. Such
opportunities are expressed on visual display 20, which may include a
series of lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and/or 20d, or an LCD 44. The lights and
LCD provide promotional opportunities which may be redeemable and
conventional stores or via the Internet. Hand-held devices 12 are
outfitted with a PCMCIA interface 70 or wireless Internet access to
obtain such promotional activities on the Internet.Hand-held device 12
may have housing 14 in various shapes to promote various promotional
opportunities. On front surface 16 of the hand-held device may have
indication of a sponsor 17.