Abstract: In order to efficiently utilize the limited transmission bandwidth of a communications network, e.g., a cable network, guide data for constructing an interactive program guide (IPG) is delivered to a set-top terminal using different methodologies. For example, the guide data associated with those programs which are likely of interest to a user is automatically provided piecemeal in a broadcast stream. The set-top terminal, along with other terminals, may retrieve from such a broadcast stream some or all of the guide data therein over time, which is cached in the terminal in anticipation of a user's invocation of an IPG. On the other hand, the guide data associated with those programs which are less likely of interest to a user is furnished upon request by the set-top terminal needing such guide data to realize an IPG desired by the user. In addition, guide data for each program may be divided into detail guide data providing details of the program (e.g.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of generating a program signal stream comprises creating a sequence of serial programs that include a first event and a second, later occurring event and inserting a plurality of messages in the sequence of serial programs, between the first event and the 5 second event. The messages may be indicative of a time to the second event, as measured from each respective message of an elapsed time since the first event, to each respective message. Alternatively or in addition, the messages may be at equal time intervals between the first event and second events. The first and second events may be the start and end of a program or a program portion, such as a chapter, an advertisement, unscheduled content or an 10 entire program, for example. At least one message indicative of the time to the second event may be inserted in the sequence of serial programs prior to the first event.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, information is collected which relates to user-issued commands for accessing programming content and manipulating recorded programming content. The commands are monitored to determine when such content is accessed (i.e., requested, selected or played) and manipulated (i.e., rewound, fast-forwarded, paused, etc.) by a user. Data associated with a command to request, select or manipulate programming content is read from the user-issued command and forwarded to a processor for presentation of the programming content. The read data is stored and made available for analyzing user activity respecting programming content provided by the broadband communication system. Such analysis may relate to the popularity of specific programs, the frequency in which specific commercials are skipped or played, the most popular times that a specific program or type of program is accessed, and the like.

Abstract: Although personal video recorders (also known as digital video recorders) provide certain conveniences to viewers of programming content, such devices facilitate manipulation or Askipping@ of commercials, frustrating the intent of the advertisers of the commercials. In accordance with the invention, when a user fast-forwards (rewinds) a commercial, alternate commercial(s) may be accessed for display in place of the original commercial, which provides a full impression of the goods and service promoted, otherwise impossible to appreciate at the fast-forward (rewind) speed. The duration of the alternate commercial(s) corresponds to the duration of the original commercial at the fast-forward (rewind) speed controlled by the user. With the invention, the user advantageously realizes the convenience of manipulating programming content, and at the same time can appreciate the full impression of an alternate commercial to the original commercial, albeit in a shorter duration.