The U.S. Patent Office has granted Microsoft intellectual property rights for an interactive TV system that will allow television viewers to pause streaming content and follow hyperlinks to on-screen chat rooms, web sites, and games. Originally applied for in 1993, the concept has been applied in many products since then (ie, DVR), but Microsoft still sees commercial potential in utilizing the "pause" feature. Microsoft plans to incorporate a split screen interface where television viewers will be able to simultaneously view programs and additional interactive content.

Patent #6,973,669

Source: The Register