System and method for enhanced video selection
AssigneeTiVo Inc.
InventorSeth Haberman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director etc. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.
Claims21
(canceled)
A method comprising:
- receiving a search request for a media asset, wherein the search request comprises a search category;
- identifying a plurality of media assets related to the received search request, wherein each identified media asset includes at least one still image and one video clip;
- automatically cuing playing of the video clips associated with the plurality of identified media assets;
- playing a first representative clip from a first media asset, from the plurality of identified media assets, based on the automatic cuing;
- detecting a bandwidth shortage prior to automatically playing a second representative clip from a second media asset, from the plurality of identified media assets;
- and
- in response to detecting the bandwidth shortage, switching from playing the second representative clip to displaying a still image associated with second media asset.
A system comprising:
- input/output circuitry configured to:
- receive a search request for a media asset, wherein the search request comprises a search category;
- identify a plurality of media assets related to the received search request, wherein each identified media asset includes at least one still image and one video clip;
- automatically cue playing of the video clips associated with the plurality of identified media assets;
- play a first representative clip from a first media asset, from the plurality of identified media assets, based on the automatic cuing;
- detect a bandwidth shortage prior to automatically playing a second representative clip from a second media asset, from the plurality of identified media assets;
- and
- in response to detecting the bandwidth shortage, switch from playing the second representative clip to displaying a still image associated with second media asset.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.