Method and device for receiving and providing programs

An apparatus for conserving resources associated with packet television services comprising:

• a first interface adapted to receive television content from a content provider over a packet network;
• a second interface adapted to provide the television content to a television monitor for display to a viewer;
• and
• a control system associated with the first and second interfaces and adapted to:
• determine if a resource conserving process should be activated, wherein the resource conserving process determines if an action to conserve resources associated with transporting the television content over the packet network should be performed;
• if the resource conserving process should be activated:
• determine whether the viewer is watching the television monitor;
• and
• initiate the action to conserve resources associated with transporting the television content over the packet network upon determining that the viewer is not watching the television monitor, wherein initiating the action to conserve resources comprises sending instructions to the content provider to halt delivery of a video portion of the television content, wherein the television content delivered after sending the instructions does not comprise the video portion;
• if the resource conserving process should not be activated:
• allow for continued providing of the television content.