Abstract: Device-specific feature recommendations to enhance end-user quality-of-experience. In one example implementation, end-user interactions with a television receiver may be monitored. If it is discovered that one or more convenience or programming features have not been previously accessed, the television receiver itself may instantiate a process to notify an end-user that a number of features or services are in fact available or accessible, and also possibly provide a simplified method or means for access to such features or services.

Abstract: A multi-mode remote control unit that has both infrared command and laser pointer capability. In some examples, the multi-mode remote control unit together with one or both of a television receiver and a television may implement simulated touch gestures that typically require a touch sensitive screen. The multi-mode remote control unit in such an implementation advantageously may not include logic to implement simulated multi-touch gestures. Rather, one or both of the television receiver and the television may include logic to implement simulated touch gestures.

Abstract: Controlling the display of notifications to a television viewer based on a contextual parameter that is associated with programming instantly being viewed. An example of such a parameter may include the degree of tension or conflict in a particular movie that is being watched by the television viewer. In this example, a television reciever may monitor during output of the particular movie underlying metadata that quantifies the degree of tension or conflict in the particular movie at particular instants in time.