Abstract: A method and system for the optimal alignment of programming information using a grid, in particular the display of programming information to http client viewers in a clear, concise, and efficient manner with regular spacing per unit of time. The system creates a reference row in a programming grid, divides the reference row into a plurality of segments, each segment representing a time period shorter than that of any program in the programming grid, and aligns in the programming grid the programming information of each program according to the segments of the reference row representing each program's respective time period.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and displaying customized electronic programming (EPG) data is described. One embodiment includes a method for generating a customized program listing for a set top box (STB). This method includes the steps of receiving a user preference for operating an EPG; retrieving programming information; sorting the retrieved programming information according to the user preference; formatting the sorted program information according to the user preference; and providing the formatted program information to the STB.