Video on demand system with parameter-controlled bandwidth deallocation

A method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device, said client device coupled to a programmable media services server device, said method comprising steps of:

• implementing an interactive media guide;
• implementing said client device to present said interactive media guide to said user;
• providing a system operator with an interface to said programmable media services server;
• and
• providing control options within said interface to allow said system operator to set a plurality of parameters concerning bandwidth usage;
• terminating a media session through said interactive media services system if one of a plurality of client device and system variables comprises a timeout, said timeout occurring when said media session has been in a stop state for a period equal to a stop timeout parameter configured as one of said plurality of parameters concerning bandwidth usage;
• and
• forcing said client device to present a main screen of said interactive media guide after said media session is fully terminated, allowing bandwidth to be allocated elsewhere.