Program guide and reservation system for network based digital information and entertainment storage and delivery system

• US 20030208763A1
• Filed: 11/22/2002
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC (Charter Communications Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc. (Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.)
• Inventors: McElhatten, David, Johnson, Steven, Williamson, Louis D., Callahan, John W., Chiddix, James A., Apfelbaum, Marc J., Benya, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,073,189 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/58
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/46 for recognising users' preferences
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/74 using programme related information, e.g. title, composer or interpreter
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23106 involving caching operations prefetching while addressing of a memory level in which the access to the desired data or data block requires associative addressing means within memory systems or architectures G06F12/0862; caching at an intermediate stage in a data network H04L67/568
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23614 Multiplexing of additional data and video streams arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information H04H20/28
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2408 Monitoring of the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. client requests monitoring data switching networks utilization H04L43/0876; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/242 Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References] arrangements for synchronising broadcast or distribution via plural systems in broadcast distribution systems H04H20/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2625 for delaying content or additional data distribution, e.g. because of an extended sport event
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/26291 for providing content or additional data updates, e.g. updating software modules, stored at the client deployment, distribution, installation, update of software G06F8/65; error detection or correction during software upgrading G06F11/1433; arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/25
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2747 Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4147 PVR [Personal Video Recorder] H04N5/76 takes precedence ; arrangements for broadcast with accumulation-type receivers H04H20/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42228 the reprogrammable keys being displayed on a display screen in order to reduce the number of keys on the remote control device itself
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4227 Providing Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4316 for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4331 Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4333 Processing operations in response to a pause request
• 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 21/4335 : Housekeeping operations, e.g. prioritizing content for deletion because of storage space restrictions storage management, e.g. defragmentation G06F3/0604; unloading stored programs G06F9/445; storage management in file systems G06F16/10; buffering arrangements in a network node or in an end terminal in packet networks H04L49/90
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• 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 21/454 : Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• 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 21/47214 : 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 21/4722 : for requesting additional data associated with the content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 : Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 : End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6587 : Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands, viewpoint selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8545 : for generating interactive applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/45 : Picture in picture , e.g. displaying simultaneously another television channel in a region of the screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/602 : for digital sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 : Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17327 : with deferred transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17336 : Handling of requests in head-ends

Abstract

In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, programming content can be readily reserved and accessed for viewing using interactive program guides in accordance with the invention. Such programming content may include in-progress programs, future programs and previously broadcast programs which are recorded at a headend in the cable system, and which may or may not have overlapping broadcast times. In addition, the user may reserve programs at a set-top terminal, and may also do so remotely from the terminal through a communications network such as, the Internet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless telephone network, etc.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating a user at a user location to reserve a program for subsequent access to content thereof, the method comprising:

receiving content of a program from a content provider before a broadcast thereof;

recording the content of the program at a location remote from the user location;

broadcasting the content of the program;

listing an identifier of the program for a period including a duration before broadcast of the content of the program;

receiving a selection by a user of the identifier; and

allowing access by the user to the recorded content of the program in response to the received selection.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the program channel on which the program content is broadcast.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the program includes a TV program.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the program includes video content.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the selection of the identifier is received via a communications network.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the communications network includes at least part of an Internet.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the communications network includes at least part of a telephone network.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending a message to the user to archive the recorded content.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the message is sent after a predetermined period from when the selection is received.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the message is sent after a predetermined period from when the identifier is listed.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising charging the user a fee for archiving the recorded content.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein an opportunity to archive the recorded content is available for a predetermined period after the message is sent.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the recorded content is archived by storing the recorded content in a device selected by the user.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the selected device includes a video cassette recorder (VCR).

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the selected device includes a digital video disk (DVD) player.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the selected device includes a personal video recorder (PVR).

19. A method for allowing a user to reserve a program for subsequent review of content of the program, the method comprising:

obtaining rights from a provider of the content of the program;

receiving from the provider the content of the program;

broadcasting the content of the program; and

listing an identifier of the program for a period including a duration after broadcast of the content of the program, the identifier being listed for selection by the user to reserve the program, the length of the duration being a function of the rights obtained.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising recording the program content while the program content is being broadcast.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the program channel on which the program content is broadcast.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein the program includes a TV program.

25. The method of claim 19 wherein the program includes video content.

26. A method for providing program content comprising:

receiving from a user reservations of a plurality of broadcast programs to review contents thereof, at least two of the broadcast programs having overlapping broadcast times;

recording each of the broadcast programs having overlapping broadcast times in its entirety;

receiving from the user a request for reviewing content of at least one of the broadcast programs; and

in response to the request, providing the content of the at least one broadcast program to the user.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the broadcast programs are recorded during the overlapping broadcast times, respectively.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein the broadcast programs include at least one TV program.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein at least one of the broadcast programs includes video content.

30. The method of claim 26 wherein the request includes an identification of a terminal used by the user to send the request.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the terminal includes a set-top terminal.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein the identification includes an address of the terminal.

33. A method for providing content of a broadcast program, comprising:

receiving a request for review of content of a broadcast program, the request including an identifier of the broadcast program;

in response to the request, providing at least one option to select an extent of the broadcast program to be reserved for review; and

making available for review the broadcast program to the selected extent thereof after the selected extent of the broadcast program is broadcast.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the selected extent includes a full extent of the program.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein the request is received while the broadcast program is being broadcast, the selected extent including content from a beginning of the broadcast program.

36. The method of claim 33 wherein the broadcast program has one or more episodes related thereto, the selected extent including at least one of the episodes.

37. The method of claim 33 wherein the broadcast program includes a TV program.

38. The method of claim 33 wherein the broadcast program includes video content.

39. A method for providing program content comprising:

providing a plurality of previews associated with a plurality of programs, respectively;

showing at least one of the previews; and

receiving a signal while the at least one preview is being shown, the signal indicating a reservation of the program, associated with the at least one preview, for subsequent review of content of the program.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the at least one preview includes information concerning a time of broadcast of the associated program.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein the program includes a TV program.

42. The method of claim 39 wherein the program includes video content.

43. A method for managing a program reservation comprising:

listing an identifier of at least one program provided by a channel;

receiving a selection of the identifier by a user to reserve the program for a review of content thereof;

determining whether the user is a subscriber to the channel offering the program;

inquiring whether the user is willing to pay for the review of the content of the program when it is determined that the user is not a subscriber to the channel; and

providing the user with access to the content of the program if the user is willing to pay for the review of the content of the program.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein a subscriber to the channel pays a fee for a subscription to the channel.

45. The method of claim 43 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

46. The method of claim 43 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

47. The method of claim 43 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the channel.

48. The method of claim 43 wherein the program includes a TV program.

49. The method of claim 43 wherein the program includes video content.

50. A method for presenting to a user identifiers of a plurality of programs on a program guide, comprising:

determining a subset of the programs which is not accessible by the user; and

indicating the identifiers of the programs in the subset differently than the other identifiers on the program guide.

51. The method of claim 50 further comprising allowing the user to select from the program guide an identifier of an accessible program to gain access to content of the accessible program.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein the accessible program is to be broadcast in the future.

53. The method of claim 51 wherein the accessible program was previously broadcast.

54. The method of claim 51 wherein the identifier is selected to reserve the accessible program for subsequent access to the content of the accessible program.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein the selected identifier has thereon an indication that the accessible program has been reserved.

56. The method of claim 54 wherein the selected identifier is again selected from the program guide to access the content of the accessible program.

57. The method of claim 50 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to broadcast times thereof.

58. The method of claim 50 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to program channels offering the plurality of programs, respectively.

59. A method for presenting to a user identifiers of a plurality of programs on a program guide, the user being afforded at least first and second services for accessing content of the programs, the method comprising:

determining a first subset of the programs which is made accessible to the user through the first service;

determining a second subset of the programs which is made accessible to the user through the second service;

providing at least a first indication associated with the first service on the identifiers of the programs in the first subset on the program guide;

providing at least a second indication associated with the second service on the identifiers of the programs in the second subset on the program guide, the first indication being different from the second indication;

allowing the user to select one of the first and second identifiers from the program guide to access content of the program identified by the selected identifier through the service associated with the indication on the selected identifier.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein one of the first and second services includes a set-top PVR service.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein one of the first and second services includes a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service.

62. The method of claim 59 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs is to be broadcast in the future.

63. The method of claim 59 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs was previously broadcast.

64. The method of claim 59 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to broadcast times thereof.

65. The method of claim 59 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to program channels offering the plurality of programs, respectively.

66. A system for facilitating a user at a user location to reserve a program for subsequent access to content thereof, the system comprising:

an interface for receiving, from a content provider, content of a program which is to be broadcast;

a server for recording the content of the program, the server being located remotely from the user location;

a processor for listing an identifier of the program for a period including a duration after broadcast of the content of the program; and

a mechanism for receiving a selection by a user of the identifier, access by the user to the recorded content of the program being allowed in response to the received selection.

67. The system of claim 66 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

68. The system of claim 66 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

69. The system of claim 66 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the program channel on which the program content is broadcast.

70. The system of claim 66 wherein the program includes a TV program.

71. The system of claim 66 wherein the program includes video content.

72. The system of claim 66 wherein the selection of the identifier is received via a communications network.

73. The system of claim 72 wherein the communications network includes at least part of an Internet.

74. The system of claim 72 wherein the communications network includes at least part of a telephone network.

75. The system of claim 66 further comprising an output device for sending a message to the user to archive the recorded content.

76. The system of claim 75 wherein the message is sent after a predetermined period from when the selection is received.

77. The system of claim 75 wherein the message is sent after a predetermined period from when the identifier is listed.

78. The system of claim 75 wherein the user is charged a fee for archiving the recorded content.

79. The system of claim 75 wherein an opportunity to archive the recorded content is available for a predetermined period after the message is sent.

80. The system of claim 75 wherein the recorded content is archived by storing the recorded content in a device selected by the user.

81. The system of claim 80 wherein the selected device includes a VCR.

82. The system of claim 80 wherein the selected device includes a DVD player.

83. The system of claim 80 wherein the selected device includes a PVR.

84. The system of claim 80 comprising a headend.

85. A system for allowing a user to reserve a program for subsequent review of content of the program, rights being obtained from a provider of the content of the program, the system comprising:

an interface for receiving from the provider the content of the program, the content of the program being broadcast; and

a processor for listing an identifier of the program for a period including a duration after broadcast of the content of the program, the identifier being listed for selection by the user to reserve the program, the length of the duration being a function of the rights obtained.

86. The system of claim 85 further comprising a server for recording the program content while the program content is being broadcast.

87. The system of claim 85 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

88. The system of claim 85 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

89. The system of claim 85 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the program channel on which the program content is broadcast.

90. The system of claim 85 wherein the program includes a TV program.

91. The system of claim 85 wherein the program includes video content.

92. A system for providing program content comprising:

an interface for receiving from a user reservations of a plurality of broadcast programs to review contents thereof, at least two of the broadcast programs having overlapping broadcast times;

a server for recording each of the broadcast programs having overlapping broadcast times in its entirety;

a mechanism for receiving from the user a request for reviewing content of at least one of the broadcast programs; and

a processor responsive to the request for providing the content of the at least one broadcast program to the user.

93. The system of claim 92 wherein the broadcast programs are recorded during the overlapping broadcast times, respectively.

94. The system of claim 92 wherein the broadcast programs include at least one TV program.

95. The system of claim 92 wherein at least one of the broadcast programs includes video content.

96. The system of claim 92 wherein the request includes an identification of a terminal used by the user to send the request.

97. The system of claim 96 wherein the terminal includes a set-top terminal.

98. The system of claim 96 wherein the identification includes an address of the terminal.

99. A system for providing content of a broadcast program, comprising:

an interface for receiving a request for review of content of a broadcast program, the request including an identifier of the broadcast program;

a processor responsive to the request for providing at least one option to select an extent of the broadcast program to be reserved for review; and

a mechanism for making available for review the broadcast program to the selected extent thereof after the selected extent of the broadcast program is broadcast.

100. The system of claim 99 wherein the selected extent includes a full extent of the program.

101. The system of claim 99 wherein the request is received while the broadcast program is being broadcast, the selected extent including content from a beginning of the broadcast program.

102. The system of claim 99 wherein the broadcast program has one or more episodes related thereto, the selected extent including at least one of the episodes.

103. The system of claim 99 wherein the broadcast program includes a TV program.

104. The system of claim 99 wherein the broadcast program includes video content.

105. A system for providing program content comprising:

a processor for providing a plurality of previews associated with a plurality of programs, respectively, at least one of the previews being shown; and

an interface for receiving a signal while the at least one preview is being shown, the signal indicating a reservation of the program, associated with the at least one preview, for subsequent review of content of the program.

106. The system of claim 105 wherein the at least one preview includes information concerning a time of broadcast of the associated program.

107. The system of claim 105 wherein the program includes a TV program.

108. The system of claim 105 wherein the program includes video content.

109. A system for managing a program reservation comprising:

a processor for listing an identifier of at least one program provided by a channel;

an interface for receiving a selection of the identifier by a user to reserve the program for a review of content thereof;

a control unit for determining whether the user is a subscriber to the channel offering the program, the user being inquired whether the user is willing to pay for the review of the content of the program when it is determined that the user is not a subscriber to the channel; and

a mechanism for providing the user with access to the content of the program if the user is willing to pay for the review of the content of the program.

110. The system of claim 109 wherein a subscriber to the channel pays a fee for a subscription to the channel.

111. The system of claim 109 wherein the identifier of the program includes a title of the program.

112. The system of claim 109 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the time of broadcast of the program content.

113. The system of claim 109 wherein the identifier is listed with respect to the channel.

114. The system of claim 109 wherein the program includes a TV program.

115. The system of claim 109 wherein the program includes video content.

116. Apparatus for presenting to a user identifiers of a plurality of programs on a program guide, comprising:

a processor for determining a subset of the programs which is not accessible by the user; and

a mechanism for indicating the identifiers of the programs in the subset differently than the other identifiers on the program guide.

117. The apparatus of claim 116 wherein the user is allowed to select from the program guide an identifier of an accessible program to gain access to content of the accessible program.

118. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the accessible program is to be broadcast in the future.

119. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the accessible program was previously broadcast.

120. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the identifier is selected to reserve the accessible program for subsequent access to the content of the accessible program.

121. The apparatus of claim 120 wherein the selected identifier has thereon an indication that the accessible program has been reserved.

122. The apparatus of claim 120 wherein the selected identifier is again selected from the program guide to access the content of the accessible program.

123. The apparatus of claim 116 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to broadcast times thereof.

124. The apparatus of claim 116 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to program channels offering the plurality of programs, respectively.

125. Apparatus for presenting to a user identifiers of a plurality of programs on a program guide, the user being afforded at least first and second services for accessing content of the programs, the apparatus comprising:

a control element for determining a first subset of the programs which is made accessible to the user through the first service, and a second subset of the programs which is made accessible to the user through the second service;

a processor for providing at least a first indication associated with the first service on the identifiers of the programs in the first subset on the program guide, and at least a second indication associated with the second service on the identifiers of the programs in the second subset on the program guide, the first indication being different from the second indication; and

a mechanism for allowing the user to select one of the first and second identifiers from the program guide to access content of the program identified by the selected identifier through the service associated with the indication on the selected identifier.

126. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein one of the first and second services includes a set-top PVR service.

127. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein one of the first and second services includes an SVOD service.

128. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs is to be broadcast in the future.

129. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs was previously broadcast.

130. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to broadcast times thereof.

131. The apparatus of claim 125 wherein the plurality of programs are presented on the program guide according to program channels offering the plurality of programs, respectively.

132. A method for managing a plurality of programs accessible by a user who is afforded at least first and second services to access contents of the programs, comprising:

allowing a selection of at least one of the programs whose content is to be accessed by the first service and at least one of the programs whose content is to be accessed by the second service;

distinguishing a first identifier identifying the at least one program whose content is to be accessed by the first service from a second identifier identifying the at least one program whose content is to be accessed by the second service; and

presenting the first identifier and second identifier to the user.

133. The method of claim 132 wherein the first identifier is presented in a first list, and the second identifier is presented in a second list in distinguishing the first identifier from the second identifier.

134. The method of claim 132 wherein one of the first and second services includes a set-top PVR service.

135. The method of claim 132 wherein at least one of the first identifier and the second identifier includes a program title.

136. The method of claim 132 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs is to be broadcast in the future.

137. The method of claim 132 wherein at least one of the plurality of programs was previously broadcast.

138. Apparatus for managing a plurality of programs accessible by a user, comprising:

a device for providing a presentation of a plurality of identifiers associated with a plurality of programs, respectively, the identifiers being arranged in the presentation according to a chronological order of broadcast times of the associated programs, the presentation including at least one identifier associated with a program which was broadcast; and

a mechanism for allowing the user to traverse the presentation chronologically to locate the at least one identifier, the at least one identifier being selectable to access the program.

139. The apparatus of claim 138 wherein the presentation includes a program guide.

140. The apparatus of claim 138 wherein the plurality of programs include at least one program which is being broadcast.

141. The apparatus of claim 138 wherein the plurality of programs include at least one program which is to be broadcast.

142. A method for managing a plurality of programs accessible by a user, comprising:

providing a presentation of a plurality of identifiers associated with a plurality of programs, respectively, the identifiers being arranged in the presentation according to a chronological order of broadcast times of the associated programs, the presentation including at least one identifier associated with a program which was broadcast; and

allowing the user to traverse the presentation chronologically to locate the at least one identifier, the at least one identifier being selectable to access the program.

143. The method of claim 142 wherein the presentation includes a program guide.

144. The method of claim 142 wherein the plurality of programs include at least one program which is being broadcast.

145. The method of claim 142 wherein the plurality of programs include at least one program which is to be broadcast.

146. Apparatus for accessing programs on a plurality of channels, comprising:

an output for providing programming on a selected one of the plurality of channels; and

a mechanism for offering an option to access at least one program which was broadcast within a period on the selected channel, an identifier associated with the at least one program being presented after a selection of the option, the identifier being selectable to access the at least one program.

147. The apparatus of claim 146 wherein the length of the period is subject to rights to content of the at least one program obtained from a provider of the content.

148. The apparatus of claim 146 wherein the identifier includes a title of the at least one program.

149. A method for accessing programs on a plurality of channels, comprising:

providing programming on a selected one of the plurality of channels;

offering an option to access at least one program which was broadcast on the selected channel; and

presenting an identifier associated with the at least one program after a selection of the option, the identifier being selectable to access the at least one program.

150. The method of claim 149 wherein the length of the period is subject to rights to content of the at least one program obtained from a provider of the content.

151. The method of claim 149 wherein the identifier includes a title of the at least one program.