Abstract: Systems, methods and devices related to program viewing guides for multimedia presentation such as television programs. A centralized server gathers data related to end user viewing preferences by polling end user devices on what multimedia presentation is currently being accessed. This data is then processed and collated by the centralized server such that each multimedia presentation currently available to the end user devices is given a rating based on its popularity with the end users. The data can then be accessed by each end user device by requesting such multimedia presentation specific data from the server. Once the server has send this data, it can then be presented to the end user by way of a user interface that not only gives the relevant data regarding the multimedia presentation such as its rating and where it is being broadcast, but also provides the end user with a view of the multimedia presentation as currently being shown.

Abstract: This invention relates apparatus for interconnection with the telephone network to manipulate and direct audio and data dialog relating to subscriber-directed audio, interactive voice response and data dialogue over the telephone network using a television set connected to the apparatus disclosed herein. The dialogue is controlled by the subscriber using a hand-held remote control which directs the subscriber dialogue over the telephone network to data bases and other services accessed by the subscriber to provide information to the subscriber via a television set and to allow the subscriber to initiate transactions with the data bases and other services to permit the delivery of information to the subscriber and to enable the subscriber to place orders, do home banking, home shopping and a host of other activities.

Abstract: A telephone conference bridge system comprising line interface circuits, bridge circuits, a tone transmitter/receiver and a microcomputer. The system is controlled by the microcomputer and can provide changeable levels of security such as (1) all ports open to receive incoming calls, (2) access only upon dialing a two-digit code and (3) all unused ports closed after a conference is established. Tone codes can also be used to activate a port occupancy detection system or to disconnect all callers from the bridge. One port is a "Chairman's Port" which is the only one able to make outgoing calls from the bridge or change the programming of security levels and codes, excepting that any TouchTone set on any port can implement security level (3) above with or without the chairman's port occupied.