Method and apparatus for second screen control

A method for second screen control of an entertainment system device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a handheld electronic device having a display screen and adapted to communicate electronic data over at least one electronic data network;
• configuring the entertainment system device to communicate electronic data relating to operative functions, user interfaces, and playback functions of the entertainment system device to be remotely controlled over the at least one electronic data network;
• and
• configuring the handheld electronic device to communicate electronic data with said entertainment system device in real time, enabling said handheld electronic device to remotely control at least one of the operative functions, user interfaces, and playback functions of the entertainment system device.

A system for second screen control of an entertainment system device, comprising

• an electronic data network;
• an entertainment system device defined by a device which causes provider media content or other media content to be broadcast by a TV set, wherein said entertainment system device is configured to communicate electronic data relating to operative functions, user interfaces, and playback functions of the entertainment system device to be remotely controlled over the at least one electronic data network;
• and
• a handheld electronic device having a display screen and adapted to communicate electronic data over at least one electronic data network, wherein said handheld electronic device is configured to communicate electronic data with said entertainment system device in real time, enabling said handheld electronic device to remotely control at least one of the operative functions, user interfaces, and playback functions of the entertainment system device.