Abstract: An interactive media content listing search system is herein disclosed which provides for enhanced interactive access of media content listings contained within an media content display system. Enhanced searching for available media contents is enabled by a plurality of user configurable attributes, which defines characteristics of media content that may be similar to the user's tastes. The plurality of user configurable attributes may be logically combined during the search operation using “AND” and/or “OR” boolean operators. Additionally, means are provided to allow recursive searches of available media content listings in an easy manner such that the results may be more finely tailored to suit the user's tastes. Following the search operation, the user may save the search attributes to a file that is stored within the system for use at a later time.

Abstract: A media content playlist generation and access system for a video entertainment network is herein disclosed whereby a plurality of media content emanating from various disparate networks may be conglomerated into a customized list. The list may contain stored media content, which are customarily stored in the head end portion of a CATV network, media content accessible via the Internet, or yet to be aired media content. The system also provides for manipulation of the playlist from various consumer electronic display devices that are interconnected to the Internet, or the PSTN, thereby allowing further customization of the playlist at the user's convenience. Additionally, a multiple user account system is provided wherein multiple user accounts may be configured in order to allow a corresponding multiple individualized playlists, which are each customized to suit each user's tastes.

Abstract: A novel electronic program guide (EPG) based method and system provides viewer/user groups with an improved program recommendation feature for predicting programs that are likely to be of interest.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for providing an convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network whereby a user may interactively revert back to the beginning of an ongoing video program that is currently broadcasted over the video distribution network. The novel system and method may be implemented on any video network having interactive television (ITV) capabilities, wherein user requests from a client are serviceable at an upstream head end, and video storage means exist for the purpose of storage of time based broadcast video programs. The system preferably utilizes a process that involves a minimally complicated sequence of commands that are easily understood and remembered by virtually any user, thereby enhancing the probability of consumer acceptance. The start over system and method may be embodied as a program of instructions, defining a controller, that are executed by a micro-processor located in the STB (client) or head end (server).

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for providing an convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network whereby a user may interactively revert back to the beginning of an ongoing video program that is currently broadcasted over the video distribution network. The novel system and method may be implemented on any video network having interactive television (ITV) capabilities, wherein user requests from a client are serviceable at an upstream head end, and video storage means exist for the purpose of storage of time based broadcast video programs. The system preferably utilizes a process that involves a minimally complicated sequence of commands that are easily understood and remembered by virtually any user, thereby enhancing the probability of consumer acceptance. The start over system and method may be embodied as a program of instructions, defining a controller, that are executed by a micro-processor located in the STB (client) or head end (server).

Abstract: A media content playlist generation and access system for a video entertainment network is herein disclosed whereby a plurality of media content emanating from various disparate networks may be conglomerated into a customized list. The list may contain stored media content, which are customarily stored in the head end portion of a CATV network, media content accessible via the Internet, or yet to be aired media content. The system also provides for manipulation of the playlist from various consumer electronic display devices that are interconnected to the Internet, or the PSTN, thereby allowing further customization of the playlist at the user's convenience. Additionally, a multiple user account system is provided wherein multiple user accounts may be configured in order to allow a corresponding multiple individualized playlists, which are each customized to suit each user's tastes.

Abstract: A media content playlist generation and access system for a video entertainment network is herein disclosed whereby a plurality of media content emanating from various disparate networks may be conglomerated into a customized list. The list may contain stored media content, which are customarily stored in the head end portion of a CATV network, media content accessible via the Internet, or yet to be aired media content. The system also provides for manipulation of the playlist from various consumer electronic display devices that are interconnected to the Internet, or the PSTN, thereby allowing further customization of the playlist at the user's convenience. Additionally, a multiple user account system is provided wherein multiple user accounts may be configured in order to allow a corresponding multiple individualized playlists, which are each customized to suit each user's tastes.