Program guide system with combination category search

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REAL-TIME DATA SOURCES

A program guide system in which an interactive television program guide is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, etc. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times. When data has expired it may be removed from the database. 1190-. (canceled)191. A method for computing and distributing a unique key corresponding to an event , the method comprising:receiving, at a media guide database, a start date, a start time, and a category of event associated with the event;computing, using a key generator, a unique key based on the start date, the start time, and the category of event associated with the event;storing, in the media guide database, the unique key and an identifier for the event;transmitting, via a server, the unique key and the identifier for the event to a user equipment;receiving, at the user equipment, a selection of the identifier for the event; andresponsive to receiving the selection, generating for display, at the user equipment, the event and additional information corresponding to the event based on the unique key.192. The method of claim 191 , wherein the unique key uniquely identifies the event.193. The method of claim 191 , wherein computing the unique key using the key generator comprises concatenating the start date claim 191 , the start time claim 191 , and the category of event into ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH DIGITAL STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 1105-. (canceled)106. A method of playing back segments of a stored program using user equipment , comprising:receiving a user selection, from a program guide, of a program for storage on a digital storage device;storing the program on the digital storage device; receiving a user selection of at least one portion of the stored program; and', 'defining a playback sequence comprising segments of the program stored on the digital storage device, wherein the playback sequence does not include the at least one portion of the stored program, and wherein the playback sequence specifies an order in which the segments of the program will be played back with associated data by the user equipment., 'receiving a user definition of segments of the stored program, wherein receiving the user definition comprises the steps of107. The method of claim 106 , further comprising:generating a list of segments of the stored program based on the playback sequence; anddisplaying the list of segments of the stored program, wherein the list of segments includes listings associated with two or more segments of the stored program and indicates to a user the playback ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENTS

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings. 125-. (canceled)26. A method for causing a program identifier for a promoted program to be displayed , the method comprising:receiving a plurality of program identifiers for a plurality of programs, wherein the plurality of program identifiers comprises the program identifier for the promoted program;generating for display in a scrollable program information region, using control circuitry, a first subset of the plurality of program identifiers arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein the program identifier for the promoted program is displayed in a particular row of the plurality of rows that is a fixed number of rows from the top of the scrollable program information region;receiving user input to scroll the scrollable information region; andgenerating for display in the scrollable program information region, using the control circuitry, responsive to the user input, a second subset of the plurality of program identifiers arranged in the plurality of rows, wherein the program identifier for the promoted program is again displayed in the particular row that is the fixed number of rows from the top of the scrollable program information region.27. The method of claim 26 , ...

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control, a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories ...

Systems and methods for providing a program as a gift using an interactive application

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send massages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PROGRAM AS A GIFT USING AN INTERACTIVE APPLICATION

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send massages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box. 130-. (canceled)31. A method for distributing purchased media assets , the method comprising:receiving, from a first user equipment device at a first location, an identifier of a media asset selected by a first user for purchase and for viewing at a second user equipment device at a second location, wherein the selected media asset has an associated access restriction;receiving, from the first user equipment device, information for purchasing the selected media asset for viewing at the second user equipment device;based on receiving the identifier of the media asset and the information for purchasing the selected media asset, charging an account of the first user;based on receiving the identifier of the media asset and the information for purchasing the selected media asset, generating a message comprising an indication that the selected media asset has been purchased; andtransmitting the message comprising the indication ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PROGRAM AS A GIFT USING AN INTERACTIVE APPLICATION

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box. 1. A method for purchasing gifts using an interactive application , the method comprising:allowing a user to select a program to purchase as a gift for a recipient using an interactive application;allowing the user to provide information for purchasing the program as the gift using an interactive application; andproviding the program as the gift to the receipt.2. The method of further comprising transmitting a message relating to the program purchased as the gift from the user to the recipient.3. The method of wherein the selection of the program is from a listing of programs.4. The method of wherein the allowing the user to select a program to purchase as a gift further comprises allowing the user to purchase multiple programs as a gift for a recipient.5. The method of wherein the providing the program as the gift to the recipient comprises providing the recipient with access to multiple programs.6. The method of ...

Program guide system with real-time data sources

A program guide system in which an interactive television program guide is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, etc. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times. When data has expired it may be removed from the database.

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A method for accessing video programs over an Internet link , the method comprising:receiving a plurality of video programs with user equipment, wherein the user equipment outputs to a first display device, and the user equipment is located at a user site; outputs to a second display device which is different from the first display device;', 'displays a guide screen that identifies the plurality of video programs;', 'receives the user selection of the video program from the displayed guide screen; and', 'generates the communication, based on the received user selection;, 'receiving, over the Internet link from a remote access device, a communication indicative of a video program selected by a user from the plurality of video programs, wherein the remote access device is remote from the user equipment, and wherein the remote access deviceaccessing the video program with the user equipment in response to receiving the communication; andtransmitting, from the user equipment, the selected video program over the Internet link to the remote access device.9. ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A method for using an interactive media guide system , the method comprising:receiving, with a first user equipment device of a plurality of user equipment devices, a user input based on a display generated by a first interactive media guide; andmanaging the received user input to affect a display generated by a second interactive media guide implemented on a second of the plurality of user equipment devices.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first user equipment device is a user equipment device of a first type and the second user equipment device is user equipment device of a second type.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first user equipment device and the second user equipment device is a user television equipment claim 9 , personal computer claim 9 , handheld computer claim 9 , handheld video player claim 9 , personal digital assistant (PDA) claim 9 , or cellular telephone.11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first interactive media guide is an interactive program guide or an online program guide.12. The method of claim ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A program guide system comprising: the remote program guide access device is configured to run a second interactive program guide enabling a user to navigate through displayed program listings; and', 'the second interactive program guide enables the user to access features of the guide to set settings thereof, wherein the second interactive program guide is configured to communicate the set settings over the remote access link to update the settings in the first interactive program guide on the user equipment device thereby to control the first interactive program guide on the user equipment device., 'a first interactive program guide enabling a user to navigate through displayed program listings and which is configured to run on a user equipment device, wherein the user equipment device is coupled to a remote program guide access device by a remote access link, wherein9. The system defined in wherein the first interactive program guide is configured to block a program or channel based on a parental control setting claim 8 , and wherein the second ...

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE WITH CONTINUOUS DATA STREAM AND CLIENT-SERVER DATA SUPPLEMENTATION

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. 1. A system for providing program guide data that includes unique identifiers associated with programs , the system comprising:a continuous data stream processor configured to select a particular unique identifier associated with a particular program for inclusion in a continuous data stream;distribution equipment configured to distribute the particular unique identifier to user equipment in the continuous data stream when the particular program is currently being broadcasted; and monitor the continuous data stream for the presence of the particular unique identifier, wherein the presence of the particular unique identifier indicates when the particular program is being currently broadcasted;', 'perform a real-time action associated with the particular program when the particular unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream; and', 'prefetch current program guide data from the continuous data stream when the real-time action is performed., 'an interactive program guide implemented on the user equipment configured to2. The system defined in claim 1 , wherein the particular program belongs to a program grouping claim 1 , and wherein the interactive program guide is configured to perform an action associated with at least one other program belonging to the program grouping when the particular unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream.3. The system defined in claim 1 , wherein the real-time action comprises authorizing a viewing of the particular program claim 1 , wherein the particular program is a pay-per-view program.4. The system ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH PREFERENCE PROFILES

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, broadcast characteristics, etc.). A preference level (e.g., strong or weak like, strong or weak dislike, illegal, mandatory, don't care, etc.) that is indicative of the user's level of interest is associated with each preference attribute. Preference profiles may be used to restrict the programs that are listed in various program listings display screens and may be used to limit the channels to which the program guide allows the user to tune. 1180-. (canceled)181. A method for using a media guidance application , the method comprising:automatically selecting media assets for display based on stored user preference information;arranging representations of the selected media assets in a sequence; andcausing the representation of the media assets to be presented in the arranged sequence, wherein all of the media assets are currently available for viewing by the user.182. The method of claim 181 , further comprising:generating a first preference profile that is indicative of a first user's media asset interests; andwherein the stored user preference information includes the first preference profile, andwherein causing the media assets to be presented comprises generating a list of the selected media assets for display.183. The method of claim 182 , comprising:indicating in the generated list, media assets that satisfy the first preference profile.184. The method of claim 182 , further comprising:generating a second preference profile that is indicative of a second user's media asset interests; andwherein the stored user preference information includes the second preference profile, ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH COMBINATION CATEGORY SEARCH

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple Categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. 161-. (canceled)62. A method for providing media asset information using media asset categories , the method comprising:generating, with a processor, a list of simple categories for display on user equipment;identifying, with the processor, a plurality of simple categories from the list of simple categories based on monitored user activity; andgenerating for display a list of combination categories, wherein each combination category in the list of combination categories is based on at least two simple categories from the plurality of identified simple categories.63. The method of claim 62 , wherein the processor identifies the plurality of simple categories from the list of simple categories by:monitoring user selections of the simple categories in the list of simple categories; anddetermining which simple categories in the list received the most user selections based on the monitoring.64. The method of further comprising combining the at least two simple categories from the plurality of identified simple categories to generate each combination category for display on the user equipment.65. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:receiving a user indication of a combination category; andgenerating, with the processor, a display of first information identifying a media asset that matches the combination category in response to receiving the user indication, ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENTS

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings. 125-. (canceled)26. A method comprising:generating a display including a media listings region;causing a panel advertisement to be displayed in a region separate from the media listings region on the display;causing an embedded advertisement and a first media listing to be displayed in the media listings region on the display;receiving a user input;in response to receiving the user input, determining whether a cursor is on the embedded advertisement or the first media listing;in response to determining that the cursor is on the embedded advertisement, navigating the cursor from the embedded advertisement in the media listings region to the panel advertisement; andin response to determining that the cursor is on the first media listing, navigating the cursor from the first media listing to a second media listing in the media listings region.27. The method of claim 26 , wherein the first media listing is displayed above the embedded advertisement and the second media listing is displayed below the embedded advertisement claim 26 , and wherein a user must navigate through the embedded advertisement in order to navigate from the first media listing to the second media ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH DIGITAL STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 1105-. (canceled)106. A method of setting up a program guide comprising program information for display on user equipment , the method comprising:storing program information for a plurality of programs;generating for display a list of selectable components of program information;receiving a user selection of some of the selectable components;receiving a user command to display the program guide; andin response to the command, generating a display of a subset of the program information in the program guide, corresponding to the components selected by the user, for at least one of the plurality of programs.107. The method of claim 106 , wherein the plurality of component are displayed in a set-up screen and the program information is displayed in a program guide screen claim 106 , a directory screen claim 106 , or a recording schedule screen.108. The method of claim 106 , wherein information corresponding to components other than the user selected components are not displayed.109. The method of further comprising:receiving a user selection of a program in the display; andgenerating a display of components, of information corresponding to ...

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactve television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage ad maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs”for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PROGRAM AS A GIFT USING AN INTERACTIVE APPLICATION

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. 130-. (canceled)31. A method for allowing a user to purchase media programs as gifts , the method comprising:receiving, from a first user equipment device at a first location, a user selection of a media program to purchase for a recipient at a second user equipment device at a second location;receiving, from the first user equipment device, information for purchasing the selected media program for the recipient; andin response to receiving the information transmission and without any input from the second user equipment device, automatically authorizing the second user equipment device to access the selected media program.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the second user equipment device accesses the selected media program after the authorization.33. The method of claim 31 , wherein the second user equipment device is automatically authorized without requiring that an asset-specific access code is received from the second user equipment device.34. The method of claim 31 , wherein the recipient at the second user equipment device is notified that the ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A system for selecting videos over a remote access link comprising an Internet communications path for recording , the system comprising: receiving first data including information corresponding to a first plurality of sequences of video frames, wherein the first data are processed by control circuitry of the mobile device to identify content of the first plurality of sequences of video frames;', the local interactive program guide equipment receives, from a source, second data including information corresponding to a third plurality of sequences of video frames, wherein the second data are processed by control circuitry of the local interactive program guide equipment to identify content of the third plurality of sequences of video frames, and', 'the second data are processed to generate, based on the processed second data, a second graphical user interface of the second plurality of identifiers of content, each of the second plurality of identifiers of content corresponding to respective ones of a fourth plurality of sequences of video frames of the ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A system for selecting programs over a remote access link comprising an Internet communications path for recording , the system comprising:a local interactive program guide equipment on which a local interactive program guide is implemented, wherein the local interactive program guide generates a display of a first plurality of program listings, for display on a display device, based on a first data set; and 'generates a display of a second plurality of program listings, for display on the mobile device, based on a second data set, wherein the second data set is a subset of the first data set; and', 'a mobile device on which a remote access interactive program guide is implemented, wherein the remote access interactive program guidetransmits, a communication identifying a program for recording corresponding to a program listing selected by a user with the remote access interactive program guide to the local interactive program guide over the Internet communications path, wherein the local interactive program guide receives the communication and, ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH DIGITAL STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 1105-. (canceled)106. A method comprising:receiving, using an interactive program guide, a user selection of one or more programs stored on a first storage device;responsive to receiving the user selection, causing the selected one or more programs to be transferred from the first storage device to a second storage device, wherein at least one other program that has not been selected by the user and that is stored on the first storage device is not transferred from the first storage device to the second storage device; andreceiving, with the second storage device, the selected one or more programs from the first storage device.107. The method of further comprising:generating a display of a plurality of program listings corresponding to programs stored on the first storage device, wherein the plurality of program listings corresponds to the selected one or more programs.108. The method of further comprising receiving claim 107 , as the user selection claim 107 , user input that selects the one or more program listings using the generated display.109. The method of claim 108 , wherein the user input is received with a touch sensitive device.110 ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH COMBINATION CATEGORY SEARCH

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program -guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. 161-. (canceled)62. A method for providing media asset information using media asset categories , the method comprising:storing, with a processor, a first plurality of simple categories;identifying a second plurality of simple categories from the first plurality of simple categories based on interests of multiple users;generating a first combination category, wherein the first combination category is based on at least two simple categories from the identified second plurality of simple categories; andgenerating a display of the first combination category.63. The method of claim 62 , wherein the generated display of the first combination category further comprises at least one simple category selected from the second plurality of simple categories.64. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating a plurality of combination categories, wherein each of the plurality of combination categories is based on at least two simple categories from the identified second plurality of simple categories; andgenerating a display comprising one or more of the plurality of combination categories.65. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating a plurality of combination categories by identifying all possible combinations of at least two simple categories from the identified second plurality of simple categories; andgenerating a display comprising one or more of ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REAL-TIME DATA SOURCES

A program guide system in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, etc. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. 1190-. (canceled)191. A method of generating for display updated program listings data for a program , the method comprising:receiving program listings data for the program from a first data source;storing the program listings data for the program in memory;receiving real-time non-program listings data from a second data source;matching the real-time non-program listings data from the second data source with the program listings data stored in the memory;updating the program listings data stored in the memory to include the real-time non-program listings data; andgenerating for display the updated program listings data to the user.192. The method of claim 191 , wherein the updated program listings data comprises a score for a sporting event and an on-screen graphic associated with the sporting event claim 191 , and wherein the on-screen graphic describes current events in the sporting event.193. The method of claim 192 , wherein the second data source comprises a database remote to the first data source.194. The method of claim 191 , wherein generating for display the updated program listings data comprises:generating for display a selectable option associated with the updated program listings data.195. The method of claim 194 , further comprising:receiving a user selection of the ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH FLIP AND BROWSE ADVERTISEMENTS

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. 160-. (canceled)61. A system in which an interactive media guide is implemented on user equipment comprising: generate for display a program listings display overlaid on a display of a first video program; and', 'remove the program listings display using a special effect., 'a processor configured to62. The system defined in claim 61 , wherein the processor is further configured to receive a user selection of a desired special effect for use in removing the program listings display.63. The system defined in wherein the special effect is one of a wipe claim 61 , glide claim 61 , dissolve claim 61 , collapse claim 61 , bounce or explosion.64. The system defined in wherein the processor is further configured to:generate for display the program listings display partially overlaid on the display of the first video program.65. The system defined in wherein the processor is further configured to:generate for display a highlight positioned on a first program listing of the program listings display;change the position of the ...

TELEVISION MESSAGE SYSTEM

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box. 1. A method for allowing a user of a messaging system to provide a broadcast program evaluation to a designated recipient , the method comprising:receiving, from the user, an evaluation of the broadcast program while video of the broadcast program is displayed;receiving, from the user, an input designating a recipient of the evaluation;automatically adding an identity of the broadcast program to the evaluation; andsending the evaluation to the designated recipient via the messaging system, wherein the identity of the broadcast program is automatically included with the evaluation, and wherein the designated recipient is given access to the evaluation.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the evaluation includes a textual commentary.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the textual commentary is selected from a list of standard messages.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the list of standard messages is predetermined by an interactive television program guide.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the list of standard messages is determined by the user.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving a user input ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH DIGITAL STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 1105-. (canceled)106. A method of presenting videos , the method comprising:receiving a user selection of an identifier of a plurality of videos stored on a digital storage device;in response to receiving the user selection of the identifier, generating for display an option to cause first and second videos of the plurality of videos to be presented in a playback sequence; andresponsive to receiving a user selection of the option, causing the first and second videos to be presented in the playback sequence such that the second video is presented after the first video, wherein the first and second videos are presented with associated data.107. The method of claim 106 , wherein associated data includes at least one of a title claim 106 , description claim 106 , episode claim 106 , channel claim 106 , record date claim 106 , record time claim 106 , duration claim 106 , cast members claim 106 , parental control claim 106 , category claim 106 , language claim 106 , video format claim 106 , and viewed status.108. The method of claim 106 , wherein the digital storage device is a first device claim 106 , distinct from a user device.109. The method of ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH COMBINATION CATEGORY SEARCH

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. 161-. (canceled)62. A method for providing media asset information using media asset categories , the method comprising:storing, using control circuitry, a plurality of simple categories;computing for the plurality of simple categories a frequency of use associated with each of the plurality of simple categories;generating a first combination category using at least two simple categories from the plurality of simple categories based on the frequency of use associated with each of the plurality of simple categories; andgenerating for display the first combination category.63. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating for display at least one simple category selected from the plurality of simple categories.64. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating a plurality of combination categories, wherein each of the plurality of combination categories is based on at least two simple categories in the plurality of simple categories; andgenerating for display one or more of the plurality of combination categories.65. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating a plurality of combination categories by identifying all possible combinations of at least two simple categories from the plurality of simple categories;ranking the plurality of combination categories based on the frequency of use of the at least two simple categories associated with ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REAL-TIME DATA SOURCES

A program guide system in which an interactive television program guide is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, etc. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times. When data has expired it may be removed from the database. 1190-. (canceled)191. A method for providing data corresponding to a live event , the method comprising:determining, using control circuitry, whether the live event is available for viewing on user equipment;requesting, using the control circuitry, the data corresponding to the live event from a remote database over an Internet communications link based on determining that the live event is not available for viewing on the user equipment;generating for display the data corresponding to the live event, the data changing over the course of the live event; andautomatically updating the display of the data generated for display over the course of the live event.192. The method of claim 191 , further comprising:determining, using the control circuitry, that the previously unavailable live event is available for viewing on the user equipment;receiving a user selection of an identifier corresponding to the live event; andgenerating for display the live event in response to the user selection.193. The method of claim 191 , wherein the data corresponding to the live event comprises at least ...

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may he stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH MONITORING OF ADVERTISEMENT USAGE AND USER ACTIVITIES

A program guide system is provided in which interactive television program guide advertisement usage is monitored. Advertisement usage may be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are transmitted from a television distribution facility to user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are received by the user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored at the time at which advertisements are displayed by a program guide. Less important data may be filtered from the collected advertisement usage data. Other activities that may be monitored include the viewing activities of the user, which program guide screens are displayed, and which non-program-guide applications are used. Real-time ratings information (e.g., real-time ratings of the popularity of certain television programs, video games, or other applications) may be provided to users in real time. 1118-. (canceled)119. A method for determining an effectiveness of at least one of an advertisement and an advertisement region , the method comprising:generating for simultaneous display the advertisement and a plurality of media identifiers, wherein the advertisement is displayed in the advertisement region;receiving a user selection of the advertisement; information indicating that the advertisement was selected; and', 'information identifying a location of the advertisement region; and, 'collecting information comprisingdetermining, based on the collected information, the effectiveness of the at least one of the advertisement and the advertisement region.120. The method of claim 119 , wherein: information indicating that the advertisement was selected; and', 'information identifying a location of one of a plurality of advertisement regions the advertisement was displayed in when selected; and, 'collecting the information comprises receiving, from each of a plurality of user equipment devices [ a first frequency ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH COMBINATION CATEGORY SEARCH

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. 161-. (canceled)62. A method for providing media asset categories , the method comprising:storing a list of a plurality of media asset categories;storing status information for a first media asset category of the plurality of media asset categories;receiving an indication to delete the first media asset category from a display of the stored list of the plurality of media asset categories or an indication to restore the first media asset category;based on the received indication, searching the stored list of the plurality of media asset categories to identify the first media asset category of the plurality of media asset categories;updating the stored status information for the identified first media asset category with the received indication; andprocessing the stored list of the plurality of media asset categories to generate a display of the stored list of the plurality of media asset categories based on the stored status information, wherein the processing to generate the display comprises excluding, from the generated display, the first media asset category if the first media asset category has the indication to delete in the stored status information, and wherein the processing to generate the display comprises including, on the generated display, the first media asset category if the media asset category has the indication to restore in the stored status ...

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM PROVIDING AN APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACE FOR NON-PROGRAM GUIDE APPLICATIONS

A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. Non-program-guide applications may be launched by the program guide application. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. The program guide application may run in the background while a non-program-guide application operates. The applications may be located at a remote location such as on a server at a cable system headend or on a server on the Internet. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions. Reminders may be set for the content of non-program-guide applications. 1126-. (canceled)127. A method for launching an interactive application on a user equipment device , the method comprising:generating for display, using a local application implemented by the user equipment device, an indicator associated with the interactive application, wherein the interactive application includes interactive content, and wherein source code of the interactive application is received from a remote server;receiving, with the local application, a user selection of the indicator; in response receiving the user selection, launching, using the local application, the interactive application associated with the indicator according to the source code; andaccessing, by the interactive application, a function of the local application using an application program interface (API) of the local application.128. The method of claim 127 , wherein the local application is a program guide application and the interactive application is a non-guide application.129. The method ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING USER VALUES FOR DEMOGRAPHIC CATEGORIES

An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control, a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories stored in memory to determine which advertisements should be displayed. Those advertisements determined to be displayable based upon the comparison are then displayed. 117-. (canceled)18. A method for targeting advertisements to a user of an interactive system , the method comprising:receiving a user input associated with a video program;determining a type of function of a plurality of different types of functions of the interactive system that the user input requested for the video program, wherein each of the plurality of different types of functions is configured to perform a different type of function of the interactive system with respect to the video program;calculating, using a processor, a current user demographic value associated with the user, based on the determined type of function;comparing the current user demographic value to a demographic criterion associated with an advertisement; andselecting the advertisement if the current user demographic value meets the ...

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE WITH CONTINUOUS DATA STREAM AND CLIENT-SERVER DATA SUPPLEMENTATION

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. 126-. (canceled)27. A method for receiving data related to programs , the method comprising:receiving a continuous data stream from a continuous data stream source;receiving a user request for a real-time action associated with a program;in response to the user request, determining whether program guide data for the program is available from the continuous data stream; andin response to determining that the program guide data for the program is not available from the continuous data stream, requesting the program guide data from a non-continuous data stream source.28. The method of claim 27 , wherein determining whether the program guide data is available is based on whether the continuous data stream includes a unique identifier for the program.29. The method of claim 27 , further comprising prefetching the program guide data in response to the user request.30. The method of claim 27 , wherein the program belongs to a program grouping claim 27 , further comprising performing an action associated with another program belonging to the program grouping in response to the user request.31. The method of claim 27 , wherein the user request comprises a request for recording the program.32. The method of claim 27 , wherein the user request comprises a request for locking the program.33. The method of claim 27 , further comprising receiving from the continuous data stream source a first type of data at a first repetition rate claim 27 , and a second type of data at a second repetition rate that is different from the first repetition rate.34. The method of claim 33 , ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. 17-. (canceled)8. A system for providing a video to a remote access device over an Internet link , the system comprising: a remote application is implemented on a remote access device that is remote from the circuitry, wherein the remote access device outputs to a second display device which is different from the first display device;', 'the remote application communicates with the circuitry over the Internet link; and', 'the circuitry transmits, to the remote application over the Internet link, a video guide screen generated by the user equipment device;', generates a display, on the second display device, that includes the video guide screen received from the circuitry;', 'receives a user input based on the display that includes the video guide screen; and', 'transmits data corresponding to the user input to the circuitry over the Internet link; and, 'the remote application, receives, over the Internet link, the data corresponding to the user input from the remote application;', 'directs the user equipment device to access the video based on the received data ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENTS

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings. 125-. (canceled)26. A method for presenting an advertisement , the method comprising:generating for display a region of media asset identifiers on a display;generating for display an advertisement region including a banner advertisement, the advertisement region being adjacent to the region of media asset identifiers;receiving a first user input to highlight the advertisement region; andmoving the highlight from the advertisement region to a media asset identifier in the region of media asset identifiers based on a second user input to scroll the region of media asset identifiers.27. The method of claim 26 , wherein generating for display the advertisement region including the banner advertisement further comprises generating for display the banner advertisement that contains video.28. The method of claim 26 , wherein generating for display the advertisement region further comprises generating for display a selectable banner advertisement adjacent to the region of media asset identifiers claim 26 , wherein subsequent to selection of the selectable banner advertisement claim 26 , a function related to the selectable banner advertisement is activated.29. The method of ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH COMBINATION CATEGORY SEARCH

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. 161-. (canceled)62. A method for providing media asset information using media asset categories , the method comprising:storing, with a processor, a plurality of simple categories;determining a frequency of use for each of a plurality of combination categories of at least two simple categories from the plurality of simple categories;generating a first combination category corresponding to a first of the plurality of combination categories of at least two simple categories based, at least in part, on the determined frequency of use for each of the plurality of combination categories; andgenerating a display of the first combination category.63. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:generating for display at least one simple category selected from the plurality of simple categories.64. The method of claim 62 , wherein the generated display of the first combination category further comprises at least one simple category selected from the plurality of simple categories.65. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:identifying a media asset that matches the first combination category; andgenerating a display comprising information about the identified media asset.66. The method of claim 62 , further comprising:identifying a plurality of media assets wherein each media asset of the plurality of media assets matches the first combination category; andgenerating a ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH DIGITAL STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 1105-. (canceled)106. A method of reviewing a recorded program using user equipment comprising:displaying a time bar indicator associated with the recorded program on a display;receiving a user command to mark a position in the duration of the recorded program; determining the position in the recorded program; and', 'displaying a marker in the time bar indicator, wherein the marker in the time bar indicator corresponds to the position in the recorded program; and, 'in response to receiving the user commandplaying the recorded program from the position in response to a user command to view a portion of the recorded program from the position corresponding to the marker.107. The method of claim 106 , wherein playing comprises:playing the recorded program from the position corresponding to the marker in a video feedback area on the same display.108. The method of claim 106 , wherein playing further comprises: playing the recorded program in a fast-forward playback mode.109. The method of claim 106 , further comprising:receiving a user command to delete the portion of the recorded program from the position corresponding to the marker; anddeleting ...

Program guide system with advertisements

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

Interactive television program guide system with local advertisements

A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements

Electronic Program Guide with Integrated Program Listings

Abstract The present invention relates to a method for enabling access to a video across different storage devices. The method comprises receiving a user request to access a video that is stored on a first storage device; generating, for display to the user in response to receiving the user request to access the video stored on the first storage device, an option to enable the user to access the video from a second storage device, wherein the option is displayed before the video becomes accessible to the user from the second storage device; and responsive to receiving a user selection of the option, transmitting an identifier of the video stored on the first storage device to the second storage device to enable access to the video stored on the first storage device from the second storage device.

Program guide system with preference profiles

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, broadcast characteristics, etc.). A preference level (e.g., strong or weak like, strong or weak dislike, illegal, mandatory, don't care, etc.) that is indicative of the user's level of interest is associated with each preference attribute. Preference profiles may be used to restrict the programs that are listed in various program listings display screens and may be used to limit the channels to which the program guide allows the user to tune.

Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define "super-programs" for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

Interactive program guide with continuous data stream and client-server data supplementation

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with program identified in the continuous data stream.

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

- 84 The present invention relates to a method for accessing video programs over an Internet link. The method comprises receiving a plurality of video programs 5 with user television equipment. The user television equipment outputs to a first display device, and the user television equipment is located at user site. The method involves providing the user with the opportunity to select a video program from the plurality of video 10 programs over the Internet link using a remote access device. The remote access device outputs to a second display device which is different from the first display device. The remote access device is remote from the user television equipment. The remote access device 15 communicates with the user television equipment over the Internet link. The method also comprises in response to receiving, at the user television equipment, a user selection of the video program from the remote access device over the Internet link, directing the user 20 television equipment to access the video program. The method further involves providing, from the user television equipment, the selected video program over the Internet link to the remote access device for output to the second display. Providing the user with the 25 opportunity to select a video program from the plurality of video programs over the Internet link using the remote access device further comprises receiving a generated - 85 television guide screen that identifies at least one video program; providing the generated television guide screen to the remote access device over the Internet link; and receiving a user selection of the at least one 5 video program from the remote access device.

Program guide system with advertisements

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

Program guide system with monitoring of advertisement usage and user activities

A program guide system is provided in which interactive television program guide advertisement usage is monitored. Advertisement usage may be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are transmitted from a television distribution facility to user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored at the time at which advertisements are displayed by a program guide. Less important data may be filtered from the collected advertisement usage data. Other activities that may be monitored include the viewing activities of the user, which program guide screens are displayed, and which non-program-guide applications are used. Real-time ratings information (e. g., real-time ratings of the popularity of certain television programs, video games, or other applications) may be provided to users in real time.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

- 84 The present invention relates to a method for accessing video programs over an Internet link. The method comprises receiving a plurality of video programs 5 with user television equipment. The user television equipment outputs to a first display device, and the user television equipment is located at user site. The method involves providing the user with the opportunity to select a video program from the plurality of video 10 programs over the Internet link using a remote access device. The remote access device outputs to a second display device which is different from the first display device. The remote access device is remote from the user television equipment. The remote access device 15 communicates with the user television equipment over the Internet link. The method also comprises in response to receiving, at the user television equipment, a user selection of the video program from the remote access device over the Internet link, directing the user 20 television equipment to access the video program. The method further involves providing, from the user television equipment, the selected video program over the Internet link to the remote access device for output to the second display. Providing the user with the 25 opportunity to select a video program from the plurality of video programs over the Internet link using the remote access device further comprises receiving a generated - 85 television guide screen that identifies at least one video program; providing the generated television guide screen to the remote access device over the Internet link; and receiving a user selection of the at least one 5 video program from the remote access device.

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment (44) having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver (62) for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control (54), a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories stored in memory to determine which advertisements should be displayed. Those advertisements determined to be displayable based upon the comparison are then displayed.

Interactive television program guide system with local advertisements

A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Program guide system with combination category search

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

Program guide system with combination category search

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define "super-programs" for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Interactive television program guide system with local advertisements

Electronic Program Guide with Integrated Program Listings

Television message system

A method for using an interactive television program guide to provide a user with the ability to evaluate a television program, the method comprising: allowing the user to provide an evaluation of the television program that the user is currently watching using the interactive television program guide on user television equipment; and communicating the evaluation to a remote facility, wherein the remote facility uses the evaluation to generate an overall evaluation of the television program.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define "super-programs" for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment (44) having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver (62) for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control (54), a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories stored in memory to determine which advertisements should be displayed. Those advertisements determined to be displayable based upon the comparison are then displayed.

Program guide system with monitoring of advertisement usage and user activities

A program guide system is provided in which interactive television program guide advertisement usage is monitored. Advertisement usage may be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are transmitted from a television distribution facility to user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored at the time at which advertisements are displayed by a program guide. Less important data may be filtered from the collected advertisement usage data. Other activities that may be monitored include the viewing activities of the user, which program guide screens are displayed, and which non-program-guide applications are used. Real-time ratings information (e.g., real-time ratings of the popularity of certain television programs, video games, or other applications) may be provided to users in real time.

Method for accessing programs over a remote access link and Method for providing a program for a remote access device over a remote access link

método para acessar programas sobre um enlace de acesso remoto e método para proporcionar um programa para um dispositivo de acesso remoto sobre um enlace de acesso remoto. a presente invenção refere-se. a métodos para acessar programas de televisão sobre um enlace de acesso remoto que inclui a recepção de uma pluralidade de programas, a possibilidade de seleção de um programa, o direcionamento de um equipamento de televisão para acesso ao programa e o proporcionamento de um programa sobre o enlace de acesso remoto para um dispositivo de acesso remoto. a presente invenção refere-se ainda ao método para proporcionar um programa para um dispositivo de acesso remoto sobre um enlace de acesso remoto, em que o dispositivo de acesso remoto é conectado a um equipamento de guia de programa de televisão interativo por meio de uma ligação de acesso remoto, para prover a um usuário acesso remoto a funções de guia de programa. method for accessing programs over a remote access link and method for providing a program for a remote access device over a remote access link. The present invention relates. methods for accessing television programs over a remote access link that includes receiving a plurality of programs, selecting a program, directing television equipment for program access, and providing a program over the remote access link to a remote access device. The present invention further relates to the method of providing a program for a remote access device over a remote access link, wherein the remote access device is connected to an interactive television program guide equipment by means of a connection. remote access, to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Electronic program overview with digital storage

Program guide system with monitoring of advertisement usage and user activities

A method and system for providing real-time ratings to users, comprising: collecting real-time ratings information based on the activities of users at user television equipment; and displaying the real-time ratings information on the user television equipment in real time.

Television message system

television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users, at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Television message system

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Program guide system with combination category search

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

Program guide system with advertisements

Patente de Invenção: <B>"SISTEMA DE GUIA DE PROGRAMAS COM PROPAGANDAS"<D>. Um sistema de guia de programas de televisão interativo é proporcionado, no qual propagandas podem ser exibidas nas telas do guia de programas. Propagandas banner podem ser exibidas acima e abaixo das listagens de programa. Propagandas de painel podem ser proporcionadas adjacentes às listagens de programa. As propagandas podem conter vídeo. As propagandas podem ser utilizadas para promover programas de televisão e mercadorias e serviços convencionais. Quando um usuário seleciona uma propaganda, o guia de programas proporciona ao usuário uma oportunidade de encomendar produtos ou serviços, requisitar informações, estabelecer lembretes para programas futuros, ver descrições de programa, gravar programas, ou tomar outras ações. As propagandas embutidas podem ser proporcionadas dentro da região das listagens de programa e podem ser automaticamente exibidas imediatamente adjacentes às listagens de programa relacionadas.

Insertion of asynchronous data into a synchronous stream

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

Interactive television program guide with remote access

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to tire interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

Television message system

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Interactive television program guide system with local advertisements

A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Program overview system with advertising

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Un procedimiento para acceder a una guía de programas interactiva implementada en un equipo de televisión de usuario (22), comprendiendo el procedimiento: recibir una pluralidad de programas con el equipo de televisión de usuario (22); generar, en el equipo de televisión de usuario (22), una primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva de la guía de programas interactiva implementada en el equipo de televisión de usuario (22), donde la primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva incluye una pluralidad de listados de programas seleccionables; enviar, a través de un sistema de servicios de Internet (61) por un enlace de Internet (19), desde equipo de televisión de usuario hasta un dispositivo de acceso remoto (24) la primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva para visualizar en el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24); donde: el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24) está configurado para: visualizar la primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva, donde la primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva comprende listados de programas; y proporcionar al usuario la oportunidad de emitir remotamente un comando de usuario, en la primera pantalla de guía de programas interactiva en el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24), para seleccionar en el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24) programación de vídeo y/o audio de la guía de programas interactiva implementada en el equipo de televisión de usuario (22); y en respuesta a la recepción del comando de usuario del dispositivo de acceso remoto (24), dirigir la guía de programas interactiva implementada en el equipo de televisión de usuario (22) para transmitir la programación de vídeo y/o audio al dispositivo de acceso remoto (24) a través del enlace de Internet (19), desde el equipo de televisión de usuario (22) hasta el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24) para su visualización en el dispositivo de acceso remoto (24). A method for accessing an interactive program guide implemented in a user television equipment (22), ...

Insertion of asynchronous data into a synchronous stream

Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Program guide system with video window browsing

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program, a program guide display, and a program guide video window. A viewer may use the program guide video window to browse video of programs shown on the program guide display while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The program guide display may display video on demand (VOD) programs, programs to be broadcast in the future, and programs currently being broadcast on other channels. The viewer may browse through programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to swap audio and video signals back and forth between programs shown in the video window and programs shown on the background screen.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define "super-programs" for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Interactive television program guide system to determine user values for demographic categories

Patente de Invenção: <B>"SISTEMA DE GUIA DE PROGRAMA DE TELEVISãO INTERATIVO PARA DETERMINAR VALORES DO USUáRIO PARA CATEGORIAS DEMOGRáFICAS"<D>. Um sistema de guia de programa de televisão interativo para determinar valores de entrada do usuário para categorias demográfica é proporcionado. O sistema inclui equipamento de televisão do usuário (44) tendo um receptor para recebimento de informação de guia de programa para o guia de programa de televisão interativo, um receptor de entrada de usuário (62) para recebimento de entrada do usuário da interface de usuário, tal como um controle remoto (54), um microprocessador que utiliza a entrada de usuário recebida para determinar valores de usuário para categorias demográficas e memória para armazenamento dos valores de usuário determinados. Em um uso ilustrativo do sistema para endereçamento de publicidades para um usuário do guia de programa de televisão interativo, o receptor também recebe publicidades, onde as publicidades têm valores pré-selecionados para categorias demográficas especificadas. O equipamento de televisão do usuário, de preferência, usando microprocessador, compara os valores pré-selecionados para as categorias demográficas especificadas associadas com as publicidades com valores de categorias demográficas correspondentes armazenadas na memória, a fim de determinar que publicidades devem ser mostradas. Aquelas publicidades que foram determinadas serem mostráveis com base na comparação são, então, mostradas.

Interactive program guide system providing an application program interface for non-program guide applications

A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. Non-program-guide applications may be launched by the program guide application. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. The program guide application may run in the background while a non-program-guide application operates. The applications may be located at a remote location such as on a server at a cable system headend or on a server on the Internet. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions. Reminders may be set for the content of non-program-guide applications.

Television message system

A method for using an interactive television program guide to provide a user with the ability to evaluate a television program, the method comprising: allowing the user to provide an evaluation of the television program that the user is currently watching using the interactive television program guide on user television equipment; and communicating the evaluation to a remote facility, wherein the remote facility uses the evaluation to generate an overall evaluation of the television program.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment (44) having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver (62) for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control (54), a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories stored in memory to determine which advertisements should be displayed. Those advertisements determined to be displayable based upon the comparison are then displayed.

Program guide system with monitoring of advertisement usage and user activities

A program guide system is provided in which interactive television program guide advertisement is monitored. Advertisement usage may be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are transmitted from a television distribution facility to user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored by monitoring when advertisements are received by the user television equipment. Advertisement usage information may also be monitored at the time at which advertisements are displayed by a program guide. Less important data may be filtered from the collected advertisement usage data. Other activities that may be monitored include the viewing activities of the user, when program guide screens are displayed, and which non-program-guide applications are used. Real-time ratings information (eg real-time ratings of the popularity of certain television programs, video games or other applications) may be provided to users in real time.

Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories

Program Guide System with Advertisements

Systems and methods for providing a program as a gift using an interactive application

A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. Users can send messages through the television message system to users at personal computers who are connected to the user's television distribution facility through a communications network. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive televisio n program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected t o the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link t o provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

Interactive television program guide with remote access

An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM CONTENT

Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.

Television Message System