Abstract: A method and system to view a selection of thumbnails are described herein. A plurality of content channels, which are most recently tuned into by a user, are stored. Further, a display presents a selection array for a plurality of thumbnails that represent the plurality of content channels.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a video stream processing system and to a method of displaying a video stream. In a particular embodiment, the method includes, during a first time period, displaying a first version of a received video stream while recovering a second version of the received video stream, the first version of the received video stream having a lower video display quality than the second version of the received video stream. The first time period begins no more than approximately 100 milliseconds after a detected channel change. The method also includes switching from display of the first version of the received video stream to display of the second version of the received video stream during a second time period.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for processing calls in a communication device (102, 104). A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller (206) for managing operations of a transceiver (202) that exchanges messages with third party communication devices in a communication system, and a user interface (UI) (204) for exchanging messages with an end user of the communication device. The controller can be programmed to receive (310) an incoming call from a calling party by way of a third party communication device, notify (311) the end user of the incoming call, receive (314) a selection from the end user corresponding to one among a plurality of recorded messages, accept (318) the incoming call, and present (324) the selected recorded message to the calling party. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to deliver electronic mail using payments are disclosed. An example method involves receiving an electronic mail message at a server. It is then determined whether the electronic mail message includes information indicative that a sending entity has posted an electronic mail delivery payment to enable delivery of the electronic mail message. When the electronic mail message includes the information indicative that the sending entity has pasted the electronic mail delivery payment, a funds account of an intended recipient of the electronic mail message is polled to determine whether the electronic mail delivery payment has been deposited in the funds account. The electronic mail message is not sent to a mailbox of the intended recipient unless the electronic mail delivery payment has been deposited in the funds account regardless of whether the sending entity is on a permissions list.

Abstract: A method and system to view a selection of thumbnails are described herein. A plurality of content channels, which are most recently tuned into by a user, are stored. Further, a display presents a selection array for a plurality of thumbnails that represent the plurality of content channels.

Abstract: A method and system for channel selection on a set-top box is provided. The method includes receiving a channel request from a user control device, wherein the channel request at least one alphabetic letter. The method further includes processing the channel request and mapping the channel request to at least one channel within the available channel list of channels available via the set-top box. Further, and in response to the channel request received, a channel output is provided.

Abstract: Television sound themes for a set-top box interactive television system may be customized for each member of a household. Machine-readable media may provide customization logic and user interface logic. Sounds for a user-customized television system sound theme may be drawn from a digital audio file source. Logic components and the digital sound file source for a television sound theme system may reside locally at the set-top box, or may be accessed remotely over a network.

Abstract: A device for detecting when a television is in a standby mode is provided. The device includes a housing and a plug receptacle is formed within a surface of the housing. Also, a plug extends from the housing. The device further includes a power detection circuit that detects when a television coupled to the device is in a standby mode. In a particular embodiment, the standby mode is a low power mode in which the television is not fully operational. Further, the device includes a cable that extends from the housing. A signal can be sent from the power detection circuit to a set top box via the cable. The signal indicates that the television is in the standby mode. An electrical cord from a television can be plugged into the plug receptacle and the plug that extends from the housing can be plugged into to a wall outlet.