Multi-channel audio enhancement for television

摘要

A comprehensive mechanism is provided for broadcasting and accessing multiple audio sources in connection with the viewing of a television program. Audio is collected through the use of standard audio capture techniques. Next, the audio is distributed by either of in-band via broadcast or out-of-band techniques. In-band audio is preferably provided via an MPEG stream associated with the current television program. Out-of-band (OOB) audio can be broadcast as well, although it is preferable to select which channel is distributed upstream first, rather than broadcast all channels downstream and consume bandwidth for unselected audio. The viewer operates a set top box to select the appropriate audio channel(s) for reproduction.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a multiplexed signal comprising a video signal, a plurality of audio signals, and metadata comprising rating information, wherein each of the plurality of audio signals is associated with a corresponding rating of the rating information; receiving a selection of an audio signal of the plurality of audio signals; and causing output of the video signal and the selected audio signal in response to a determination that the selected audio signal corresponds to an approved selection, based on a rating associated with the selected audio signal.