Global interactive program guide application and device
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A content manager device comprising:
- a server resident on a network containing descriptive program data about video content available from one or more multiple cable system operators (MSOs) and one or more non-MSOs;
a device capable of establishing and maintaining a connection with the network via a communications link; and
an interactive program guide application installed on the device that provides user-configurable interactive program guide (IPG) listing at least one channel of video content available from each of the one or more MSOs and each of the one or more non-MSOs and descriptive program data from the server for the video content available on each of the channels, wherein each of the channels is selectable for receiving only or virtually entirely streaming video programming from its respective MSO or non-MSO source via the communications link and the network;
wherein the server is distinct from at least one of the one or more MSOs and one or more non-MSOs, and wherein the application allows for the IPG to be configured by a user with respect to adding or deleting channels from any of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and device is disclosed that employs a global interactive program guide to receive, access, manage, and view digital entertainment services such as live television, television on demand, and pre-recorded video and audio programming from one on more content sources, via an internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world. As disclosed, the global interactive program guide provides a user with metadata that describes available content and enables the user to access desired content on an a la carte basis and arrange the presentation of that content in any way or order desired. The system of the instant invention can alternatively be practiced with any mobile communications device that is accessible via the internet, cell phone communications or other communications mode. Changes made to content availability are instantly synchronized through the entire system and content redundancy is obtained when available.
92 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A content manager device comprising:
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a server resident on a network containing descriptive program data about video content available from one or more multiple cable system operators (MSOs) and one or more non-MSOs; a device capable of establishing and maintaining a connection with the network via a communications link; and an interactive program guide application installed on the device that provides user-configurable interactive program guide (IPG) listing at least one channel of video content available from each of the one or more MSOs and each of the one or more non-MSOs and descriptive program data from the server for the video content available on each of the channels, wherein each of the channels is selectable for receiving only or virtually entirely streaming video programming from its respective MSO or non-MSO source via the communications link and the network;
wherein the server is distinct from at least one of the one or more MSOs and one or more non-MSOs, and wherein the application allows for the IPG to be configured by a user with respect to adding or deleting channels from any of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A content acquisition system for reception of video content, comprising:
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a server resident on a network containing descriptive program data about the video content available from one or more multiple cable system operators (MSOs) and one or more non-MSOs; a device capable establishing and maintaining a connection with a network via a communications link; and an interactive program guide application installed on the device that provides user-configurable interactive program guide (IPG) listing at least one channel of video content available from each of the one or more MSOs and each of the one or more non-MSOs and descriptive program data from the server for the video content available on each of the channels, wherein each of the channels is selectable for receiving only or virtually entirely streaming video programming from its respective MSO or non-MSO source via the communications link and the network; wherein the server is distinct from at least one of the one or more MSOs and one or more non-MSOs;
wherein the application allows for the IPG to be configured by a user with respect to adding or deleting channels from any of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs; andwherein the application allows for customization of the IPG by a user with respect to;
at least one of (i) an order of the listing of the channels in the IPG and (ii) a description of each of the channels contained in the IPG and with respect to a first one of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs to be linked to each of the channels from which the streaming video programming may be received. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer-implemented method for providing an interactive program guide to a user for viewing, selecting and obtaining access to video content from one or more multiple cable system operators (MSOs) and one or more non-MSOs, comprising:
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displaying user-configurable interactive program guide (IPG) listing at least one channel of video content available from each of the one or more MSOs and each of the one or more non-MSOs, wherein each of the channels is selectable for receiving only or virtually entirely streaming video programming from its respective MSO or non-MSO source via a network and a communications link; providing descriptive program data for the video content available on each of the plurality of channels from a server to the IPG via the network, one or more non-MSOs;
wherein the application allows for the IPG to be configured by a user with respect to adding or deleting channels from any of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs; andallowing the user to customize the IPG with respect to (i) an order of the listing of the channels in the IPG, (ii) a description of each of the channels contained in the IPG and (iii) a first one of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs to be linked to each of the channels from which the video programming may be received. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying an interactive program guide application for receiving and managing only or virtually entirely streaming video content from one or more multiple cable system operators (MSOs) and from one or more non-MSOs comprising code segments:
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a. for receiving data that describes said content from a server on a network; b. for presenting said data in an order configured by a user; c. for managing viewing rights for said content; d. for ensuring user authentication to the interactive program guide application; e. for receiving said content from the one or more MSOs and one or more non-MSOs, wherein the server is distinct from at least one of the one or more MSOs and non-MSOs, and f. for allowing the user to configure the interactive program guide with respect to adding or deleting channels from any of the one or more MSOs or the one or more non-MSOs. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification