A method and apparatus for processing content data includes processing that begins by receiving modulated data via a channel that couples a content display device to a content processing device. The processing continues by introducing the content data onto the channel and separating the modulated data from the content data. The processing then continues by retrieving data from the modulated data, wherein the content display device modulates the modulated data. The processing continues by processing the data to produce presentation information. The processing then continues by processing the content data for presentation on the external content display device based on the presentation information.