Channel control system for exiting from an interactive program guide
OwnerDean F. Jerding, Robert O. Banker +1inventors
InventorsDean F. Jerding, Robert O. Banker, Arturo A. Rodriguez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for browsing and viewing television programs while viewing a television program guide. In other words, a user is able to remain inside the program guide while viewing various television programs. In another aspect, a server system operator is provided an interface with flexible options for configuring user controls for viewing television programs while inside program guides in client devices.
Claims8
A method for providing video content via a television, comprising the steps of:
- providing a user with a menu that includes a plurality of options corresponding to respective control settings for controlling functionality of a channel navigation key, wherein the menu is displayed via the television;
- receiving a first user input corresponding to one of the plurality of options that is configured to a first conditional terminate provision of an interactive program guide (IPG) having a plurality of television program listings;
- providing the IPG;
- receiving a second conditional user input corresponding to the channel navigation key;
- and
- responsive to receiving the second conditional user input and responsive to having previously received the first conditional user input:
- terminating providing of the IPG;
- and
- providing a video presentation.
A method for providing video content via a television, comprising the steps of:
- providing a user with a menu that includes a plurality of options corresponding to respective control settings for controlling functionality of numeral input keys, wherein the menu is displayed via the television;
- receiving a first user input corresponding to one of the plurality of options that is configured to a first conditional terminate provision of an interactive program guide (IPG) having a plurality of television program listings;
- providing the IPG;
- receiving a second conditional user input corresponding to at least one of the numeral input keys;
- and
- responsive to receiving the second conditional user input and responsive to having previously received the first conditional user input:
- terminating provision of the IPG;
- and
- providing a video presentation.
A television set-top terminal (STT) configured to output video signals to a television, the STT comprising:
- at least one tuner configured to receive video signals corresponding to video presentations;
- memory having stored therein program code;
- and
- at least one processor that is programmed by the program code to enable the STT to:
- provide a user with a menu that includes a plurality of options corresponding to respective control settings for controlling functionality of a channel navigation key, wherein the menu is displayed via the television;
- receive a first user input corresponding to one of the plurality of options that is configured to a first conditional terminate provision of an interactive program guide (IPG) having a plurality of television program listings;
- provide the IPG;
- receive a second conditional user input corresponding to the channel navigation key;
- and
- responsive to receiving the second conditional user input and responsive to having previously received the first conditional user input:
- terminate provision of the IPG;
- and
- provide a video presentation.
A television set-top terminal (STT) configured to output video signals to a television, the STT comprising:
- at least one tuner configured to receive video signals corresponding to video presentations;
- memory having stored therein program code;
- and
- at least one processor that is programmed by the program code to enable the STT to:
- provide a user with a menu that includes a plurality of options corresponding to respective control setting for controlling functionality of numeral input keys, wherein the menu is displayed via the television;
- receive a first user input corresponding to one of the plurality of options that is configured to a first conditional terminate provision of an interactive program guide (IPG) having a plurality of television program listings;
- provide the IPG;
- receive a second conditional user input corresponding to at least one of the numeral input keys;
- and
- responsive to receiving the second conditional user input and responsive to having previously received the first conditional user input:
- terminate provision of the IPG;
- and
- provide a video presentation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.