Abstract:
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.
Abstract:
An enhanced radio system is disclosed that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. A user may tune to a station, scan through stations, rewind through missed content (even while the system is off), and fast-forward through undesired content, while downloading and uploading audio content, and sending content to another user. A user may rate content, and be notified when that content is played on any station, with undesirable content skipped and desirable content saved, or station recommendations made. Support for multiple sets of configuration information to allow use by multiple listeners and in multiple locations may be provided. Optionally provided are security features to prevent the unauthorized downloading, uploading, and saving of copies of content, other radio related and content related information, a karaoke mode, integration with a telephone with the radio, or reporting of usage information to a collection facility.
Abstract:
A method, system, media, and apparatus are directed to radio recording. Radio stations are simultaneously recorded based on a radio parameter including a processing parameter, a memory usage or allocation, a recording status, or the like. The radio parameter is adapted for an individual station, some radio stations, or all radio stations. The processing parameter is adapted based on a processor usage. The memory usage is adapted based on a memory requirement of a station being recorded. A station may be suspended from recording based on a loss of a signal and resumed based on a resumption of the signal. An access to a radio content recorded while a signal was available may be provided, if the signal is unavailable. The plurality of stations may be prioritized.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing enhanced channel flipping are disclosed. A user may selectively mark and unmark channels as temporary favorite channels. These channels may be dynamically added or removed from the channel changing or channel flipping sequence. Unauthorized channels and channels locked by parental controls may also be automatically removed from the channel flipping sequence. A plurality of custom channel flipping sequences may be maintained on the user equipment device. Users may access any of these custom channel flipping sequences in order to flip only through the channels associated with the custom sequence. Channels in the flipping sequence may also be pre-tuned in order to reduce delays associated with tuning.
Abstract:
The present invention relates an interactive media guidance application that provides channel groups. Channel groups may include media channels, such as television channels, radio stations, Internet web sites, etc. Channel groups may be organized around a common characteristic, by utilizing user profile information, and by human editorial selection (e.g., by a service provider or by a user). The guidance application provides information on the channel groups, including media listings, reminders, pending and completed recordings, purchased programs, and previously accessed programs for the channel group. The guidance application enables the user to focus a guidance application function on the channel group. In response to a user initiation to execute the function on the channel group, the function may be executed on all the media channels belonging to the channel group. Information on the channel group and access to functions that are executable on the channel group may be concentrated in a channel group portal screen of the guidance application.
Abstract:
Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application (“application”) may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recordings, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming. Television content may be automatically paused when a user is engaged in using the application. Multiple IPGs for different users of a PVR may be implemented. Other PVR related features are also provided.
Abstract:
A method, device, system, and media are directed to controlling a multi-tuner radio. A voice command may be received and/or filtered. An operation of the radio may be modified based on the voice command. A gesture input may be received through a gesture pad. Another operation of the multi-tuner radio may be modified based on the received gesture input. A fingerprint may be recognized with a gesture pad. A user may be authenticated based on the recognized fingerprint. The operation or the other operation may be personalized based on the fingerprint. User training may be provided for the gesture input.
Abstract:
An interactive television program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide is implemented on user television equipment containing a memory. The system allocates the memory among different categories of program guide data used by the program guide. When new channels are added to the channel line-up, the program guide adjusts its memory allocation accordingly. When it is desired to install a new non-program-guide application on the user television equipment in addition to the program guide, memory can be reallocated to accommodate the new application.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program.