Abstract: Informing a first network user of activity by other network users includes providing an instant messaging user interface. The instant messaging user interface includes a list of two or more network users selected by the first network user. The list shows presence information for at least a first selected network user and a second selected network user. The instant messaging user interface also includes distinct visual identifiers that are respectively associated with the first selected network user and the second selected network user on the instant messaging user interface and that each indicate television programming being viewed by the selected network user with which they are associated.

Abstract: A method of informing a first network user of activity by other network users includes receiving information identifying television programming viewed by at least one other network user and displaying the information to the first network user on a user interface.

Abstract: To help viewers access content of interest, the viewer's interactions with the set top box may be monitored and analyzed. Content may be assembled, generated, produced, and edited for presentation to a viewer based on the monitored and analyzed viewer interactions. As a result, content of interest to the viewer may be identified and made accessible without any additional effort or knowledge required by the viewer.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing content relevant to television programming currently displayed to a viewer by determining television programming being viewed by a viewer at a particular time; determining context information associated with the television programming available for delivery to the viewer; making an intelligent selection from the available context information; and delivering the selected context information to the viewer.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic program guide (EPG) is described. A viewer's input to a set top box is monitored. The monitored viewer's input is analyzed and the content for the EPG is customized based on the viewer's analyzed input. The viewer's input to the set top box can be stored in a viewer file and updated with additional viewer input. The viewer's input may include signals from a viewer input device, such as, for example, a remote control, a keypad, a keyboard, or a wireless keyboard. The viewer's input may be sent to a host. The host performs the monitoring, the analyzing, and the customizing. In addition, the viewer's input may be analyzed by the set top box or a combination of the set top box and the host. The viewer's input may include signals indicating a change of channels, a guide selection, a category selection, a programming selection, a recorded programming, a viewed web page, and a rating of show.