JP5836991B2 - Dynamic grouping and content delivery method, apparatus and system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to content distribution, display and control, and more particularly to a method, apparatus and system for providing dynamic grouping and content distribution.

  The content distribution system is used to supply content to a plurality of end systems. For example, in video on demand applications, media content is made available and utilized by satellite / cable television subscribers. Typically, subscribers can watch video programs available for channel selection (sometimes for an additional fee) on their television, which is done in the subscriber's set-top box (STB) Depending on the channel selection, the program is sent from the program center to the set top box via a cable or satellite network. That is, in such a media distribution system, channel selection needs to be performed at the point of the display in order to determine the media content to be viewed.

  Similarly, in the field of advertising, in-store retail media content has become the most popular advertising media in use today, and broadcast distribution is the primary means of content presentation. That is, in recent years, retailers and managers in public places have incorporated video display systems for advertising use. In such a system, content is delivered by the server and received at each set-top box for each display or group of displays. Retailers use displays to present their current offers or sales information, knowing that many consumers see the offer, public places are available to advertisers either nationally or locally. Sell time on video display.

  However, there are problems with currently available media distribution models such as those described above. More specifically, in such an application, when the broadcast means is established, the broadcast means restricts all displays that receive broadcast media content to present the same material simultaneously. That is, in currently available broadcast applications, media content is broadcast to multiple set-top boxes configured to receive the broadcast media content. The set top box then communicates the media content to the respective display. As such, the displays associated with the set-top box that received the media content form a group of displays that simultaneously present the same material. However, the group of displays is not dynamic and continues to present the same media content received by each set-top box that is configured to receive broadcast media content. Such limitations make it impossible to change the display grouping, which is advantageous not only in video-on-demand and in-store advertising applications, but also in other current and future media content distribution applications.

  Other problems exist in other media content distribution applications as well. For example, in a non-broadcast scenario, re-editing of the display master media is required due to the addition of one new content to the presentation loop. Furthermore, in such media content distribution applications, once placed, the ordering of the content or media content cannot be changed.

  As such, content delivery including dynamic grouping overcomes the above-mentioned problems and other related problems in the state of the art and without requiring manual intervention at the point of display. There is a need for new types of content distribution and grouping means that provide

  Various embodiments of the present invention address these and other problems of the prior art by providing methods, apparatus and systems that provide dynamic grouping and content distribution.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the dynamic grouping and content distribution method provides a plurality of content channels and at least one to receive / decode at least one of the plurality of content channels. Including dynamically configuring the tuning / decoding means. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tuning / decoding means is at least one set-top box, and the plurality of content channels can include advertisement information.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic grouping and content distribution apparatus includes a memory that stores control programs and instructions and media content, and a processor that executes the control programs and instructions. In such embodiments, the apparatus provides a plurality of content channels and dynamically configures at least one tuning / decoding means to receive / decode at least one of the plurality of content channels. Furthermore, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the at least one tuning / decoding means can be at least one set-top box or can be a tuning / decoding means integrated in the respective display. Can do.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic grouping and content distribution system includes a server providing multiple content channels, at least one tuning for receiving / decoding at least one of the multiple content channels. / Decoding means and at least one display means for displaying at least one received content channel. In such an embodiment, the server dynamically configures at least one tuning / decoding means to receive at least one of the plurality of content channels. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an in-store advertising environment. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present invention, the server of the system dynamically groups the tuning / decoding means by configuring the tuning / decoding means to receive / decode the same content channel. To do. In one embodiment of the present invention, the server transmits channel change instructions to at least one tuning / decoding means through a dedicated radio frequency channel in one embodiment and using an Internet protocol in an alternative embodiment. To dynamically configure at least one tuning / decoding means.

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
It is a high-level block diagram of the content distribution system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of an in-store advertising network, and the embodiment of the content distribution system of FIG. 1 can be applied according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram of a communication network suitable for use in the in-store advertising network of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a server 110 suitable for use in the content distribution system 100 of FIG. 1 according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of a method for dynamic grouping and content distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the invention. For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements that are common throughout the drawings.

  The present invention advantageously provides a method, apparatus and system for dynamic grouping and content distribution. Although the present invention will be described primarily in the context of an in-store advertising network, specific embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention can be advantageously applied to virtually any content distribution system, and information will be provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in a video on demand system or the like.

  The functionality of the various elements shown is provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software associated with the appropriate software. When provided by a processor, these functions are provided by one dedicated processor, by one shared processor, or by multiple individual processors, some of which are shared. Furthermore, the explicit use of the term “processor” or “controller” should not be construed to indicate exclusively hardware capable of executing software, but without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs). ) Hardware, read only memory (ROM) storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage may be implicitly included. Furthermore, as with the specific examples of the present invention, all references to principles, aspects and embodiments of the present invention are intended to encompass both structures and functions equivalent to the present invention. Further, such equivalent structures and functions are intended to include both currently known equivalent concepts as well as equivalent concepts developed in the future (ie, developed elements that perform the same function regardless of structure). Is done.

  Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams provided herein represent a conceptual view of exemplary system components and / or circuits that implement the principles of the invention. Similarly, any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, etc. may be substantially represented on a computer-readable medium, whether or not a computer or processor is explicitly shown. Or it should be understood to represent various processes performed by the processor.

  According to various embodiments of the present invention, promotional content and informational content from advertisers, recording companies, movie studios and / or other content providers is collected, edited by a network management center, and digital data Converted to a file. Given that digitization is the preferred means of distributing this information, the digital data file is supplied to a network operations center for distribution to one or more commercial sales outlets, for example, via satellites. The Further, assuming that a satellite multicast system is used, the receiver / decoder receives and decodes digital information representing the digital data file on a commercial sales channel. The digital data file is then sent to a local server for local distribution. Servers are available for commercial sales (eg wall-walled “wall-of-eyes”, in-store radio system “in-store radio system”, display “display”, audio / video end cap “audio / video endcaps” in various department stores. ", To distribute promotional information in digital data files to various points in the listening post" listening posts "and other destinations. The display displays content stored in either the storage system or the server, for example.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the server sends control signals to the set top box to re-address / reconfigure the set top box and receive different content streams sent by the server. In response, the associated display displays the content of the newly received content stream. As such, set-top boxes and associated displays are dynamically grouped and content is dynamically distributed. This is in stark contrast to either the traditional “broadcast all” model or the “user content selection” model.

  FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 100 of FIG. 1 includes at least one server 110, a plurality of tuning / decoding means (for example, set top boxes (STBs) 1201 to 120n), and respective displays 1301 of the set top boxes 1201 to 120n. ~ 130n. In the system 100 of FIG. 1, each of the plurality of set top boxes 1201 to 120n is connected to one display, but in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of set top boxes 1201 to 120n. Can be connected to more than one display. Further, in the content distribution system 100 of FIG. 1, the tuning / decoding means is illustrated as a set-top box 120, but in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the tuning / decoding means of the present invention is a display. It includes alternative tuning / decoding means such as a tuning / decoding circuit integrated in 130 or other stand-alone tuning / decoding device or the like.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the content distribution system 100 of FIG. 1 can be part of an in-store advertising network. For example, FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of an in-store advertising network 200 that provides in-store advertising. In the advertising network 200 of FIG. 2, the advertising network 200 and distribution system 100 can be used for music recording, home video, product demonstrations, advertising content and other content along with entertainment content, news and similar consumer information content in an in-store setting. Utilize a combination of software and hardware to provide inventory, distribution, presentation and usage tracking of such content. The content includes content provided by compressed or uncompressed video and audio streams (for example, MPEG4 / MPEG4 Part 10 / AVC-H.264, VC-1, Windows (registered trademark) Media, etc.). However, it is not limited to using only these formats.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the software that controls the various elements of the in-store advertising network 200 and the content distribution system 100 is a window environment (eg, MS-Windows ^™ or X-Windows® operating system) and a high performance computer. Including a 32-bit operating system that uses operating hardware. The advertising network 200 is distributed in one embodiment via satellites (or other methods such as WAN (Wide-Area-Network), the Internet, a series of microwave repeaters, or similar mechanisms) and in-store modules. Utilizes architecture to provide centralized content management and distributed control.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the content of the in-store advertising network 200 and the content distribution system 100 is supplied from an advertiser 202, a recording company 204, a movie studio 208, or other content provider 208. Advertiser 202 may be an advertising company representing a product manufacturer, service provider, manufacturer or service provider, or other entity. The content of the advertisement from the advertiser 202 is composed of audiovisual content including commercials, “info-mercials”, product information, product demonstrations, and the like.

  The recording company 204 can be a record company, music publisher, listening / publishing entity (eg, BMI or ASCAP), individual artist, or other source of content related to such music. Recording company 204 provides audiovisual content such as music clips (short segments of recorded music), music video clips, and the like. The movie studio 206 can be a movie studio, a movie production company, a public relations representative, or other source related to the movie industry. Movie studio 106 can provide movie clips, pre-recorded interviews with actors and actresses, movie reviews, behind-the-scenes presentations, and similar content.

  Other content providers 208 can be providers of other video, such as audio or audiovisual content that is distributed and displayed via the content distribution system 100 of FIG.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the content is obtained via the network management center 210 (NMC) using, for example, a conventional recording medium (tape, CD, video, etc.). The content supplied to the NMC 210 is edited into a format suitable for distribution to the local distribution system 100 that distributes and displays the content at a local site, for example.

  The NMC 210 digitizes the received content and supplies it to the network operation center (NOC) 220 in the form of a digitized data file 222. Although mentioned in terms of digitized content, data file 222 may be streaming audio, streaming video, or other such information. The content edited and received by the NMC 210 can include commercials, bumpers, graphics, audio, and the like. All files are preferably named so that they are uniquely identifiable. More specifically, the NMC 210 forms a distribution pack that is directed to a specific site, such as a store location, and that is communicated to one or more stores on a schedule or on demand. A distribution pack, when used, contains content that is intended to replace or improve existing content that already exists in the field (in this case, unless the site's system is first initialized, Form the basis of the first content of the site). Alternatively, the files may be compressed and transferred separately, or some type of streaming compression program may be utilized.

  The NOC 220 communicates the digitized data file 222 to the content distribution system 100 in the commercial sales channel 230 via the communication network 225 in this example. Communication network 225 can be implemented in any one of several technologies. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, satellite links are used to distribute digitized data files to the content distribution system 100 of the commercial sales channel 230. Accordingly, the content can be easily distributed by broadcasting (or multicasting) the content to various locations. Alternatively, the Internet can be used to deliver audiovisual content and allow feedback from commercial sales channels 230. Other ways of implementing a communications network 225, microwave network, or other such mechanism, such as using a dedicated line, can also be used in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention.

  For example, FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram of communication network 325 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communications network 325 of FIG. 3 illustratively includes a satellite link that includes a transmitting station 326, a satellite / antenna 327, and a receiving station 328. Although the receiving station 328 is indicated by block 225 in FIG. 3 as including a portion of a communications network for purposes of explanation, the physical location of the receiving station 328 can also be in a commercial sales channel 230. In addition, a commercial sales channel 230 includes a receiver / decoder 335. The digital data file 222 is sent by the NOC 220 via the transmission station 326 to the satellite / antenna 327 which then uses this information as a commercial sales route (illustrated by the commercial sales route 230). Broadcast to various locations. A commercial sales channel receives a transmission file via a satellite reception system, such as a receiving station 328. The digitized information is then provided to the receiver / decoder 335 which then distributes this information to various points in the commercial sales channel 230 that includes the content distribution system 100.

  More specifically, the receiver / decoder 335 can receive both digital information and analog information. For data reception and distribution, the receiver / decoder 335 is connected via the network system 350 to various network nodes in the commercial distribution channel 230 including the content distribution system 100 and in particular the server 110 of the content distribution system 100. The content distribution system 100 is in a commercial sales route 230 via a network system 350 (eg, either a network using a TCP / IP protocol stack, or a network using FTP file transfer to distribute promotional information). Connected to various nodes.

  The server 110 of the content distribution system 100 is capable of receiving content (eg, distribution packets) and therefore distributes them to the various set-top boxes 120 and displays 130 in the store. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, content is received by content distribution system 100 and set for streaming. In various embodiments of the invention, streaming may be configured to work together or consistently performed by one or more servers. Streaming content includes content that is configured for a variety of different locations or products through a sales channel 230 (eg, a store). For example, each set-top box 120 and display 130 is located at a specific location through a sales channel 230 and displays content belonging to a product located within a predetermined distance from the position of each set-top box and display. Configured to do. In one embodiment of the present invention, the server 110 of the content distribution system 100 receives content and receives various different streams (eg, content channels) that are communicated to various set-top boxes 120 to be displayed by the display 130. Form. Streams are either individual channels of audio / video modulated with radio frequency distribution, or are transmitted as data flows within a unicast or multicast Internet Protocol (IP) network. These streams originate from one or more servers under the same logical set of control software.

  4 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a server 110 suitable for use in the content distribution system 100 of FIG. 1 according to the present invention. 4 includes a processor 410 as well as a memory 420 that stores control programs, instructions, software, advertising content, and the like. The processor 410 cooperates with conventional support circuitry 430 such as power supplies, clock circuitry, cache memory, etc., as well as circuitry that supports execution of software routines stored in the memory 420. As such, some of the process steps described herein as software processes may be implemented in hardware, for example, as a circuit that cooperates with processor 410 to perform various steps. Server 110 also includes an input-output circuit 440 that forms an interface between various functional elements communicating with server 110.

  Although the server 110 of FIG. 4 is shown as a general purpose computer programmed to perform various control functions according to the present invention, the present invention may be implemented in hardware as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), for example. it can. As such, the process steps described in this embodiment are intended to be interpreted broadly so that they are equivalently performed by software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more set-top boxes 120 are streams created depending on the contents of the created streams and the products located near the display 130 on which each stream is to be displayed. Receive a specific one of As such, a display 130 intended to display the same stream from the server is associated with a set top box 120 configured to receive a particular content stream. Displays 130 that display the same stream can be considered a display group, and associated set-top boxes that receive the same content stream can be considered as a group. For example, during a “headline” event, all set-top boxes 120 are configured by server 110 and a content channel configured by server 110 as a “headline” channel for simultaneous display by all displays 130. Receive. That is, during a “headline” event, server 110, in contrast to having to communicate a “headline” channel to each set-top box 120, which can cause timing problems. In contrast, or in contrast to the need to change the selected channel at each set top box, the set top box 120 is configured to receive a “headline” channel.

  In accordance with the present invention, the group of set top boxes and the associated delay group are dynamically reconfigured. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the set top box 120 is reconfigured to receive a different content stream from the server 110, so that the associated display 130 displays the respective content. To do. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the server 110 sends a control signal to the set top box 120 to re-address the set top box 120 and switch to receiving a different content stream transmitted by the server 110. . In response, the associated display 130 receives the respective content of the newly received content stream. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, each set-top box tuner is configured by the server 110 to receive a particular content channel. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an Internet protocol is used, and an Internet protocol decoder (such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) decoder) of each set-top box is a dynamic according to an embodiment of the present invention. Configured or reconfigured by server 110 to decode at least one content channel for secure content distribution and grouping.

  As such, the set-top box 120 and associated display 130 are dynamically grouped and content is dynamically distributed to accommodate the needs of advertising and audio / visual requirements for sales channels 130 (eg, retail stores). To do. For example, if the configuration of the sales channel 230 changes (ie, the product is moved or relocated), each set-top box 120 and display 130 is dynamically reconfigured and grouped according to the present invention, for example The alternative content stream is selected to reflect the different products in the closest location of the set top box 120 and the respective display 130 for the reconfiguration of the sales channel 230.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, logical channel grouping is controlled by software running on the server, and commands are sent using the appropriate protocol over the appropriate communication path to the set top box. Is done. In one embodiment of the invention, the server sends a channel change command over a dedicated radio frequency channel. In an alternative embodiment, an Internet protocol (e.g., using RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or other suitable control protocol to send instructions to the set-top box ( IP) is used, but the system of the present invention is not limited to using only a format for conveying channel change commands.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for dynamic grouping and content distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 5 begins at step 502 where content is received by a server at a local content distribution system. The method then proceeds to step 504.

  In step 504, the server generates multiple content streams (eg, content channels) for distribution to the various set-top boxes and their respective displays. The method then proceeds to step 506.

  In step 506, the set top box is configured (eg, received, tuned) to receive at least one generated content channel. The method then proceeds to step 508.

  In step 508, the content channel is communicated by the server, received by the respective set top box 120, and displayed by the associated display 130. The method then proceeds to step 510.

  In step 510, the at least one set-top box 120 is reconfigured (eg, re-addressed), eg, by the server 110, eg, to receive / decode different content channels, eg, in response to product display reconfiguration or placement. . As such, the display 130 associated with the reconfigured set-top box 120 displays new content associated with the alternative content channel that has just been received / decoded by the respective set-top box 120. The reconfigured set top box 120 and each display 130 are considered to be part of a different group of set top boxes 120 and displays 130 that all receive the same content channel. The method is then terminated.

  In the method described above, the set top box 120 and each display 130 are dynamically grouped and content is dynamically distributed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While preferred embodiments of methods, apparatus and systems for providing dynamic grouping and distribution of content (which are intended to be exemplary and not limiting) have been described, modifications and variations This can be done by one skilled in the art in light of the above teaching. It should be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the claims. While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. There is.
[Aspect 1]
A method of operating a system for delivering content,
Providing multiple channels of content;
In response to an instruction from the server of the system for delivering the content, so that the receiving means are grouped depending on the content transmitted in the channel of the received content and the product in the area close to the receiving means, the same Grouping at least two receiving means by setting at least two of said receiving means to receive a channel of content;
A method comprising the steps of:
[Aspect 2]
Further comprising displaying the received channel of content on at least one display;
A method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 3]
The content channel includes advertising content comprised of audiovisual content including at least one of commercials, infomercials, product information and product demonstrations,
A method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 4]
Configuring at least two of the receiving means includes communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means over a dedicated radio frequency channel;
A method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 5]
Configuring at least two of the receiving means includes communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means using an Internet protocol;
A method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 6]
The Internet protocol includes RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol),
A method according to embodiment 5.
[Aspect 7]
At least one of the plurality of content channels includes a headline channel, and all the receiving means receive the headline channel;
A method according to aspect 1.
[Aspect 8]
An apparatus of a system for distributing content,
A memory for storing control programs and instructions and media content;
A processor for executing the control program and instructions,
The device is
Provide multiple content channels,
The same content in response to an instruction from the server of the system for delivering the content so that the receiving means are grouped depending on the content transmitted in the received content channel and the product in the area close to the receiving means Grouping the at least two receiving means by setting at least two of the receiving means to receive a channel of
A device characterized by that.
[Aspect 9]
The apparatus dynamically sets the at least one receiving means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means through a dedicated radio frequency channel.
The apparatus according to aspect 8.
[Aspect 10]
The apparatus dynamically configures the at least one receiving means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means using an Internet protocol.
The apparatus according to aspect 8.
[Aspect 11]
The at least one receiving means comprises at least one set-top box;
The apparatus according to aspect 8.
[Aspect 12]
A system for distributing content,
A server that provides multiple channels of content;
At least one receiving means for receiving at least one of the plurality of content channels;
And at least one display means for displaying at least one received content channel;
The server responds to an instruction from the server of the system that distributes the content so that the receiving means is grouped depending on the content transmitted in the received content channel and the product in the area close to the receiving means. Grouping the at least two receiving means by setting at least two receiving means to receive the same content channel;
A system characterized by that.
[Aspect 13]
The server sets a channel for the content to include advertising content comprised of at least one of commercial, infomercial, product information and product demonstrations;
The system according to aspect 12.
[Aspect 14]
The server dynamically sets the at least one receiving means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means through a dedicated radio frequency channel;
The system according to aspect 12.
[Aspect 15]
The server dynamically configures the at least one receiving means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one receiving means using an Internet protocol;
The system according to aspect 12.
[Aspect 16]
The at least one receiving means is integrated into the at least one display means;
The system according to aspect 12.
[Aspect 17]
The system includes an in-store advertising network,
The system according to aspect 12.

Claims (17)

A method of operating a content distribution system,
A server of the content distribution system providing a plurality of content channels;
Said server communicating said instructions to at least one receiving means, thereby grouping the receiving means by setting at least two of said receiving means to receive channels of the same content, the receiving means Are grouped according to the content transmitted on the content channel and which products are in the area close to the receiving means , thereby setting the content related to the products in the area close to the receiving means to be displayed Ru is,
Method. Further comprising displaying the received channel of content on at least one display;
The method of claim 1. The content channel includes advertising content comprised of audiovisual content including at least one of commercials, infomercials, product information and product demonstrations,
The method of claim 1. The instruction from the server includes a command that causes a tuner of a receiving unit that receives the instruction to receive a channel of specific content.
The method of claim 1. The instruction from the server includes a command for configuring an Internet protocol decoder of a receiving means for receiving the instruction for dynamic content distribution.
The method of claim 1. The Internet protocol includes RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol),
The method of claim 5. At least one of the plurality of content channels includes a headline channel, and all the receiving means are configured to receive the headline channel;
The method of claim 1. An apparatus of a content distribution system,
A memory for storing control programs and instructions and media content;
A processor for executing the control program and instructions,
The control program and instructions are sent to the processor,
Provide multiple content channels,
Communicating instructions to at least one receiving means, thereby causing the receiving means to be dynamically grouped by setting at least two of said receiving means to receive channels of the same content; receiving means, so that the content and which products are sent by the content channel is grouped depending on whether the region closer to said receiving means, thereby displaying the content associated with the product in the region close to the receiving means Ru is set,
A device characterized by that. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instruction from the server causes a tuner of receiving means that receives the instruction to receive a channel of specific content. An instruction from the server configures an internet protocol decoder of a receiving means for receiving the instruction for dynamic content distribution;
The apparatus of claim 8. The at least one receiving means comprises at least one set-top box;
The apparatus of claim 8. A system for distributing content,
A server providing multiple content channels;
At least one receiving means for receiving at least one of the plurality of content channels;
And at least one display means for displaying at least one received content channel;
The server is configured to dynamically group receiving means by communicating instructions to at least one receiving means, thereby setting at least two of the receiving means to receive the same content channel. , receiving means content and which products are sent by the content channel is grouped depending on whether the region closer to said receiving means, thereby to display the content related to the product in the region close to the receiving means Ru is set,
system. The server sets the content channel to include advertising content comprised of at least one of commercial, infomercial, product information and product demonstrations;
The system of claim 12. The instruction from the server causes the tuner of the receiving means that receives the instruction to receive a specific content channel.
The system of claim 12. An instruction from the server configures an internet protocol decoder of a receiving means for receiving the instruction for dynamic content distribution;
The system of claim 12. The at least one receiving means is integrated into the at least one display means;
The system of claim 12. The system, only contains the store advertising network, the product is a product in the store,
The system of claim 12.

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