Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
1. A device for equalizing effects of latency issues for a game of skill or chance or other entertainment played in conjunction with content comprising:
a storage device; and
an application contained within the storage device for applying a lockout signal based on a delay in receipt of content to prevent a user from submitting a selection to the game of skill or chance or other entertainment, after an outcome of an event in the content is known, wherein the application comprises a location application for determining the location of one or more devices and further wherein the lockout signal is generated by a person physically present at an event location utilizing a device coupled to the game server.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the event location comprises a physical venue for an event included in the broadcast.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the person observes the event at the physical venue.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal is applied immediately before competitors are able to see a play unfold.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal is sent during an in-progress play, not during a stoppage, and prevents submitting a response before a critical element of the in-progress play unfolds.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal suspends ability to submit the response while betting odds information is updated to reflect changing event status.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal is initiated before a scoring chance in the game of skill or chance or other entertainment and additional user input is allowed after the scoring chance is resolved.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the lockout signal prevents a response while betting odds information is updated to reflect changing event status.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal suspends interaction for a limited amount of time.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein the lockout signal prevents a response while betting odds information is updated to reflect changing event status.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein an earliest receipt of the lockout signal by participants is utilized for equalizing locking out all participants receiving the content.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein the application is further for determining a shortest delay of a signal received by participants and applying lockouts to the participants based on the shortest delay.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein a server sends the game of skill or chance or other entertainment to the device.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein the content and the application are presented on a same screen.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein the content and the application are presented on different screens.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a mobile device.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises an Internet connected device.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a server.
19. The device of claim 1 wherein the lockout signal is generated via an Internet connection.