Synchronous multi-platform content consumption

A method of providing secondary program content to a consumer of a corresponding primary time-based video content, the method comprising;

• using a secondary device to receive over a local network data specifying the secondary program content, wherein the local network is connected to the secondary device and to a companion unit, wherein the companion unit is connected to a set-top box and to a primary display for displaying the primary time-based video content, and wherein the data specifying the secondary program content is transmitted over the local network by the companion unit;
• displaying on the secondary device an indication of the secondary program content substantially synchronously with displaying a portion of the primary time-based video content associated with the secondary program content;
• enabling a user of the secondary device to select the indication of the secondary content, thereby causing the secondary device to request the secondary program content;
• receiving the secondary program content at the secondary device;
• and
• displaying the secondary program content on the secondary device.

A computer program product comprising:

• storage including instructions for a processor to execute, such that when the processor executes the instructions, a process for providing secondary program content to a consumer of a corresponding primary time-based program is performed, the process comprising:
• over a local network, receiving at a secondary device data specifying secondary program content, wherein the local network is connected to the secondary device and to a set-top box connected to a primary display for displaying the primary video program, and wherein the data specifying secondary program content is transmitted over the local network by the set-top box;
• displaying on the secondary device an indication of the specified secondary program content substantially synchronously with display on the primary display of a portion of the primary video program associated with the specified secondary program content;
• enabling the consumer to select on the secondary device the indication of the secondary content, thereby causing the secondary device to request the secondary program content;
• receiving the secondary program content at the secondary device;
• and
• displaying the secondary program content on the secondary device.

A portable device comprising:

• a processor for executing instructions;
• a network input connected to the processor;
• a user input device connected to the processor;
• a display connected to the processor;
• a memory connected to the processor, the memory including instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the portable device to implement a process for providing secondary program content to a consumer of a corresponding primary time-based program, the process comprising:
• receiving over a local network via the network input data specifying the secondary program content, wherein the local network is connected to the portable device and to a set-top box connected to a primary display for displaying the primary time-based program, and wherein the data specifying the secondary program content is transmitted over the local network by the set-top box;
• displaying on the display an indication of the secondary program content substantially synchronously with a display on the primary display of a portion of the primary time-based program associated with the secondary program content;
• enabling the consumer to select on the portable device the indication of the secondary content using the user input device, thereby causing the portable device to request the secondary program content via the local network;
• receiving via the network input the secondary program content;
• and
• displaying the secondary program content on the display.