Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Electronic program guide using markup language

Program guide system with browsing display

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Program guide system with monitoring of advertisement usage and user activities

Program guide system with flip and browse advertisements

Client-server electronic program guide

Video mix program guide

Interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household

Video clip program guide

Client-Server Based Interactive Television Program Guide System with Remote Server Recording

Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

Video clip program guide

método para uso em um sistema de guia de programação interativo para televisão cliente-servidor e sistema de guia de programação interativo para televisão cliente-servidor

Interactive scroll program guide

Interactive television program guide with simultaneous watch and record capabilities

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Interactive television program guide with on-demand data supplementation

Interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household

Interactive television program guide with on-demand data supplementation

Program guide system with advertisements

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Program guide system with preference profiles

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

Interactive Television Program Guide System Having Multiple Devices Within a Household

Video mix program guide

Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

Interactive scroll program guide

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE DEVICES WITHIN A HOUSEHOLD

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM AND PROCESS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide interactive program guide systems and processes related to thereof. SOLUTION: An interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to a viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, the program schedule information for a current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing a viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a non-restrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH REMOTE ACCESS

COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIA PROVIDING A PROGRAM GUIDE VIEWED WITH A PERCEIVED TRANSPARENCY OVER A TELEVISION PROGRAM

A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote superimposes portions of a scroll program guide over a basic programming signal for display on the viewer's display screen. A tuner has an input for receiving TV signals in a plurality of cable channels and an output for passing a signal of any selected one of said channels. A computer has an input for receiving any of a plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote and an output for controlling the tuner to pass the signal of the selected one of the channels in response to one of the plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote. The computer receives and stores a scroll input picture image signal containing local program guide data and generates a scroll output picture image signal consisting of at least a portion of the scroll input picture image signal. A combiner superimposes output picture image signal over the passed signal to provide a display signal for input to the viewer's display screen. The computer is responsive to control signals from the remote to cause the combiner to change the weight of the output picture image signal in relation to the passed signal. 1. Computer readable storage media comprising:instructions for superimposing an interactive program guide with a perceived partial transparency over a television program such that the television program can be at least partially perceived by a television viewer through the interactive program guide.2. The computer readable storage media of claim 1 , wherein the instructions allow variability of a weight of the transparency relative to a display image.3. The computer readable storage media of claim 2 , wherein the instructions allow a display of the percentage of the weight of the transparency.4. The computer readable storage media of claim 2 , wherein the instructions allow a user to vary the weight of the transparency.5. The computer readable storage media of claim 2 , wherein the instructions allow automatic setting 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 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. ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH BROWSING DISPLAY

An inter pap active television program guide system is provided in which a user may direct the program guide to display a browsing display screen. The browsing display screen includes a list of current programs including a movable highlight region, a video window containing a television program to which the system is currently tuned, and a detailed description of the highlighted program listing. The user may position the highlight region using remote control cursor keys. The user may then synchronize the content of the video window with the highlighted program listing by pressing a select key or a channel up or down key. If the user changes channels repeatedly using the channel up and down keys, the contents of the video window and the highlighted program listings remain in synchronization. 144-. (canceled)45. A method comprising:generating a simultaneous display of (1) plurality of program listings, (2) a first region configured to display a first type of content, and (3) a second region configured to display a second type of content;receiving a user input to navigate from a first of the plurality of program listings to a second of the plurality of program listings;changing content displayed in the first region to correspond to the second of the plurality of program listings in response to receiving the user input; anddetermining, based on the user input, whether to change content being displayed in the second region to correspond to the second of the plurality of program listings.46. The method of claim 45 , wherein the interactive program listings correspond to programs currently available for viewing.47. The method of claim 45 , wherein the first type of content includes detailed program description and wherein the second type of content includes a video.48. The method of claim 45 , wherein the determining comprises:in response to identifying the user input as a first command, changing content displayed in the second region to correspond to the second of the ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE USING MARKUP LANGUAGE

An interactive television program guide is provided. Program guide display elements are arranged and styled using markup language documents. These markup language documents may also indicate and select program guide functions. The program guide interprets the markup language documents and generates the display screens and program guide functionality without user intervention. The program guide may also be updated by supplying new markup language documents that modify display screens and program guide functionality. The markup language documents may be supplied by a main facility or a television distribution facility. 133-. (canceled)34. A method comprising:receiving, from a remote source, a markup language document with an interactive media guide implemented on user equipment device;updating the interactive media guide based on the markup language document using the user equipment device, wherein the update to the interactive media guide is associated with a functionality characteristic of the interactive media guide; andgenerating, with user equipment device, an interactive media guide display screen associated with the functionality characteristic of the updated interactive media guide.35. The method of wherein the interactive media guide display screen comprises a display element that executes the functionality characteristic of the updated interactive media guide in response to user input.36. The method of claim 34 , wherein the functionality characteristic of the updated interactive media guide causes a plurality of program listings displayed on the display screen to change in response to a user input.37. The method of claim 36 , wherein the displayed plurality of program listings change from being displayed on a portion of the screen having a first size to a portion of the screen having a second size claim 36 , where the second size is larger than the first size.38. The method of claim 36 , wherein the displayed plurality of program listings change from an ...

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 ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION GUIDE WITH SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 150-. (canceled)51. A method for providing users with access to respective directories of user recorded programs using a program guide , the method comprising:maintaining a user directory for each user, wherein each user directory reflects programs that have been recorded for the respective user; andenabling each user to access the user directory associated with the respective user using the program guide.52. The method of wherein the enabling each user to access the user directory comprises displaying the user directory associated with the respective user.53. The method of claim 51 , comprising enabling each user to indicate a desire to delete a selected recorded program.54. The method of further comprising deleting a user directory entry for the selected recorded program in response to a user indicating a desire to delete a selected recorded program if more than one user has requested the recorded program to be recorded.55. The method of further comprising deleting the selected recorded program in response to a user indicating a desire to delete a selected recorded program if only one user has requested the selected program to be recorded.56. The method of claim 51 , comprising enabling each user to select to play a recorded program that has been recorded by the respective user.57. The method of further comprising recording a particular program for a first one of the users while a second one of the users is accessing the second user's ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION GUIDE WITH SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A method for using an interactive program guide system , comprising:receiving a broadcast program;tuning to the broadcast program;temporarily storing the broadcast program on a server;receiving a user input after the broadcast program is tuned to; andin response to receiving the user input, allowing a user to watch a program temporarily stored at the server while the broadcast program is being broadcast, wherein the temporarily stored program corresponds to the broadcast program.331. The method of claim 330 , wherein the user is allowed to watch the stored program from a point prior to when the broadcast program was tuned to.332. The method of claim 331 , wherein the point prior is the start time of the broadcast program.333. The method of claim 330 , wherein the server is a remote server.334. The method of claim 330 , wherein the server is a local server.335. A system claim 330 , comprising:a server;user television equipment for implementing an interactive television program guide, wherein the user television equipment comprises processing circuitry configure to:receive a broadcast program;tune to the broadcast program;temporarily store the broadcast program on the server;receive a user input after the broadcast program is tuned to; andin response to receiving the user input, allow a user to watch a program temporarily stored at the server while the broadcast program is being broadcast, wherein the temporarily stored ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH SIMULTANEOUS WATCH AND RECORD CAPABILITIES

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user. 1199-. (canceled)200. User television equipment that allows a user to watch one television program on a viewing device while simultaneously recording another television program , said user television equipment comprising:a digital storage device;a first tuner coupled to said viewing device;a second tuner coupled to said digital storage device; and cause said viewing device to display a program guide display;', 'receive a user selection to watch a first television program indicated on said program guide display;', 'receive a user selection to record a second television program indicated on said program guide display;', 'cause said first tuner to tune to a channel corresponding to said first television program in order to cause said first television program to be displayed by said viewing device; and', 'cause said second tuner to tune to a channel corresponding to said second television program in order to cause said second television program to be recorded by said digital storage device,', 'wherein broadcast times of said first television program and said second television program overlap such that said first television program is ...

CLIENT-SERVER ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories. 1. (canceled)2. A method for use in a client-server interactive media guide system having a media guide server and an interactive media guide client running on user equipment , the method comprising:receiving at the media guide server from the user equipment, user preferences defined using the interactive media guide client accessed with the user equipment, wherein the user preferences include a designated level of like or dislike for each of a plurality of preference attributes;processing the user preferences received with the media guide server to find individualized media guide data based on the user preferences; andtransmitting the individualized media guide data from the media guide server to the media guide client according to the user preferences.3. The method defined in claim 2 , wherein receiving the user preferences comprises: 'in response to receiving the user selection of the first identifier, generating a display of a first plurality of preference attributes associated with the first identity, wherein the user designates a level of like or dislike for each of the first plurality of preference attributes of the generated display.', 'receiving a user selection of a first identifier; and'}4. The method defined in further comprising:receiving a user selection of ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE DEVICES WITHIN A HOUSEHOLD

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. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other 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. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated. 194-. (canceled)95. A method for coordinating a first interactive media guide and a second interactive media guide , the method comprising:receiving, from the first interactive media guide, a first indication of a first activity performed on a first user equipment device implementing the first interactive media guide, wherein the first activity is associated with a first program;receiving, from the second interactive media guide, a second indication of a second activity performed on a second user equipment device implementing the second interactive media guide, wherein the second activity is associated with a second program; andgenerating content, for display on the first interactive media guide, based on the first indication from the first interactive media guide and the second indication from the second interactive media guide.96. The method of further comprising storing claim 95 , in a central location claim 95 , a first identifier associated with the first indication and a second identifier associated with the second ...

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, ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION GUIDE WITH SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 150-. (canceled)51. A method for providing users at one or more user equipment devices with access to a program , the method comprising:storing the program at a media server;maintaining a first playback pointer for a first interactive program guide, wherein the first playback pointer points to a first portion of the stored program;maintaining a second playback pointer for a second interactive program guide, wherein the second playback pointer points to a second portion of the stored program;receiving a first playback request from the first interactive program guide implemented on a first user equipment to play back the program;modifying the first playback pointer at the media server and distributing a portion of the stored program, corresponding to the first playback pointer, to the first user equipment in response to receiving the first playback request;receiving a second playback request from the second interactive program guide implemented on a second user equipment to play back the program; andmodifying the second playback pointer at the media server and distributing a portion of the stored program, corresponding to the second playback pointer, to the second user equipment in response to receiving the second playback request.52. The method of claim 51 , further comprising:caching all of the stored program,wherein each of the first playback pointer and the second playback pointer points to the cached program.53. The method of claim 51 , ...

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES

Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. 129-. (canceled)30. A method of enabling a user to customize a channel display , the method comprising:storing identification information for a plurality of users in a storage device;requesting identification from a first user;receiving, from the first user, a selection of at least one channel to be included in a favorite channel list associated with the first user;receiving, from the first user, a selection of a favorite channel display mode;in response to receiving the selection of the favorite channel display mode from the first user, retrieving the favorite channel list associated with the first user; andgenerating, for display on a display device, the favorite channel list associated with the first user.31. The method of claim 30 , further comprising:receiving identification information from a first user.32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising:determining that the received identification information matches the stored identification information for at least one of the plurality of users prior to generating the favorite channel list associated with the at least one of the plurality of users.33. The method of claim 30 , ...

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 ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A method comprising:receiving, from a first user equipment associated with a first user, a first record request to record a first program;in response to receiving the first record request from the first user equipment, directing a first tuner of a plurality of tuners to tune to the first program;recording the first program received from the first tuner;receiving, from a second user equipment associated with a second user, a second record request to record a second program;in response to receiving the second record request from the second user equipment, directing a second tuner of the plurality of tuners to tune to the second programs, wherein the first tuner and the second tuner are located at a remote server; andrecording the second program received from the second tuner.331. The method of further comprising:maintaining a user directory for each user of a plurality of users including the first user and the second user; andwherein recording the first program comprises recording a copy of the first program to a first user directory of the plurality of user directories, andwherein recording the second program comprises recording a copy of the second program to a second user directory of the plurality of user directories.332. The method ofwherein recording the copy of the first program comprises recording the copy of the first program to a first storage device,wherein recording the copy of the second program comprises ...

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, ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH SERVER STORAGE

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A method comprising:receiving, with a remote server from a first user equipment associated with a user, a first playback request to playback an on-demand media asset;in response to receiving the playback request from the first user equipment, transmitting charge information to the first equipment to playback the on-demand media asset;receiving, with the remote server from the first user equipment, a request to store the on-demand media asset; andreceiving, with the remote server from a second user equipment associated with the user, a second playback request to playback the stored on-demand media asset.331. The method of claim 330 , further comprising:in response to receiving the request to store the on-demand media asset, transmitting charge information to the first user equipment.332. The method of claim 330 , further comprising:in response to receiving the second playback request, transmitting charge information to the second user equipment.333. The method of claim 330 , wherein the charge information comprises a subscription fee.334. The method of claim 333 , wherein the subscription fee is a flat fee.335. The method of claim 330 , wherein the charge information is based on a length of the requested on-demand media asset.336. The method of claim 330 , further comprising:in response to receiving the request to store the on-demand media asset, transmitting an indication to the first user equipment that the program ...

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 ...

INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A system for playing back programs , the system comprising: receive a record request to record a program on the first user equipment;', 'in response to receiving the record request, record the program on the first user equipment;', 'receive a request to play back the program from a second user equipment; and', 'in response to receiving the request to play back the program, transmit the program to the second user equipment; and, 'first processing circuitry configured to, 'a first user equipment, coupled to a first display screen configured to display video, comprising transmit the request to play back the program to the first user equipment;', 'receive the transmitted program from the first user equipment; and', 'generate the received program for display on the second display screen., 'second processing circuitry configured to, 'the second user equipment, coupled to a second display screen configured to display video, comprising331. The system of claim 330 , wherein the program is a broadcast program.332. The system of claim 330 , wherein the first user equipment further comprises:a set-top box; anda local media server connected to the set-top box.333. The system of claim 332 , wherein the local media server is a personal computer.334. The system of claim 330 , wherein the first processing circuitry is configured to:record the program on the first user equipment with media guidance data associated with the program.335. ...

CLIENT-SERVER ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories. 1. (canceled)2. A video guidance system for identifying unviewed video files associated with episodes of a series of episodes , comprising: [ a plurality of video files, wherein each video file of the plurality of video files is associated with a respective episode of a series of episodes and is associated with a respective program listing data structure, and', 'a plurality of viewing history data structures, wherein each viewing history data structure of the plurality of viewing history data structures is associated with a respective user of a plurality of users and comprises video file identifiers of video files previously viewed by the respective user, and, 'a database configured to store, receive, from a user equipment, a first request associated with a first user of the plurality of users, wherein the first request is for a first video file associated with a first video file identifier and associated with an episode of the series of episodes;', 'search the database for the first video file;', 'transmit, to the user equipment, the first video file;', 'search the database for a first viewing history data structure of the plurality of viewing history data structures, wherein the first viewing history data structure is associated with the first user;', 'update the first ...

SERIES REMINDERS AND SERIES RECORDING FROM AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict. 1. (canceled)2. A method for resolving storage conflicts among media assets using a media application implemented at least partially on control circuitry , the method comprising:receiving, with the media application, a first request to schedule storage of a first media asset;receiving, with the media application, a second request to schedule storage of a second media asset;identifying, with the media application, a conflict between the first and the second requests; ...

SERIES REMINDERS AND SERIES RECORDING FROM AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict. 1. (canceled)2. A method comprising:receiving, with an interactive media application, program data for a plurality of programs, wherein the program data includes series information indicating which of the plurality of programs are episodes of a series of programs;determining, using the interactive media application, based on the series information, whether a given program of the plurality of programs is an episode of the series of programs; andafter determining that ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR UPDATING FUNCTIONALITY OF A SET-TOP BOX USING MARKUP LANGUAGE

An interactive television program guide is provided. Program guide display elements are arranged and styled using markup language documents. These markup language documents may also indicate and select program guide functions. The program guide interprets the markup language documents and generates the display screens and program guide functionality without user intervention. The program guide may also be updated by supplying new markup language documents that modify display screens and program guide functionality. The markup language documents may be supplied by a main facility or a television distribution facility. 133-. (canceled)34. A method comprising:generating for display, with a set-top box, a display screen having a first display characteristic, wherein the first display characteristic and a second display characteristic is preprogrammed on the set-top box;receiving, with the set-top box, a markup language document from a remote source,wherein the markup language document includes an instruction for using the second display characteristic;automatically selecting the second display characteristic based on the markup language document;replacing the first display characteristic with the second display characteristic; andgenerating for display, with the set-top box, the display screen having the second display characteristic.35. The method of claim 34 , wherein automatically selecting further comprises identifying a tag corresponding to an instruction to use the second display characteristic by automatically parsing the markup language document.36. The method of claim 34 , wherein replacing the first display characteristic comprises replacing a displayed plurality of program listings on a first portion of the display screen having a first size by a plurality of program listings on a second portion of the screen having a second size claim 34 , where the second size is larger than the first size.37. The method of claim 34 , wherein replacing the first display ...

SERIES REMINDERS AND SERIES RECORDING FROM AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict. 1. (canceled)2. A set top box comprising: receive a data stream from the television distribution facility including series information data for a plurality of programs that indicates which programs are episodes of a series of programs; and', 'receive a video stream of a program from the television distribution facility at a future scheduled time;, 'a receiver operatively communicating with a television distribution facility via a link and configured to determine ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH SIMULTANEOUS WATCH AND RECORD CAPABILITIES

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user. 1199-. (canceled)200. User television equipment that allows a user to watch one television program on a viewing device while simultaneously recording another television program , said user television equipment comprising:a digital storage device;switching circuitry;a first tuner dynamically coupled to said viewing device and coupled to the switching circuitry;a second tuner dynamically coupled to said digital storage device and coupled to the switching circuitry; andan interactive television program guide implemented on said user television equipment, said interactive television program guide configured to:cause said viewing device to display a program guide display;receive a user selection to watch a first television program indicated on said program guide display;receive a user selection to record a second television program on said program guide display;provide, in a first setting of said interactive television program guide an output from said first tuner to said viewing device, and an output from said second tuner to said digital storage device in order to:cause said first tuner to tune to a channel corresponding to said first ...

CLIENT-SERVER ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories. 1. (canceled)2. A video guidance system for identifying unviewed video files , comprising: [ a plurality of video files,', 'a plurality of program listing data structures, wherein each program listing data structure of the plurality of program listing data structures is associated with a respective video file of the plurality of video files, and wherein each program listing data structure comprises a respective video file identifier associated with the respective video file,', 'a plurality of viewing history data structures, wherein each viewing history data structure of the plurality of viewing history data structures is associated with a respective user of a plurality of users and comprises video file identifiers of video files previously viewed by the respective user, and', 'a plurality of user profile data structures, wherein each user profile data structure is associated with a respective user of the plurality of users and comprises a preference level for at least one attribute; and, 'a database configured to store, receive, from a user equipment, a request associated with a first user of the plurality of users, wherein the request is for a first video file, and wherein the request comprises a first video file identifier of the first video file;', 'search the ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REMOTE SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A system comprising a first user equipment , and the first user equipment comprising: first communications circuitry configured to transmit packets to and receive packets from a first communications path; and', receive a record command to record the media asset;', 'based on receiving the record command, transmit the record command to a remote server, wherein the record command causes the remote server to record the media asset to second storage circuitry of the remote server;', 'receive a pause command to pause playback of the media asset;', 'based on receiving the pause command, temporarily store the media asset at the first user equipment using the first storage circuitry, while the media asset is being recorded to the second storage circuitry of the remote server;', 'receive a resume command to resume playback of the media asset;', retrieve the media asset from the first storage circuitry;', 'generate for display the media asset;, 'based on receiving the resume command, 'receive a play back command to play back the recorded media asset; and', receive the recorded media asset from the remote server;', 'play back the recorded media asset received from the remote server., 'based on receiving the play back command], 'first control circuitry configured to], 'first storage circuitry configured to store a media asset;'}331. The system of claim 330 , wherein the record command transmitted to the remote server causes the ...

SERIES REMINDERS AND SERIES RECORDING FROM AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict. 1. (canceled)2. A system for generating reminders for new program episodes in a series of program episodes , the system comprising: transmit, using the communication link, a video stream of a program episode to the control circuitry;', a first indicator indicating that the program episode is part of a series of program episodes, and', 'a second indicator indicating that the program episode is a new program episode;, 'maintain a program listings database including ...

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 ...

Client-server based interactive guide with server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Client-server based interactive guide with server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Selecting a Media Content Source Based on Monetary Cost

Systems and methods of selecting a media content source based on monetary cost are disclosed. A particular method includes receiving media content at a network device and sending the media content from the network device to each of a plurality of source devices configured to provide the media content to a destination device. The method further includes receiving a request for the media content from the destination device and selecting a first source device of the plurality of source devices to provide the media content to the destination device based at least in part on a determination that a first monetary cost associated with providing the media content from the first source device is less than a second monetary cost associated with providing the media content from a second source device of the plurality of source devices. 1. A method comprising:receiving media content at a network device, wherein the media content includes a first adaptive bitrate rendition (ABR) chunk and a second ABR chunk;sending the media content from the network device to each of a plurality of source devices;receiving, at the network device, a request for the media content from a destination device distinct from the network device;determining at a first time, by the network device based on pricing tier data stored at the network device, that a first monetary cost associated with providing the media content from a first source device of the plurality of source devices is less than a second monetary cost associated with providing the media content from a second source device of the plurality of source devices;in response to determining at the first time that the first monetary cost is less than the second monetary cost, sending by the network device a first notification that the first source device is to provide the first ABR chunk of the media content to the destination device;after sending the first notification, determining at a second time, by the network device based on pricing tier data ...

Routing Media Content Based on Monetary Cost

Systems and methods of routing media content based on monetary cost are disclosed. A particular method includes receiving, at a network device coupled to a plurality of media delivery networks, media content to be provided to a destination device. The method also includes selecting a first media delivery network of the plurality of media delivery networks for routing the media content based at least in part on a determination that a first monetary cost associated with routing the media content through the first media delivery network is less than a second monetary cost associated with routing the media content through a second media delivery network of the plurality of media delivery networks. The method further includes routing the media content from the network device to the first media delivery network.

Automatically Publishing Streams to Multiple Destinations

Systems and methods of automatically publishing a stream to multiple destinations are disclosed. A media server receives a stream and identifies a plurality of entries in a publishing map stored at the media server, where the each of the plurality of entries is associated with the stream. A first entry of the plurality of entries identifies a first publishing destination and a second entry of the plurality of entries identifies a second publishing destination that is different from the first publishing destination. The media server automatically publishes the stream to the first publishing destination and to the second publishing destination. 1. A method comprising:receiving a live stream at a media server;identifying a plurality of entries in a publishing map stored at the media server, wherein each of the plurality of entries is associated with the live stream, wherein each entry in the publishing map identifies a publishing profile, and wherein at least one publishing profile includes a default value for a configuration attribute, wherein a first entry of the plurality of entries identifies a first publishing destination, and wherein a second entry of the plurality of entries identifies a second publishing destination that is different from the first publishing destination; andautomatically publishing the live stream to the first publishing destination and to the second publishing destination.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the live stream includes audio content claim 1 , video content claim 1 , or a combination thereof.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining that an entry in the publishing map is associated with the live stream based on a match between a name of the live stream and a stream name stored in the entry.42. The method of claim 1 , wherein publishing the live stream to a particular publishing destination includes sending the live stream to the particular publishing destination using a real time messaging protocol (RTMP) claim 1 , ...

CLIENT-SERVER ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories. 1. (canceled)2. A method for maintaining a database of program recommendations based on user preferences comprising: a narrow preference scope metric, moderate preference scope metric, and wide preference scope metric, and', a first subset of program guide attributes associated with a preference attribute comprising a level of like or dislike;', 'a second subset of program guide attributes associated with a preference attribute indicating whether respective program guide attributes of the second subset are required;', 'a third subset of program guide attributes associated with a preference attribute indicating whether respective program guide attributes of the third subset are disallowed;, 'a plurality of program guide attributes comprising], 'retrieving a plurality of entries from a database of program guide data, wherein each entry of the database comprises determining whether the second subset of program guide attributes are associated with a preference attribute indicating that the program guide attributes of the second subset are required, and whether the third subset of program guide attributes are associated with a preference attribute indicating that the program guide attributes of the third subset are disallowed; and', 'based on determining that the second subset ...

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REMOTE SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A system for searching for programs using a text box , the system comprising: 'a first communications circuitry configured to:', 'a user equipment comprisingtransmit search information to a server;transmit a request to access an on-demand program to the server; and generate for display a search region that includes the text box, wherein the text box allows users to input the search information;', 'receive, via the text box, the search information;', 'transmit, to the server by the first communications circuitry, the received search information;', 'receive, from the server by the first communications circuitry, a set of identifier information comprising identifier information for a scheduled broadcast program and identifier information for the on-demand program, wherein the on-demand program is different from the scheduled broadcast program, and wherein the scheduled broadcast program and the on-demand program are associated with the search information;', 'generate for display the set of identifier information comprising the identifier information for the scheduled broadcast program and the identifier information for the on-demand program;', 'receive a selection of the identifier information for the on-demand program from the displayed set of identifier information;', 'in response to receiving the selection of the identifier information for the on-demand program, transmit, to the server by the first communications ...

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 , ...

SERIES REMINDERS AND SERIES RECORDING FROM AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict. 1. (canceled)2. User equipment comprising:a storage configured to store program listings for programs associated with a plurality of channels;a user input interface configured to receive a user selection of a program; and 'identify a series of programs associated with the selected program from the stored program listings; and', 'control circuitry configured toschedule for recording a subset of the series of programs, wherein the subset includes a plurality of ...

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 ...

Series reminders and series recording from an interactive television program guide

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict.

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 ...

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH SERVER RECORDING

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. 1329-. (canceled)330. A method comprising:receiving from a first user equipment, over a communications path using Internet Protocol (IP), a first record request to record a media asset on a server;processing the first record request;recording a plurality of copies of the media asset on the server, based on the received first record request, in a plurality of formats;receiving from the first user equipment, over the communications path using IP, a first playback request to playback a copy of the media asset in a first respective format of the plurality of formats;causing the copy of the media asset in the first respective format to be transmitted to the first user equipment based on receiving the first playback request.331. The method of claim 330 , wherein the server is a remote server on a different network from the first user equipment.332. The method of claim 330 , wherein the server is a local server on a same network as the first user equipment.333. The method of claim 330 , wherein the plurality of formats comprises audio formats and video formats.334. The method of claim 333 , wherein the audio formats comprise at least one of mono claim 333 , stereo claim 333 , and surround sound formats claim 333 , and wherein the video formats comprise at least one of standard definition claim 333 , high definition claim 333 , wide screen claim 333 , and narrow screen formats.335. The method of claim 330 , wherein the recording of the plurality of ...

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE DEVICES WITHIN A HOUSEHOLD

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. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other 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. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated. 127-. (canceled)28. A method for ordering a program , the method comprising:generating, using a first interactive program guide on a first device, a display of a first plurality of program listings;receiving, from a user at the first device using the first interactive program guide on the first device, a user selection of a program available for ordering, wherein the user selection includes a selection of a first program listing associated with the program from the first plurality of program listings;transmitting an indication of the program to a remote server located remote from the first device, wherein the remote server stores user settings indicating that the program has been ordered by the user;transmitting data to the second device indicating that the program has been ordered by the user; andresponsive to receiving the data at the second device, making the program available for consumption by the user by a second interactive program guide implemented on the second device, wherein the second interactive program guide ...

Interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household

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.

Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

Abstract The present invention relates to a method for use in an interactive program guide system for providing a 5 customized viewing experience to a user. The method comprises generating a viewing history for the user comprising program listings and associated program criteria. The viewing history is stored to a viewing history database. The method comprises determining at 10 least one of the associated program criteria from the viewing history that meets a user preference profile of the user. The at least one of the associated program criteria is applied to a program listings database to determine a first set of programs. The method comprises 15 determining from the first set of programs, a second set of programs not yet watched, to generate at least one personal viewing recommendation. The personal viewing recommendation is provided to the user.

Electronic program guide using markup language

An interactive television program guide is provided. Program guide display elements are arranged and styled using markup language documents. These markup language documents may also indicate and select program guide functions. The program guide interprets the markup language documents and generates the display screens and program guide functionality without user intervention. The program guide may also be updated by supplying new markup language documents that modify display screens and program guide functionality. The markup language documents may be supplied by a main facility or a television distribution facility.

Client-server electronic program guide

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.

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

Series reminders and series recording from an interactive television program guide

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict.

INTERACTIVE GUIDE SYSTEM OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS THAT HAVE MULTIPLE DEVICES INSIDE A HOUSE.

Un método para utilizar un sistema de guía de programa de televisión interactiva con base en un primer y segundo dispositivo de equipos de televisión de usuario dentro de una casa, dicho primer y segundo dispositivos de equipo de televisión de usuario que implementan las primeras y segundas guías de programas de televisión interactiva respectivos, en donde el segundo dispositivo de equipo de televisión comprende un dispositivo de grabación, el método comprende: Interconectar el primer y segundo dispositivo de equipo de televisión de usuario mediante una ruta de comunicación; Recibir la primera guía de programa de televisión interactiva una selección de usuario de un programa para grabar; Coordinar el primer y segundo dispositivo de equipo de televisión de usuario sobre la ruta de comunicaciones, de tal manera que la selección sobre la primera guía del programa de televisión interactivo es efectiva sobre la segunda guía de programa de televisión interactivo; Grabar bajo el control de la segunda guía de programa de televisión interactivo, el programa seleccionado en el dispositivo de grabación, en donde el segundo dispositivo de equipo de televisión de usuario esta en un sitio remoto del primer dispositivo del equipo de televisión de usuario.

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.

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Interactive programme guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program schedule guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a non-restrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

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 client-server television program guide system with remote server recording

Método para su uso en un sistema de guía de programas de televisión interactiva que proporciona a unapluralidad de usuarios acceso a programas en una pluralidad de equipos de usuario configurados parapresentar vídeo desde un servidor, comprendiendo el método: proporcionar vídeo a la pluralidad de equipos de usuario desde un dispositivo de almacenamiento;grabar un programa en el servidor, en respuesta a recibir una petición de grabación para grabar elprograma, en el que la petición de grabación se genera por un usuario que usa una guía de programasde televisión interactiva en un equipo de usuario de la pluralidad de equipos de usuario;crear una entrada para el programa grabado en un directorio de usuario de programas grabados por elusuario; recibir una petición de borrado generada por el usuario que usa la guía de programas de televisióninteractiva y, en respuesta a la petición de borrado; borrar la entrada para el programa en el directorio de usuario, si más de un usuario había pedido lagrabación del programa seleccionado; y borrar el programa del servidor si sólo un usuario había pedido la grabación del programa seleccionado yactualizar el directorio de usuario en consecuencia. Method for use in an interactive television program guide system that provides a plurality of users with access to programs on a plurality of user equipment configured to present video from a server, the method comprising: providing video to the plurality of user equipment from a storage device; record a program on the server, in response to receiving a recording request to record the program, in which the recording request is generated by a user using an interactive television program guide on a user equipment of the plurality of user equipment; create an entry for the program recorded in a user directory of programs recorded by the user; receive a delete request generated by the user using the interactive television program guide and, in response to the delete request; delete the entry for ...

Series reminders and series recording from an interactive television program guide

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict.

Interactive multi-device television program guide system in one household

Electronic program guide using markup language

Patente de Invenção: <B>"GUIA ELETRôNICO DE PROGRAMA UTILIZANDO LINGUAGEM DE MARCAçãO"<D>. é proporcionado um guia de programa de televisão interativo. Os elementos de exibição do guia de programa são dispostos e estilizados utilizando-se documentos de linguagem de marcação. Estes documentos da linguagem de marcação também podem indicar e selecionar as funções do guia de programa. O guia de programa interpreta os documentos da linguagem de marcação e gera as telas de exibição e a funcionalidade do guia de programa sem intervenção do usuário. O guia de programa também pode ser suprido com documentos de linguagem de marcação novos que modificam as telas de exibição e a funcionalidade do guia de programa. Os documentos da linguagem de marcação podem ser fornecidos por uma instalação principal ou por uma instalação de distribuição de televisão.

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

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 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.

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.

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Video mixing schedule guide

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

Video mix program guide

A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote superimposes portions of a scroll program guide over a basic programming signal for display on the viewer's display screen. A tuner has an input for receiving TV signals in a plurality of cable channels and an output for passing a signal of any selected one of said channels. A computer has an input for receiving any of a plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote and an output for controlling the tuner to pass the signal of the selected one of the channels in response to one of the plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote. The computer receives and stores a scroll input picture image signal containing local program guide data and generates a scroll output picture image signal consisting of at least a portion of the scroll input picture image signal. A combiner superimposes output picture image signal over the passed signal to provide a display signal for input to the viewer's display screen. The computer is responsive to control signals from the remote to cause the combiner to change the weight of the output picture image signal in relation to the passed signal.

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.

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

Client-server electronic program guide

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.

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 in which television programs are recorded and played back on demand by a remote media server for a number of users and a method for use on the system

sistema de guia de programas de televisão interativo e método para utilização em um sistema de guia de programas de televisão interativo. a presente invenção refere-se a um sistema de guia de programas de televisão interativo (10). um guia de programas de televisão interativo provê os usuários com um oportunidade de selecionar os programas para gravar em um servidor de mídia remoto (24). os programas podem também ser gravados em um servidor de mídia local (29). o guia de programas provê os usuários com um controle como vcr sobre os programas que são repro-duzidos dos servidores de mídia e sobre as cópias colocadas em cache em tempo real dos programas. o guia de programas também provê os usuários com uma oportunidade de designar recebedores presentes para quem os programas podem ser gravados. interactive television program guide system and method for use in an interactive television program guide system. The present invention relates to an interactive television program guide system (10). An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs to record on a remote media server (24). programs can also be recorded on a local media server (29). the program guide provides users with vcr control over programs that are played back from media servers and real-time cached copies of programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients to whom programs can be recorded.

Interactive Television Program Guide System Having Multiple Devices Within A Household

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. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other 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. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household

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. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide settings include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorite features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Interactive program guide systems and processes

Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

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), ...

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

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.

Client-server electronic program guide

A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

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.

Program Guide System with Advertisements