Provided are a video display device and a method of operating the same. The video display device request content recognition configuration information to a third party server that is not dependent on any single channel, and receives the content recognition configuration information from the third party server. The video display device extracts a plurality of content recognition configuration information items from the content recognition configuration information and configures the plurality of content recognition configuration information item in the video display device. The video display device obtains contents information of uncompressed content on the basis of the plurality of content recognition configuration information item, obtains an application on the basis of the content information, and executes the application.