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: Thumbnail images representative of recorded TV programs are generated and presented to aid a user in browsing the recorded TV programs. In one implementation, a temporary thumbnail image is generated when a TV program first starts recording. The temporary thumbnail is used to populate any user interface (UI) screens that reference the recoded TV program. Once the TV program has reached a threshold amount of recording (e.g., a prescribed duration of recording, or completion of the recording), a permanent thumbnail image is generated and associated with the TV program. The permanent thumbnail is then presented in any subsequent UI screens, replacing the temporary thumbnail. In another implementation, display of the thumbnail images in the UI screens may be further controlled by setting preferences, such as parental controls.

Abstract: Methods and systems that enable users to find and view programs are described. In one embodiment, a user can access programs within a particular program type in an electronic program guide and select programs that are not available via a current electronic program guide. If programs are available from one or more provisional sources, the user can acquire one or more program. In other embodiments, electronic program guide data is processed to identify movies within the guide data. A user can then browse a collection movies some of which are available via an associated electronic program guide and others of which are not available via the electronic program guide. For movies that are not available via the electronic program guide, a client device can ascertain whether such movies are available from a provisional service source.

Abstract: Methods and systems that enable users to find and view programs are described. In at least some embodiments, an interactive program information page enables links to be created between local electronic program guide data that resides on the client device and data that resides remotely from the client device. In at least one embodiment, the interactive program information page enables a user to make selections which can both (1) execute remote queries of data that resides remotely using data returned from a local query of local electronic program guide data, and (2) execute local queries of local electronic program guide data using data returned from a remote query of the data that resides remotely.

Abstract: Methods and systems that enable users to find and view programs are described. In one embodiment, a program-viewing portal application executes on a client device and is configured to enable a user to access programs within a particular program type, and to view, as part of a program selection process, non-textual images associated with individual programs within the particular program type. In one implementation, the program-viewing portal application comprises a movie portal application that presents, as part of the user's selection process, movie cover art that enables the user to browse movies that are currently playing or will be playing shortly, and to view movies sorted in accordance with their genre and/or rating.