Electronic program guide with blackout features

• US 7,370,343 B1
• Filed: 11/28/2001
• Issued: 05/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: UV Corporation (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: United Video Properties Incorporated (Adeia Inc.)
• Inventors: Ellis, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): SALCE, JASON P
• Application Number:
  US09/996,346
• Time in Patent Office: 2,351 Days
• Field of Search: 725 25- 31, 725/58, 725/40, 725/52, 725 88- 89, 725/134, 725/142
• US Class Current: 725/58
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4583 Automatically resolving scheduling conflicts, e.g. when a recording by reservation has been programmed for two programs in the same time slot
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47202 for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47211 for requesting pay-per-view content payment schemes payment architectures or payment protocols G06Q20/00, G07F
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47214 for content reservation or setting reminders; for requesting event notification, e.g. of sport results or stock market stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services over packet-switching network H04L12/1859; notification of incoming messages in packet switching networks H04L51/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47815 Electronic shopping payment schemes, payment architectures or payment protocols for electronic shopping systems G06Q20/12
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4826 using recommendation lists, e.g. of programs or channels sorted out according to their score
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71

Abstract

An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Claims

1. A method for supporting programming blackouts in an interactive television program guide, the method comprising:

receiving blackout information regarding at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide;

receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide; and

displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication, wherein the blackout information comprises a plurality of replacement media options for the at least one blacked-out program.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a program listings display with the interactive television program guide.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a FLIP display with the interactive television program guide.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a record list display with the interactive television program guide.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a reminder list display with the interactive television program guide.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program in an information display with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a title of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a blackout type of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a program description of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying information regarding replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one television program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one television program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one promotional video; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one promotional video with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-pay-per-view program;

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a title of the at least one pay-per-view replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-video-on-demand program;

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a title of the at least one video-on-demand replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a list of recommended replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of user-targeted replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of replacement media having similar program characteristics as the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of replacement media that indicate at least one different showing of the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

21. The method of claim 10 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one description of replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

22. The method of claim 10 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to the replacement media; and

tuning with the interactive television program guide to the replacement media in response to the user selection.

24. The method of claim 10 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to record replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the indication.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to record the replacement media;

setting a record option for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

recording with the interactive television program guide the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

26. The method of claim 10 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

27. The method of claim 26 further comprising:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for the replacement media;

setting a reminder for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

reminding with the interactive television program guide the user of the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

28. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program.

29. The method of claim 28 further comprising:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program;

ordering the at least one pay-per-view program for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one pay-per-view program.

30. The method of claim 10 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program;

ordering the at least one video-on-demand for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one video-on-demand program.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of replacement media options comprises at least one media option that is targeted to the user'"'"'s interests based on the user'"'"'s viewing history.

33. The method of claim 8 wherein the blackout type is selected from the group consisting of a bandwidth blackout, an affiliate protection blackout, and a venue protection blackout.

34. A system for supporting programming blackouts in an interactive television program guide, the system comprising:

means for receiving blackout information regarding at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide;

means for receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide; and

means for displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication, wherein the blackout information comprises a plurality of replacement media options for the at least one blacked-out program.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for receiving a user indication comprises means for receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a program listings display with the interactive television program guide.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for receiving a user indication comprises means for receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a FLIP display with the interactive television program guide.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for receiving a user indication comprises means for receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a record list display with the interactive television program guide.

38. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for receiving a user indication comprises means for receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a reminder list display with the interactive television program guide.

39. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for displaying the blackout information comprises means for displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program in an information display with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

40. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for displaying the blackout information comprises means for displaying a title of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

41. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for displaying the blackout information comprises means for displaying a blackout type of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

42. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for displaying the blackout information comprises means for displaying a program description of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

43. The system of claim 34 wherein the means for displaying the blackout information comprises means for displaying information regarding replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

45. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

46. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one television program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying information regarding the at least one television program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

47. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one promotional video; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying information regarding the at least one promotional video with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

48. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-pay-per-view program;

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying a title of the at least one pay-per-view replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

49. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-video-on-demand program;

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying a title of the at least one video-on-demand replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

50. The system of claim 43 wherein the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying a list of recommended replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein the means for displaying a list comprises means for displaying a list of user-targeted replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

52. The system of claim 50 wherein the means for displaying a list comprises means for displaying a list of replacement media having similar program characteristics as the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

53. The system of claim 50 wherein the means for displaying a list comprises means for displaying a list of replacement media that indicate at least one different showing of the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

54. The system of claim 43 wherein the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one description of replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

55. The system of claim 43 wherein the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

56. The system of claim 55 further comprising:

means for receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to the replacement media; and

means for tuning with the interactive television program guide to the replacement media in response to the user selection.

57. The system of claim 43 wherein the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one user-selectable option to record replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the indication.

58. The system of claim 57 further comprising:

means for receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to record the replacement media;

means for setting a record option for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

means for recording with the interactive television program guide the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

59. The system of claim 43 wherein the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user indication.

60. The system of claim 59 further comprising:

means for receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for the replacement media;

means for setting a reminder for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

means for reminding with the interactive television program guide the user of the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

61. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program.

62. The system of claim 61 further comprising:

means for receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program;

means for ordering the at least one pay-per-view program for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

means for providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one pay-per-view program.

63. The system of claim 43 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

the means for displaying information regarding replacement media comprises means for displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program.

64. The system of claim 63 further comprising:

means for receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program;

means for ordering the at least one video-on-demand for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

means for providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one video-on-demand program.

65. The system of claim 34 wherein the plurality of replacement media options comprises at least one media option that is targeted to the user'"'"'s interests based on the user'"'"'s viewing history.

66. The system of claim 41 wherein the blackout type is selected from the group consisting of a bandwidth blackout, an affiliate protection blackout, and a venue protection blackout.

67. Computer-readable media for an interactive television program guide, wherein the media is encoded with machine-readable instructions for performing the method comprising:

receiving blackout information regarding at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide;

receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide; and

displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication, wherein the blackout information comprises a plurality of replacement media options for the at least one blacked-out program.

68. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a program listings display with the interactive television program guide.

69. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a FLIP display with the interactive television program guide.

70. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a record list display with the interactive television program guide.

71. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein receiving a user indication comprises receiving a user indication of a blacked-out program from a reminder list display with the interactive television program guide.

72. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program in an information display with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

73. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a title of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

74. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a blackout type of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

75. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying a program description of the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

76. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein displaying the blackout information comprises displaying information regarding replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

77. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

78. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

79. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one television program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one television program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

80. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one promotional video; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying information regarding the at least one promotional video with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

81. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-pay-per-view program;

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a title of the at least one pay-per-view replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-pay-per-view program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

82. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-video-on-demand program;

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a title of the at least one video-on-demand replacement media for the at least one blacked-out non-video-on-demand program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

83. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein displaying, information regarding replacement media comprises displaying a list of recommended replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

84. The computer-readable media of claim 83 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of user-targeted replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

85. The computer-readable media of claim 83 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of replacement media having similar program characteristics as the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

86. The computer-readable media of claim 83 wherein displaying a list comprises displaying a list of replacement media that indicate at least one different showing of the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

87. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one description of replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

88. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

89. The computer-readable media of claim 88 wherein the method further comprises:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to the replacement media; and

tuning with the interactive television program guide to the replacement media in response to the user selection.

90. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to record replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the indication.

91. The computer-readable media of claim 90 wherein the method further comprises:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to record the replacement media;

setting a record option for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

recording with the interactive television program guide the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

92. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to receiving the user indication.

93. The computer-readable media of claim 92 wherein the method further comprises:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for the replacement media;

setting a reminder for the replacement media with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

reminding with the interactive television program guide the user of the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

94. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program.

95. The computer-readable media of claim 94 wherein the method further comprises:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program;

ordering the at least one pay-per-view program for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one pay-per-view program.

96. The computer-readable media of claim 76 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program; and

displaying information regarding replacement media comprises displaying at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program.

97. The computer-readable media of claim 96 wherein the method further comprises:

receiving with the interactive television program guide a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program;

ordering the at least one video-on-demand for the user with the interactive television program guide in response to the user selection; and

providing with the interactive television program guide the at least one video-on-demand program.

98. The computer-readable media of claim 67 wherein the plurality of replacement media options comprises at least one media option that is targeted to the user'"'"'s interests based on the user'"'"'s viewing history.

99. The computer-readable media of claim 74 wherein the blackout type is selected from the group consisting of a bandwidth blackout, an affiliate protection blackout, and a venue protection blackout.

100. A system for supporting programming blackouts in an interactive television program guide, the system comprising:

a user input device;

a display device; and

control circuitry configured to;

receive blackout information regarding at least one blacked-out program;

receive a user indication of a blacked-out program from the user input device; and

in response to receiving a user indication of a program from the user input device, direct the display device to display the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program, wherein the blackout information comprises a plurality of replacement media options for the at least one blacked-out program.

101. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the user indication is a user indication of a blacked-out program from a program listings display; and

the control circuitry is configured to receive the user indication of a program from a program listings display from the user input device.

102. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the user indication is a user indication of a blacked-out program from a FLIP display; and

the control circuitry is configured to receive the user indication of a program from a FLIP display from the user input device.

103. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the user indication is a user indication of a blacked-out program from a record list display; and

the control circuitry is configured to receive the user indication of a program from a record list display from the user input device.

104. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the user indication is a user indication of a blacked-out program from a reminder list display; and

the control circuitry is configured to receive the user indication of a program from a reminder list from the user input device.

105. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program is in an information display; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the blackout information regarding the at least one blacked-out program in the information display.

106. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the blackout information is a title of the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the title of the at least one blacked-out program.

107. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the blackout information is a blackout type of the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the blackout type of the at least one blacked-out program.

108. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the blackout information is a program description of the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the program description of the at least one blacked-out program.

109. The system of claim 100 wherein:

the blackout information is information regarding replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program.

110. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program.

111. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least video-on-demand program;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program.

112. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one television program;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one television program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one television program.

113. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one promotional video;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one promotional video; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one promotional video.

114. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-pay-per-view program;

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one pay-per-view program.

115. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the at least one blacked-out program is a non-video-on-demand program;

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program;

the information regarding replacement media is information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the information regarding the at least one video-on-demand program.

116. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the information regarding replacement media is a list of recommended replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the list of recommended replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program.

117. The system of claim 116 wherein:

the list of recommended replacement media is a list of user-targeted replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the list of user-targeted replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program.

118. The system of claim 116 wherein:

the list of recommended replacement media is a list of replacement media having similar program characteristics as the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the list of replacement media having similar program characteristics as the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program.

119. The system of claim 116 wherein:

the list is a list of replacement media that indicate at least one different showing of the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the list of replacement media that indicate at least one different showing of the at least one blacked-out program for the at least one blacked-out program.

120. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the information regarding replacement media is at least one description of replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one description of replacement media for the at least one blacked-out program.

121. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the information regarding replacement-media is at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to replacement media; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to replacement media.

122. The system of claim 121 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

receive from the user input device a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to directly tune to the replacement media; and

in response to receiving the user selection, tune to the replacement media.

123. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the information regarding replacement media at least one user-selectable option to record replacement media; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one user-selectable option to record replacement media.

124. The system of claim 123 further comprising:

a storage device for recording and storing data;

wherein the control circuitry is further configured to;

receive from the user input device a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to record the replacement media;

in response to receiving the user selection, set a record option for the replacement media; and

direct the storage device to record the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

125. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the information regarding replacement media is at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for replacement media; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for replacement media.

126. The system of claim 125 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

receive from the user input device a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to set a reminder for the replacement media;

in response to receiving the user selection, set a reminder for the replacement media; and

remind the user of the replacement media when the replacement media becomes available.

127. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one pay-per-view program;

the information regarding replacement media is at least one user selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program.

128. The system of claim 127 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

receive from the user input device a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one pay-per-view program;

in response to receiving the user selection, order the at least one pay-per-view program; and

provide the at least one pay-per-view program.

129. The system of claim 109 wherein:

the replacement media is at least one video-on-demand program;

the information regarding replacement media is at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program; and

the control circuitry is configured to, in response to receiving the user indication, direct the display device to display the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program.

130. The system of claim 129 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

receive from the user input device a user selection of the at least one user-selectable option to order the at least one video-on-demand program;

in response to receiving the user selection, order the at least one video-on-demand for the user; and

provide the at least one video-on-demand program.

131. The system of claim 100 wherein the plurality of replacement media options comprises at least one media option that is targeted to the user'"'"'s interests based on the user'"'"'s viewing history.

132. The system of claim 107 wherein the blackout type is selected from the group consisting of a bandwidth blackout, an affiliate protection blackout, and a venue protection blackout.