Abstract: A favorite channel list for a media system is generated by observing the viewing, surfing, and recording habits of a user. The viewing habits may include the duration and frequency of viewing a channel. A user's surfing habits, including navigation habits of a guide, the method used for navigation to a channel, and information queries made during a surfing session may be used to determine which channels may be added to a favorites list. When the user has an ability to record a program and view the program later, the user's behavior in selecting programs for recording, and the behaviors of playing back and archiving recorded shows may also be used to identify favorite channels. In some embodiments, the favorites list may be customized for a user or node of a playback system, as well as time of day.

Abstract: A favorite channel list for a media system is generated by observing the viewing, surfing, and recording habits of a user. The viewing habits may include the duration and frequency of viewing a channel. A user's surfing habits, including navigation habits of a guide, the method used for navigation to a channel, and information queries made during a surfing session may be used to determine which channels may be added to a favorites list. When the user has an ability to record a program and view the program later, the user's behavior in selecting programs for recording, and the behaviors of playing back and archiving recorded shows may also be used to identify favorite channels. In some embodiments, the favorites list may be customized for a user or node of a playback system, as well as time of day.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a user of a mobile media device to select one or more channels to load onto the device. Each channel comprises a collection of media content files, such as video content, audio content, and so on. Each collection of media content files can be associated with a particular genre (or genres) of media content. A channel can be managed such that its collection of media content can be rearranged, augmented, and/or otherwise edited to produce a refreshed version of the channel. The refreshed version of the channel can be provided to the mobile media device for playback. Thus, a channel associated with a particular genre of media content can provide a user with a dynamic user experience without requiring the user to manipulate specific media content files.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. Information for multiple pieces of live content available from a gallery is obtained, and this information is presented in the multiple tiles of the user interface in accordance with a current user interface layout. In accordance with one aspect, this current user interface layout changes automatically over time as the user interface is displayed. In accordance with another aspect, one or more of the multiple tiles is displayed in the user interface more prominently than the other tiles, and which information is to be displayed in the one or more tiles is based at least in part on a received fee.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. Information for multiple pieces of live content available from a gallery is obtained, and this information is presented in the multiple tiles of the user interface in accordance with a current user interface layout. In accordance with one aspect, this current user interface layout changes automatically over time as the user interface is displayed. In accordance with another aspect, one or more of the multiple tiles is displayed in the user interface more prominently than the other tiles, and which information is to be displayed in the one or more tiles is based at least in part on a received fee.

Abstract: A unified discovery interface presents broadcast discovery data relating to broadcast content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast discovery data relating to non-broadcasting content available via a virtual channel of the unified discovery interface. In one implementation, the virtual channel is customizable via a discovery interface relationship parameter that indicates a relationship of the virtual channel within the unified discovery interface. The unified discovery interface allows a user to select between broadcast media content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast media content available via the virtual channel.