Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a method and system are provided of processing a search query entered by a user of a device having a text input interface with overloaded keys. The search query is directed at identifying an item from a set of items. Each of the items has one or more associated descriptors. The system receives from the user an ambiguous search query directed at identifying a desired item. The search query is a prefix substring of each of at least two words relating to the desired item. The system dynamically identifies a group of one or more items from the set of items having one or more descriptors matching the search query as the user enters each character of the search query. The system outputs identification of the one or more items of the identified group to be displayed on the device operated by the user.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for identifying a television content item desired by a television viewer from a set of television content items. Each of the television content items has one or more associated descriptors. The system receives from the television viewer a reduced text search entry directed at identifying the desired television content item. The search entry is a prefix substring of one or more words relating to the desired television content item. The system dynamically identifies a group of one or more television content items from the set of television content items having one or more descriptors matching the search entry as the television viewer enters each character of the search entry. The system then transmits the names of the one or more television content items of the identified group to be displayed on a device operated by the television viewer.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for identifying a television content item or a television channel desired by a television viewer from a set of television content items and television channels. A non-intrusive interface is provided to the viewer on a television display. The television viewer using the non-intrusive interface inputs a reduced text search entry directed at identifying a desired television content item or a television channel. The reduced text search entry includes one or more characters of a descriptor relating to the desired television content item or the television channel. The system dynamically identifies a group of television content items or television channels from the set of television content items and television channels matching the search entry as the television viewer enters each character of the reduced text search entry. The television content items or television channels of the group are ordered in accordance with one or more given criteria.