Abstract: A method performed by a user control device for providing an interactive experience with video on demand (VOD) media content includes receiving a user-generated signal that is representative of a response of the user to a first video sequence of the VOD media content that is presented to the user; determining one or more media control signals to communicate to a multimedia control device that will result in the playing of an appropriate video sequence of the VOD media content in order to provide the user an interactive experience with the VOD media content; and wirelessly communicating the one or more media control signals for playing of the appropriate video sequence. The appropriate video sequence of the VOD media content is played in reply to the response of the user, and the interactive experience with the VOD media content is provided to the user.

Abstract: A method performed by a media control unit provides an interactive experience with audiovisual content of a DVD played by a multimedia player and includes: receiving a user-generated signal representative of a response of the user to a first video sequence of the audiovisual content of the DVD presented to the user; in response to the user-generated signal, determining media control signals for communicating to the multimedia device that will result in the multimedia player playing an appropriate video sequence of the audiovisual content of the DVD representing a reply to the user's response; and wirelessly communicating, for receipt by the multimedia device, the determined media control signals, whereby the appropriate video sequence is played in reply to the user's response.

Abstract: A system for interactive viewing by a child of DVD media content on a television includes: a DVD having media content organized into child-oriented programs; user interface (UI) components each specific to a respective program; and a remote control component configured to send, in response to actuation of a switch, infrared remote control signals, representative of an industry standard DVD remote control button press, to the DVD player. Each program is configured to display, on a television, video content of the DVD and menus of selection options displayed using child-recognizable icons for program navigation. Each UI component can be coupled to the remote control component and includes icons that correspond visually to icons displayed in the navigational menus. Pressing an icon of a UI component coupled to the remote control component sends infrared remote control signals to the DVD player that indicate to the DVD player a chosen selection option.

Abstract: A game control unit includes a computer processor for executing game logic stored on a removable memory device. Rich, audiovisual content for the interactive gaming experience is provided on a digital video disk (DVD) in small clips which are selectively played back in a standard DVD player under control of the game control unit. Specifically, the game control unit mimics standard remote control signals to control playback of the audiovisual content by the DVD player.