A method and system are provided for identifying a television content item or a television channel desired by a television viewer from a set of television content items and television channels. A non-intrusive interface is provided to the viewer on a television display. The television viewer using the non-intrusive interface inputs a reduced text search entry directed at identifying a desired television content item or a television channel. The reduced text search entry includes one or more characters of a descriptor relating to the desired television content item or the television channel. The system dynamically identifies a group of television content items or television channels from the set of television content items and television channels matching the search entry as the television viewer enters each character of the reduced text search entry. The television content items or television channels of the group are ordered in accordance with one or more given criteria. The system displays on the non-intrusive interface identification of one or more of the television content items or television channels of the identified group as ordered.