Enhanced video programming system and method using a local host for network communication

摘要

A local host is used to facilitate network communication between a user machine (202) and a remote server (224) by way of a network (222) such as the Internet. A web browser (204) is included in the user machine (202) and is provided with hidden frames or layers in which pages and/or applets are stored. The hidden frames or layers also include a plug-in (212) programmed to function as a web server at the user machine. The plug-in (212) issues a command which causes the web browser (204) to establish a connection with the remote server (224). This initiates the applet (208) and also causes the plug-in (212) to open a TCP/IP socket (220) to open and maintain communication between the user machine (202) and the remote server (224). The applet (208) may then communicate with the remote server (224) by way of the plug-in (212).