Graphical tuning bar for a multi-program data stream

A graphical user interface for use in selecting and displaying programs parsed from a multi-program data stream, comprising:

• a tuning segment having an elongated graphic bar that is dynamically sub-divided into a plurality of contiguous regions based on a number of programs authorized for displays to a particular user, wherein each of the regions uniquely corresponds to one of the number of programs authorized for display and wherein each of the regions uniquely corresponds to one of a plurality of numeric identifiers that is transmitted within data packets of the multi-program data stream that contain data pertaining to a respective one of the number of programs.

A graphical user interface for use within a satellite communication system, the graphical user interface compromising:

• a video/audio display area that is adapted to displays one of a plurality of programs parsed from a multi-program data stream;
• and
• a graphical tuning area that has been dynamically sub-divided into a plurality of contiguous regions based on a number of programs within the multi-program data stream that are authorized for viewing by a particular user, wherein each of the plurality of regions uniquely corresponds to one of the number of programs authorized for viewing by the particular user, and wherein each of the plurality of regions is uniquely associated with one of a plurality of numeric identifiers, each of which is transmitted within data packets containing information video information pertaining to a respective one of the number of programs.