Abstract

A system for distributing data to attract consumers to a commercial message provides for the delivery of free data to the consumer. The commercial message includes instructions in the form of a code, which can be a word or phrase, in the video or audio portion of the commercial message. The broadcast data is typically scrambled, such as by encryption, and the consumer uses the broadcast code to receive and decrypt the desired digital data for storage into a home computer. In order to receive the proper code, the consumer must pay close attention to the commercial message. The consumer's computer is connected to receiving circuitry so that upon entry of the proper code, broadcast data is downloaded into the computer memory and decoded. The complimentary digital data thus delivered is typically useful information such as stock prices, weather information, sports scores, etc. The packets of desirable data are delivered transparent to the receiver, or alternatively as a visual or audible burst.