18. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first text string represents at least one of a) program or channel descriptive information, b) a broadcast channel name, c) geographical region information, d) program content rating information, e) program or channel map table information, f) program or event table description information, and g) geographical rating region table information.
12. Apparatus for generating program specific information suitable for inclusion in packetized video program information, said program specific information including multiple text strings associated with a video program, said apparatus comprising: means for forming text string decoding information for decoding multiple text strings, said decoding information including, (a) a first indicator indicating a type of compression employed in encoding a first text string for selecting a decoding function to be used in decoding said first text string; and (b) information suitable for assembling decoded text string elements to form a decoded text string; and means for incorporating said text string decoding information into program specific information for output.