Abstract: An entertainment system sets a number of operating parameters to a number of parameters values in view of a consumption distance of an entertainment program. The entertainment system then renders the entertainment program for the consumption distance using the parameter values set for the operating parameters.

Abstract: Primary content data is received from an external source and subsidiary data is obtained which corresponds to the primary content data, wherein the subsidiary data is independent of the primary content data. The subsidiary data is provided synchronous to the primary content data.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection from a first entertainment selection source. A first area, proximate to the first window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection from a second entertainment selection source. A second area, proximate to the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying codes for remotely controlling electronic devices via a wireless communication medium automatically selects a code which may control a first function of an electronic device. The code is transmitted to the electronic device via a wireless medium and then a check is made as to whether the first function occurred. If the first function occurred, then the code is identified as controlling the first function of the electronic device. If the first function did not occur, then the process is repeated with a different code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a version of an entertainment program based on user preference includes receiving entertainment programming input, identifying multiple available versions of an entertainment program, identifying, for each of the multiple versions, a set of descriptive information regarding the respective version, accessing user preferences, and selecting one of the multiple versions for display based on a comparison of the descriptive information to the user preferences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying differences in the characteristics of multiple versions of an entertainment program includes receiving entertainment programming input, identifying multiple versions of an available entertainment program, identifying, for each of the multiple versions, a set of descriptive information regarding the respective version, the descriptive information comprising a plurality of characteristics of the respective version, identifying the differences in characteristics between the multiple versions displaying the differences in characteristics between the multiple versions to a user.

Abstract: A method for managing recording of broadcast data includes recording the broadcast data on a recordable medium. Whether a commercial or a program is being broadcasted in the broadcast data is determined. Recording is stopped when a commercial is being broadcasted in the broadcast data. Recording is resumed at a location on the recordable medium where a previously recorded video signal in the broadcast data dropped to a black level after a next video signal in the broadcast data drops to the black level.

Abstract: A method for monitoring viewing of broadcast data includes detecting a lead tag corresponding to a program in the broadcast data. The broadcast data is monitored for a tail tag corresponding to the program. Whether the program was viewed in its entirety is determined by matching the lead tag with the tail tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for purchasing media features for programming transmissions. A selection is sent to a server system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The server system automatically coordinates purchasing the media feature from a programming transmission source and providing the media feature from the programming transmission source. In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a user interface from which a viewer selects an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission, wherein the programming transmission with the upgraded media feature is provided to the entertainment system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compiling a repository of entertainment system data receives entertainment system data, including television program data and software application data, from at least a subset of a plurality of sources. The entertainment system data is then stored in a unitary format for subsequent access by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for targeting specific audiences for coupon distribution. In one embodiment, users of an entertainment network are monitored to determine specific preferences. Alternatively, the users may be surveyed to determine preferences. A preference profile is determined based on the preferences. Coupons are distributed only to the users that fit a coupon distributor's chosen preference profile. The coupons may be delivered in a variety of ways. For example, coupons may be downloaded to a user's system automatically or on demand. Alternatively, coupons may be mailed to the user automatically or on demand. The coupons may then be redeemed by the user. Coupons are provided and monitored such that each coupon may be redeemed a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically configuring a system based on a user's monitored system interaction and preferred system access times updates a user profile corresponding to the user based at least in part on the monitored user interaction with the system. Preferred system access times of the user are identified based at least in part on the user profile, and the system is automatically configured based at least in part on the user profile and the user's preferred system access times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically determining and dynamically updating user preferences in an entertainment system is provided. In a first embodiment, an apparatus comprises a storage medium to store user preference information corresponding to at least a subset of a plurality of entertainment system users and a processor agent. The processor agent, communicatively coupled to the storage medium, is operative to monitor user interaction with the entertainment system and to automatically detect which user of the plurality of entertainment system users is currently using the entertainment system.