Systems and methods for utilizing a back channel as a feedback system to
regulate the quality of broadcast. A signal source transmits a signal
corresponding to the broadcast to one or more home entertainment systems.
The displaying, recording or utilization of the broadcast is tracked at
the individual home entertainment systems. The tracked information is
transmitted in either real time or on a deferred basis from home
entertainment systems as feedback across a back channel. The quality of
the broadcast is regulated and/or optimized as a result of the feedback.
As such, the broadcast can be dynamically restructured by modifying the
bandwidth of the broadcast, by changing the modulation of the broadcast,
by changing the encoding scheme of the broadcast, by varying parameters
of the encoding scheme of the broadcast, by redistributing satellite
channels to take full advantage of transponders available in a satellite
television system, etc. The feedback also informs the operators and
broadcasters as to when a disruption can be made on the broadcast so that
the effect of the disruption is minimized.