Second-screen portable electronic device app for interactive TV

摘要

A secondary device 140, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, for receiving communications from an apparatus 100 receiving a broadcast stream 130, such as a TV or STB, wherein the device identifies a programme selected by the apparatus in response to a control signal received from the apparatus and identifies and executes a related application (app). The secondary device is registered to the apparatus. The app may only be launched if a second app related to the first app is currently running on the device. Keep-alive messages may be sent by the device to maintain a connection with the apparatus. App version information may be transmitted to check for out-of-date software. App data, such as an application identifier ID and URL, may be received through the broadcast stream. The programme may be a live broadcast of a time-shifted video on demand recording. Apps may launch based on proximity of the device to the receiver. A microphone and/or camera may detect proximity to the receiver 110 using video or audio fingerprinting or watermarking. Participation TV smartphone apps for social TV enable a more interactive viewing experience.