Abstract: A user interface in the form of a string of beads allows specific data sets, each corresponding to one of the beads, to be employed for various purposes through manipulation of the beads, optionally with a console. For example, selected portions of a first data set associated with a first bead can be transferred to a data set associated with a second bead by interfacing both beads consecutively with a console. The console can then be used to enter specific commands for selecting the data to be transferred. In another application, the data sets are used to filter the delivery of programming visible through an electronic program guide for a television. The user holds beads, each corresponding to a criterion or set of criteria to be used for filtering. Heat sensor switches in the beads cause only the held beads to send identifiers uniquely identifying each bead to the console. Identifiers of the corresponding data sets are sent to the media delivery device.