US0070731.87B1
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,073,187 B1 Hendricks et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 4, 2006
(54) MENU-DRIVEN TELEVISION PROGRAM 4.488,179 A 12/1984 Kruger et al. ACCESS SYSTEMAND METHOD 4,517,598 A 5/1985 Van Valkenburg et al. 4,528,643 A 7/1985 Freeny, Jr. (75) Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Potomac, MD 3.25. A s (G SS Alfred E. Bonner, Bethesda, MD 4,621,282 A 11/1986 Ahernal 4,633,462 A 12/1986 Stifle et al. 4,639,225 A 1/1987 Washizuka (73) Assignee: Sedna Patent Services, LLC, 4,641.205 A 2/1987 Beyers, Jr. Philadelphia, PA (US) 4,688,218 A 8/1987 Blineau et al. - 0 4,688,246 A 8/1987 Eilers et al. (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 4,694,490 A 9/1987 Harvey et al. patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. (Continued) (21) Appl. No.: 09/208,097 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS CA 2044574 12/1992 (22) Filed: Nov. 16, 1998 (Continued) Related U.S. Application Data OTHER PUBLICATIONS (63) Continuation of application No. 08/912.934, filed on Aug. 15, 1997, which is a continuation of application Reimer, "Memories in my pocket'. Feb. 1991. No. 08/160,282, filed on Dec. 2, 1993, now Pat. No. 5,659,350, which is a continuation-in-part of appli- (Continued) cation No. 07/991,074, filed on Dec. 9, 1992. Primary Examiner Chris Grant Assistant Examiner—Andrew Y. Koenig (51) E",/025 (2006.01) (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Moser, Patterson & Sheridan H04N 7/10 (2006.01) LLP H04N 5/445 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT (52) U.S. Cl...... 725/36; 725/46 (58) Field of Classification Search ...... 725/42, 725/51, 37,38, 39, 67,114, 138, 144, 35, A menu-driven television program access system and 725/41, 109, 110, 104, 34, 46 method provide a menu structure that allows subscribers to See application file for complete search history. select and view television programming and other services. The menu structure lists programs by program category or (56) References Cited by chronological order of broadcast. The subscriber scrolls the menus until a desired program identifier, such as a title U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS and date/time of broadcast is found. The subscriber then operates a 'go-button” on a remote control to select the 3,891,792 A 6, 1975 Kimura desired program. In response to operation of the "go 4,361,848. A 1 1/1982 Poignet et al. button, a set top terminal turns to a channel carrying the 4,381.522 A 4, 1983 Lambert 4,398,216 A 8, 1983 Field et al. selected program. 4,465,825 A 8, 1984 Lin 4.484,217 A 11, 1984 Block et al. 110 Claims, 88 Drawing Sheets
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U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,253,275 A 10, 1993 Yurt et al. 5,253,341 A 10, 1993 ROZmanith et al. 4,697.209 A 9, 1987 Kiewit et al. 5,260,778 A 1 1/1993 Kauffman et al. 4,706,121. A 1 1/1987 Young 5,270.809 A 12/1993 Gammie et al. 4,712,105. A 12/1987 Kohler 5,282,028 A 1/1994 Johnson et al. 4,712,130 A 12/1987 Casey 5,283,639 A 2f1994 Esch et al. 4,724,491 A 2f1988 Lambert 5,285,272 A 2/1994 Bradley et al. 4,792,972 A 12/1988 Cook, Jr. 5,289,271 A 2f1994 Watson 4,805,014 A 2f1989 Sahara et al. 5,293,540 A 3, 1994 Trani et al. 4,816,901 A 3, 1989 Music et al. 5,293,633. A 3, 1994 Robbins D301,037 S 5, 1989 Matsuda 5,319,455 A 6/1994 Hoarty et al. 4,829,558 A 5, 1989 Welsh 5,319,707 A 6/1994 Wasilewski et al. 4,829,569 A 5, 1989 Seth-Smith et al. 5,323,240 A 6/1994 Amano et al. 4,860,379 A 8/1989 Schoeneberger et al. 5,327,554 A 7/1994 Palazzi, III et al.
4,876,736 A 10, 1989 Kiewit 5,329,590 A * 7/1994 Pond ...... 380,242 4,928, 168 A 5, 1990 Iwashita 5,339,315 A 8, 1994 Maeda et al. 4.947,429 A 8, 1990 Bestler et al. 5,341,166 A 8, 1994 Garr et al. 4,949,187 A 8, 1990 Cohen 5,341,474 A 8, 1994 Gelman et al. 4.959,810 A 9, 1990 Darbee et al. 5,343,239 A 8/1994 Lappington et al. 4,961,109 A 10, 1990 Tanaka 5,343,516 A 8, 1994 Callele et al. 4,975,951 A 12/1990 Bennett 5,345,594 A 9, 1994 Tsuda 4,977.455 A 12/1990 Young 5,349,638 A 9, 1994 Pitroda et al. D314,383 S 2f1991 Hafner 5,351,075 A 9, 1994 Herz et al. 4,995,078 A 2f1991 Monslow et al. 5,353,121 A 10/1994 Young et al. 4,996,597 A 2, 1991 Dufield 5,355,162 A 10, 1994 Yazolino et al. 5,001,554. A 3, 1991 Johnson et al...... 725/8 5,357.276 A 10, 1994 Banker et al. 5,014, 125 A 5, 1991 Pocock et al. 5,365,265 A 11/1994 Shibata et al. 5,015,829 A 5, 1991 Eilert et al. 5,367,330 A * 11/1994 Haave et al...... T25,104 5,020,129 A 5, 1991 Martin et al. 5,367,571 A 11/1994 Bowen et al. 5,027,400 A 6/1991 Baji et al. 5,375,068 A 12/1994 Palmer et al. 5,036,394 A 7, 1991 Morii et al. 5,381,477 A * 1/1995 Beyers et al...... 380,231 5,036,537 A 7, 1991 Jeffers et al. 5,390,348 A 2/1995 Magin et al. 5,038,402 A 8, 1991 Robbins 5,396,546 A 3, 1995 Remillard 5,046,093 A 9, 1991 Wachob 5,400.401 A 3, 1995 Wasilewski et al. 5,047,867 A 9, 1991 Strubbe et al. 5,404,393 A 4/1995 Remillard 5,049,990 A 9, 1991 Kondo et al. 5,404.505 A 4/1995 Levinson 5,056,138 A 10/1991 Tyson, Sr. 5,410,326 A 4/1995 Goldstein 5,057,917 A 10, 1991 Shalkauser et al. 5,410,344 A 4/1995 Graves et al. 5,073.930 A 12/1991 Green et al. 5,412,416 A 5/1995 Nemirofsky 5,075,771 A * 12/1991 Hashimoto ...... T25/46 5,414,426 A 5/1995 O’Donnell et al. 5,077,607 A 12/1991 Johnson et al. 5,416.508 A 5/1995 Sakuma et al. 5,078,019 A 1/1992 Aoki 5.432.542 A 7/1995 Thibadeau et al. 5,091,782 A 2f1992 Krause et al. 5.438,372 A 8/1995 Tsumori et al...... 348,503 5,093,718 A 3/1992 Hoarty et al. 5,440,632 A 8, 1995 Bacon et al. D325,581 S 4, 1992 Schwartz 5,442.452 A 8/1995 Ryu 5,103,314 A 4, 1992 Keenan 5,442,626 A 8, 1995 Wei 5,105,268 A 4, 1992 Yamanouchi et al. 5,446,919 A 8, 1995 Wilkins 5,130,792 A 7, 1992 Tindell et al. 5,461,667 A 10, 1995 Remillard 5,132,789 A 7, 1992 Ammon et al. 5,469,206 A 11/1995 Strubbe et al. 5,132,992 A 7, 1992 Yurt et al. 5,473,362 A 12/1995 Fitzgerald et al. 5,133,079 A 7/1992 Ballantyne et al. 5,477,262 A * 12/1995 Banker et al...... 725/38 D329,238 S 9, 1992 Grasso et al. 5,477,263 A 12/1995 O'Callaghan et al. 5,144,663 A 9, 1992 Kudelski et al. 5,479.266 A * 12/1995 Young et al...... 386.83 5,150,118 A 9, 1992 Finkle et al. 5,479.268 A 12/1995 Young et al. 5,151,782 A 9, 1992 Ferraro 5,481.294 A 1/1996 Thomas et al. 5,151,789 A 9/1992 Young 5,481.296 A 1/1996 Cragun et al. 5,152,011 A 9, 1992 Schwob. 5,481,542 A 1/1996 Logston et al. 5,155,591 A * 10/1992 Wachob ...... 725/35 5.483.278 A 1/1996 Strubbe et al. 5,166,886 A 11/1992 Molnar et al. 5,500,794. A 3/1996 Fujita et al. D331,760 S 12/1992 Renk, Jr. 5,508,733 A 4/1996 Kassatly ...... 725/93 5,172,413 A 12/1992 Bradley et al. 5,515,098 A 5/1996 Carles 5, 182,639 A 1/1993 Jutamulia et al. 5,550,863. A 8, 1996 Yurt et al. 5,202,817 A 4, 1993 Koenck et al. 5,561,708 A 10, 1996 Remillard 5,206,722 A 4, 1993 Kwan 5,561,709 A 10, 1996 Remillard 5,206,954 A 4, 1993 Inoue et al. 5,570,126 A 10, 1996 Blahut et al. 5,212,553 A 5/1993 Maruoka ...... 725/68 5,629,733 A 5/1997 Youman et al. 5,216,515 A 6, 1993 Steele et al. 5,635,989 A 6/1997 Rothmuller 5,223,924 A 6, 1993 Strubbe 5,644,354 A 7/1997 Thompson et al. 5,237,311 A 8/1993 Mailey et al. 5,659,350 A * 8/1997 Hendricks et al...... T25,116 5,237,610 A 8, 1993 Gammie et al. 5,661,516 A 8, 1997 Carles 5,242,770 A 9, 1993 Chen et al. 5,663,757 A 9, 1997 Morales 5,247,347 A 9, 1993 Litteral et al. 5,696,906 A 12/1997 Peters et al. 5,253,066 A 10/1993 Vogel 5,724,091 A 3, 1998 Freeman et al. US 7,073,187 B1 Page 3
5,758,257 A 5/1998 Herz et al...... T25,116 JP 1130683 5, 1989 5,793,872 A 8/1998 Hirayama et al. JP 1142918 6, 1989 5,917,537 A 6/1999 Lightfoot et al. JP 3114375 5, 1991 5,940,073 A * 8/1999 Klosterman et al...... 345,721 JP 3.198119 8, 1991 6,025,837 A * 2/2000 Matthews et al...... 345,721 JP 525O106 9, 1993 6,064,376 A * 5/2000 Berezowski et al...... 725/42 TW 238461 4f1992 6,105,060 A * 8/2000 Rothblatt ...... TO9,219 TW 234223 11, 1994
6,166,778 A 12, 2000 Yamamoto et al. ------348,369 TW 235359 12/1994 6,204.885 B1 3/2001 KWoh ...... 348,564 TW 236065 12/1994 6,539,548 B1* 3/2003 Hendricks et al...... 725/109 WO 86O1962 3, 1986 WO 89.09528 10, 1989 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS WO WO 89,12370 12/1989 DE 3423846 1, 1986 WO 90.10988 9, 1990 DE 393.5294 4f1991 WO 91OO670 1, 1991 EP 149536 1, 1984 WO 9.103112 3, 1991 EP 103438 3, 1984 WO 9211713 7, 1992 EP 145063 6, 1985 WO 92.12599 7, 1992 EP 158548 10, 1985 WO 92.17027 10, 1992 EP 167237 1, 1986 WO 92212O6 11, 1992 EP 187961 T 1986 WO 9322877 11, 1993 EP 243312 10, 1987 EP 281.293 9, 1988 OTHER PUBLICATIONS EP 328440 8, 1989 Olshansky et al., “Subscriber Distribution Networks Using EP O 340 643 A2 11, 1989 99 EP 355697 2, 1990 Compressed Digital Video, Nov. 1992. EP 399.200 11, 1990 Dinaro, et al., “Markets and Products Overview”, 1991. EP 402.809 12/1990 Advertisement, “Hong Kong Enterprise', Nov. 1988. EP 420.123 4f1991 Advertisment, “Great Presentations, 1987. EP 424,648 5, 1991 Advertisment, “Consumer Dist.’, Fall/Winter 1992. EP 425834 5, 1991 van den Boom, “Interactive Videotex... ', Nov.-Dec. 1986. EP 450841 10, 1991 Moloney, “Digital Compression in Todays . . . . Jun. 6, EP 506435 Of 1992 1993. EP 513553 11, 1992 Bestler, “Flexible Data Structures . . . . Jun. 6, 1993. EP 513763570785 11, 19931992 Sharrolarpless, "Subscription“Subscription TelTeletext for Value Addeded Servics'Serv1cs, GB 1204190 9, 1970 Aug. 1985. GB 2168227 6, 1986 Gelman et al., “A Store-and Forward . . . . Jun. 21, 1991. GB 2177873 1, 1987 Hewlett, Packard Co., “HP-41C Operating Manual, Dec., JP 6106O15 3, 1985 1982. JP 6224777 2, 1987 Sorce, et al., “Human Factors In Telecommunications.” Sep. JP 214O134 6, 1987 1990. JP 1020454 1, 1989 JP 224,5167 3, 1989 * cited by examiner U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 1 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
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U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 3 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 3 2O2 N OPERATIONS CENTER 224 a 3. PROGRAM PACKAGNG MENU S MANAGEMENT 225 DEL VERY CONTROL MASTER CONTROL UPLINK SITE 2 -1 /) SIGNAL -- PR OCESSO R 2O9 NETWORK CONTROLLER 24 f
222 ANALOG SIGNALS DIGITAL COMPRESSED SIGNALS (YCTV)
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U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 8 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
PROCESS MARKETING PROGRAM INFORMATION INTERFACE LINE-UP 400 430
RECEIVE PROGRAM
WATCHED INFORMATION PACKAGER DATA
420 ENTRY INTERFACE PROCESSMENU CONFIGURATIONS RECEIVE OTHER PROGRAMSELECTION INFORMATION 10 422
ALGORTHMS START TIMES 412 MENU 424 DISPLAYS 402
PRICE SETTING 4 4
CABLE FRANCHISE EDITING OF INFORMATION ACCESS TRANSPONDER MENUS ALLOCATION 416 RECEIVE HEADEND
INFORMATION GRAPHICAL MENUEDITING 48 TRANSPONDER ALLOCATION DISPLAY 438 GENERATE CABLE FRANCHISECONTROL
EDITING SIGNAL TRANSPONDER ALLOCATION 440
GENERATOR PROGRAM CONTROL INFORMATION OUTPUT 442
VIDEO PACKAGING ROUTINE 448
U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 10 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
DEVELOPPROGRAM SCHEDULE AND MENUS USING CAP
IDENTIFYTIMESLOTS FOR LOCAL AVAILABILITY
EDT PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND MENUS AS NECESSARY
OBTAN AND IDENTIFYDESIRED IDENTIFY
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COMBINEAPPROPRIATE C COMBINE PROGRAMS STOREDDIGITAL PROGRAM SIGNALS USING CAP
COMBINE LIVE PROGRAM SIGNAL FEEDS WITH 352 COMBINED PROGRAMS
COMBINE PROGRAM CONTROLINFORMATION WITH COMBINED PROGRAMS
Fig. 10 AMPLFY COMBINED SIGNAL 354 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 11 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 11 mHz CHANNES MENUS 75O 28O HDTV8 FUTURE H
S. LOCAL G s ALA CARTE CHANNES 220 e ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE E s|NON-THEATRICAL INFORMATION VIDEOSH-i6O 227 s SPORTS ACCESS C MOVE LIBRARY IOO B 3 A S HIT MOVIES -N 4O S ANAOG PAY-PER-VIEW 226 PAY CHANNELS 3O
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Fig. 13 SATELLTE MOVE OPTONS AVAILABLE PRORITY ONE PRIORITY ONE PLUS MENUS MENUS TWO MENUS VCTV COMP (.283)
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ENTERTAIN ENTERTAIN SMN8SELECTIONS GSN'4SELECTIONS SPECIA SPECIAL ifist INTEREST NTEREST CHANNELS CHANNELS CHANNELS 4SELECTIONS PROMOS U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 13 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
CURRENT TIME: BROADCAS TV WELCOME! 9:45 PM MENU
CATEGORIES OF PROGRAM MENUS
PRESS GO FOR ANY CATEGORY 38O
FAVORITE CHANNELS OFTEN WATCHED CHANNELS
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MURDERMMYSTERY PROGRAMS DOCUMENTARES
NEWS AND NFORMATION OTHER
PRESS GO HERE TO RETURN TO HOME MENU
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U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 14 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26 994 Af HIT MOVIES FROM REQUEST fs PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION HOME ALONE3 (PG) DAYBEAST(R) FRESTORM (R) YOU AND ME (R) WILD THING(R) ALIENS 4 (R)
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Fig. 16
THURSDAY FEERUARY 26, 1994 NEXT START TIME 8:OOPM TERMINATOR 4 (R) ARNOLD SCHMARZENEGGER RETURNS AGAIN IN THIS SC-F ACTION THRLLER SET IN THE PRESENT, 2O25AND N THE FARFUTURE 90OAD
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U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 18 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 19a
Thursday, February 26, 1994 7:35 PM / /
WELCOME TO COX CABLE
Regular Cable TV ON Channels 2 Thru 39. Complete Lineup on Channel 40. YOURRV7 CHOICE Programs You Can Order on Demand Use Remote Buttons Athru J. Move Yellow CurSOr Thru Blue SCreen Boxes PressGOHere for Remote Instructions U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 19 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
CURRENT TIME: TUESDAY 9:40PM WELCOME FEBRUARY 26, 1994 TO COX CABLE
TELEVISION AT YOUR COMMAND PRESS CHANNEL NUMBER 02 THRU 40 FOR REGULAR BROADCAST AND CABLE TV PRESS MENU BUTTONSATHRUHFOR YOUR CHOICE TV SELECT PROGRAMS YOU CAN ORDER ON DEMAND. JUST MOVE YELLOW CURSOR THRUBLUE SCREEN BOXES. SEE CHANNEL 41 FOR ACCOUNT REVIEW
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1000 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 20 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 20a
Saturday, December 28, 1984
BASIC PLUS ECONOMY ALA CARTE CNN PKG. AND CNN VH1 PREMIUM DISC TLC SC-F ESPN AMC TOON TBS TNN BRAV TNT MEU ROM USA El ENCR FAM CNBC DISN NICK LIFE CINE MTV A&E TMC TWC COURT SHOW TRAV PRESS (GO)ABOVE FORCHANNELS PRESS (GO)ABOVE FOR MENUS PRESS (GOON ? FOR INFO/PRICES U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 21 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
CBS YOUR CHOICE TV FOX ABC Menu WTBS Hit Movies ESPN Movie Library DISCOVERY Sports Events CNN Discovery Select LIFETIME Entertainment Choice FAMILY Subscription Channels AMC Local Library LEARNING High Definition Services USA
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1010 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 22 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 20c
YOUR CHOICE TV CBS Menu FOX ABC Hit MOVies WTBS Sports ESPN Children's Programming DISCOVERY Discovery Select CNN Entertainment Choice LIFETIME Subscription Channels FAMILY Local Library AMC High Definition Services LEARNING interactive USA Open, Future use
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1010 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 23 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 21a
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994
AYA N HIT MOVIES PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION HOME ALONE 3 (PG DAYBEAST (R FRESTORM (R TERMINATOR 4 (R - YOU AND ME (R DETECTIVE SMITH (PG) 1009 WILD THING (R FOUR SCORE (PG ALIENS 4 (R SEAWORLD (PG
PESS GO HERE FOR MOVE LIBRARY PRESS GO HERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV \ 1512 o 101 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 24 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: Main Menu Welcome! 9:45 pm A Hit MOVies at your command press GO on any title for more info Home Alone 3 (PG) Daybeast (R) Firestorm (R) Terminator 4 (R) You and Me (R) Detective Smith (PG) Wild Thing (R) Four Score (PG) press GO here for regular TV OOOOOOOOOOO ( OO DODDO 1011 t 1040 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 25 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 22a
1502
THUSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994 7:45 PM NEXT START TIME 8:00 PM
1556 TERMINATOR 4 (R) ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER RETURNS AGAIN IN THIS SC-FACTION THRILLER SET IN THE PRESENT 2025 AND IN THE FARFUTURE 901OAD $1.95 RUNNING TIME 2:34 1009 COROLCO THEATRICAL RELEASE 1558 1994 PRESSGOHERE TO ORDER PRESSGOHERE TO PREVIEW YOUR CHOICE NA PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO MENUA PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV
Af 1011 1120 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 26 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: Terminator Next Start Time: 10:00pm 1556 Arnold Schwarzenegger returns again in this science fiction action thriller Set in the present, 2025, and in the far furtre-901 OA.D. 1558 from Carolco 2/15/94 theatrical release Press ORDER button here to Order U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 27 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 23a
1502
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994 7:47 PM
YOUR MOVIE WILL BEGINAT 8:00PM TERMINATOR 4 (R) THANK YOU FOR YOUR HT MOVIE ORDER WELL RETURN HERE AT 7:49PM YOU CAN NOW RETURN TO REGULAR CABLE TV -101 $1.95 RUNNING TIME 2:34 PRESSGOHERE TO COROLCO THEATRICAL RELEASE JOIN IN PROGRESS 1994 YOUR CHOICEV7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV
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1125 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 28 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
FIG. 23b
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1125 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 29 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 24a
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994
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1127 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 30 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
FIG. 24b.
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1127 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 31 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
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U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 33 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
CURRENT TIME MAINMENU WELCOME 8:43PM B MOVE LIBRARY CONSULT GUIDE OR SCROLL THRU THE LIST PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FORMORE INFO PRESSGOANDTITLENUMBER 1653 HERE O001 ALIEN (R) 1978 OOO2 ALIENS (R) 1989 O003 ALIENSII (R) 1992 O004 AMERICAN GIGOLO (R) 1978 OOO5 AN AMERICAN TALE (G) 1986 PRESSGO) HERE FOR REGULAR TV
1040 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 34 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: Sleeping With 8:44 pm The Enemy Title No. 1653 Julia Roberts stars in this 1990 thriller about a young Woman who escapes a psychotic husband. He finds her. Watch Out $1.25 To Order Next start time 2/12/941:30 am Press ORDER button here to order PreSS GO here to return to B menu press GO here for regular TV
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1140 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 35. Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Thank you for ordering from our movie library We will automatically turn on your VCR On the air date at 2/12/941:30 am Running time for your selection 2:12 Make sure you have a rewound tape in your VCR. Enjoy!
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1142 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 36 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 29a
Thursday, February 26, 1994 DG)D DOCUMENTARY/NEWS PRESSGOON ANY TIME FOR MORE INFORMATION
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1028 / U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 37 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: Main Menu documentaries 7:45 pm information D videOS how to Discovery news Specials VIDEO SELECT SERVICES Discovery Channel Choice CBS News Today Learning Channel Choice CBS Library Travel Destinations ABC News Today Time-Life Choice ABC Library BBC Choice NBC Library PBS Choice Independents Choice press GO here for regular TV
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1042 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 38 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 30a
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994
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1148 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 39 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current7:46 pmTime: Discovery Thanktaking youa look for Channel at our offerings Choice Press GO on any item for more info REDISCOVERING AMERICA WAR BIRDS the latest jet fighters CHEETAH ON THE RUN INVENTION Press GO here for main menu D press GO here for regular TV
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1148 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 40 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 31a
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994 NEXT START TIME 8:30 PM - WARBIRDS
STUNNING FOOTAGE COMPLED FROM DISCOVERY'S MOST POPULAR SERIES WINGS. CONTAINS THREE GULF WAR DOGFIGHTS AND CARRIER LANDING CRASH FOOTAGE.
5:49 RUNNING TIME 1:30 PRESSGOHERE TO ORDER
YOUR CHOICE Y/N7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV
1152 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 41 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: War Next Start Time: 7:47pm Birds 8:00 pm Stunning footage compiled from Discovery's most popular Series: Wings. Contains 3 Gulf War dogfights and carrier landing Crash footage. A must see for aviation enthusiasts. Price S.49
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1152 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 42 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 32a
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994 YOUR SELECTION WILL STARTAT 9:30 PM WAR BRDS THANK YOU FOR ORDERING FROM THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL CHOICE LIBRARY. WE WILL RETURN HERE AUTOMATICALLY 60 SECONDS PRIOR TO START TIME
S.49 RUNNING TIME 1:30 PRESSGOHERE TO JOIN IN PROGRESS YOUR CHOICE Y7N7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV
1154 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 43 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Current Time: Next Start Time: 7:47pm Thank YOU 8:00pm for ordering from the Discovery Channel's choice library
Your Selection Starts in 12 min. 59 SeC.
We will return here automatically 60 sec. prior to start time. g Call 1-800-255-8000 for free Discovery Catalog Press GO here to join in progress press GO here for regular TV
|
1154. U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 44 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 32c
COME BACK AND ENJOY THIS SELECTION YOUR CHOICE - AT NOADDITIONAL CHARGE UNTIL THE V7 MENU CHANGES. THANK YOU
1392 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 45 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
CURRENT TIME MAINMENU WELCOME 10:15 PM F SPECIALTY CHANNELS AVAILABLE FORECONOMIC MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICES, LIKE MAGAZINES PRESSGOON ANY CHANNELFORMORE INFO SC-F CHANNEL PEOPLE NATURAL WORLD DISCOVERY AVIATION BEAUTY SCIENCE DISCOVERY TRAVEL WHEELS COMPUTER GOURMET HOME HERITAGE FITNESS POLITICS PRESSGOHERE FOR REGULAR TV
OOOOOOOOOOO Af 1011 1044 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 46 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Billed at The Science Fiction You pay just $1.10 per month Channel $13.00 per year 24 hours a day of great TV enjoyment for the science fiction buff. From Cult classic to new Originals, this Channel is Out of this WOrld. Press ORDER button here to Order PreSS GO here for main menu F press GO here for regular TV
DDD DDDD
1160 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 47 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Thank you for subscribing You are joining the channel in progress.
DDDDDDDDDD
1164 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 48 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 36
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994 MAGAZINE CHANNELS AVAILABLE FORECONOMICAL MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICES PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION SC-FICTION PEOPLE NATURAL WORD AVIATION BEAUTY SCIENCE TRAVEL WHEELS COMPUTER GOURMET HOME HERITAGE FITNET OUTDOOR ATLAS
YOUR CHOICE V7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 49 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 37
Thursday, February 26, 1994 THE SCIENCE FICTION CHANNEL
24 hours a day of great TV enjoyment for the science fiction buff, from Cult classics to new originals, this channel is Out of this World.
$1.10 Per Month
YOUR CHOICE Y7 Press(GO) Here to Return to Menu F PressGO) Here to Return to Cable TV
1170 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 50 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 38
Thursday, February 26, 1994
2 THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRBING U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 51 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 39
Thursday, February 26, 1994 YOU ARE A CURRENT SUBSCRIBER. THANK YOU Joining in progress. A Discovery Service.
Now Showing: MEXICAN COOKING WITHDIANA KENNEDY
in U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 52 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 40
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 1994 PG| DOCUMENTARY/NEWS PRESSGOON ANY TIME FOR MORE INFORMATION
DISCOVERY CHANNEL CHOICE CRS NEWS TODAY LEARNING CHANNEL CHOICE CRS LIBRARY TRAVELDESTINATIONS ABC NEWS TODAY TIME LIFE CHOICE ABC LIBRARY BBC CHOICE NBC LIBRARY PBS CHOICE INDEPENDENTS CHOICE YOUR CHOICE RV7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 53 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 41
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994 O CBS LIBRARY PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION
60 MINUTES 48 HOURS RATHER: "THE YELTSINFILE" SUNDAY MORNING FACE THE NATION
YOUR CHOICE RV7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO MENUD PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV in U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 54 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 42
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994 YOUR SELECTION TIME 10:00 PM 60 MINUTES
THIS WEEK'S SHOW WHICH AIRED 2.22'94 AND FEATURED STORIES ON: MEDICAID FRAUD. ELIZABETH TAYLOR; ROSS PERO IN JAPAN; ANDY ROONEY
S.69 RECEIVING TIME 1:00 PRESSGOHERE TO ORDER YOUR CHOICE V7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO MENUD PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 55 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 43
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994 9:42 PM YOUR SELECTION WILL STARTAT 10:00 PM (OD 60 MINUTES THANK YOU FOR ORDERING FROM THE CBS LIBRARY. WE WILL RETURN HERE AUTOMATICALLY 60 SECONDS PRIOR TO START TIME. PRESSGOHERE TO S.69 RECEIVING TIME 1:00 JOIN IN PROGRESS YOUR CHOICE V7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO MENUD PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 56 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 44
Thursday, October 26, 1994 3. ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE This week's episodes of the best on TV Press (GO) On Any Time For More Information MURPHY BROWN from CBS 90210 from FOX ROSEANNE from ABC SENFELD from NBC LARRY SANDERS from HBO
YOUR CHOICE V7 Press(GO) Here to Return to Cable TV
1180 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 57 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 45
Thursday, October 26, 1994 Next Start Time 8:00PM THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW Staring Gary Shanding. In this week's episode Larry's interview guest is Ross Perot who becomes offended by Larry's personal questions. Perot launches an investigation of Larry's past. Great fun from HBO Enjoy until the menu changes on 11/2/94 Running$.69 Time 26:00 Press (GO) Here to ORDER YOUR CHOICE V7 Press (GO) Here to Return to Menu E Press(GO) Here to Return to Cable TV
1182 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 58 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 46
Thursday, October 26, 1994
SPORTS PreSS On Any Title For More information
NFL HIGHLIGHTS this Week
CHARLOTTE 400 in Orodress
EVENTS THIS WEEK
YOUR CHOICE RV7V Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV
1022 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 59. Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 47
Thursday, October 26, 1994
Sunday, Oct. 22 Game highlights produced by CBS Sports, this 1 hour special reviews all the great action including the big Dallas fumble! $.69 Receiving Time 1:00 PressGOHere to ORDER YOURCHOICE V7M PressGOHere to Return to Menu B PressGOHere to Return to Cable TV in U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 60 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 48a
Thursday, October 26, 1994
SPORT EVENTS THIS WEEK On Menu B PreSS On Any Title For More Information TODAY: Charlotte 400 MON: WWF Wrestling FRI: Houston Open Tennis Finals TUE: Collegiate Gymnastics SAT: College Football / Boxing WED: Stuntman Challenge SUN: NFL | Golf EVENTS THIS MONTH
YOURCHOICE V7 Press(GOHere to Return to Menu B Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV
1224 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 61 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 48b
Thursday, October 26, 1994 7:51 PM
TENNIS FINALS: HOUSTON OPEN Begins Friday evening at 6:00 ET on Menu B LIVE Check out Menu B this Friday evening for both the men's and WOman's finals in HOUStOn. Woman's final at 6:00PM ET and Men's final immediately following. This event is live. Agassi, Becker, Seles and Graf won today. $.95 Event TO ORDER just select Scheduled for 5-6 hrs. Menu B on Friday, 10/27 iv, Press Here for Sports Events Press Here to Return to Menu E Press Here to Return to Cable TV
1226 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 62 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 48c
Thursday, October 26, 1994 COLLEGE FOOTBALL | BOXING Saturday action on MenuB Press(GO) On Any Title For More Information COLLEGE FOOTBALL (all times ET) Penn St vs West Wa 1:00pm Colorodo VS Texas 3:00 pm Oldavs Notre Dame 1:30pm So Call WS Wash 4:00 pm
Syracuse vs Albany 1:00 pm Baylor WS Texas A&M 2:00pm BOXING, Holyfield vs. Conner 9:00pm
YOUR CHOICE RV7 Press(GOHere to Return to Menu B Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV
1228 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 63 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 48d
Thursday, October 26, 1994 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Saturday at 1:00 PM on Menu B
LSU (4-0-1) plays at Auburn (3-1-0) in this exciting SEC battle this Saturday. Southeast Reg Sports Network is telecasting this event in 6 states. If you can't see this game, just select Menu B this Saturday at 1:00 PM. Enjoy the game! $2.75 Complete Game YOUR CHOICE V7 Press(GOHere to Return to Menu B PressGOHere to Return to Cable TV
1229 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 64 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 49a
Thursday, October 26, 1994
HHDTVHigh Definition Television This menu of services is not active yet as HDTV will not be available until 1995. The FCC has approved a digital transmission standard for this revolutionary new medium which will nearly triple Current television resolution. NeW television Sets displaying HDTV will have a wider aspect ratio, like a movie theater Screen. Several cable networks, like HBO, Showtime, and Discovery, will be introducing exciting new HDTV channels for your enjoyment through this menu. We'll keep you posted.
YOURCHOCE V7V7 Press(GO) Here to Return to Cable TV
1032 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 65 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 49b
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1996 9:12 AM HDTV HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION YOU ARE A CURRENT SUBSCRIBERTO ALL HDTV SERVICES. ENJOY PRESSGOON THE HDTV CHANNEL YOU WANT TOVIEW DISCOVERY'S WINDOW ON THE WORLD W W
SHOWTIME IN HIGH DEFINITION
YOUR CHOICE RV7 PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV
1232 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 66 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50a
THURSDAY, OCT. 26 1994 7:57 PM
PRESSGOON ANY TEM FOR SHOWSCHEDULES NETWORKSCHEDULES NEXT 7 DAYS TODAY'S SCHEDULES NEXT 6 HOURS TV GUIDE PICKS ALL NETWORKS NEXT 7 DAYS
NOTE PRESS GUIDE RECORD BUTTON ON ANY SHOW LISTED AND WE WILLAUTOMATICALLY SET YOUR VCR TO TAPE IT. YOU HAVEN'T SUBSCRIBED TO TV GUIDEXPRESS YET PRESSGOHERE TO ORDER FOR JUST 2.95/MO. your coc PRESSGOHERE TO RETURN TO CABLE TV. V7 to U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 67 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50b
Thursday, October 26, 1994
XPRESS PressGO)on Any Network for Schedule Info SEs Next 7 Days 14 HEADLINE C-SPAN 292 9 HBO 2 WMARVNBC C-SPAN2 3 17 WWOR 4 SPN 5 WTTG/FOX 19 NICKELODEON33 A&E 6 C O8 D CA 1 ND 7 21l 1 FAMILY 7 w 2 8 DISCOVERY 22 WAPT, PPs 9 WUSA / CBS E.23 T 111 WBAL / CBs 25 BET 39 MTV USA 26 weTA/PBs 40 CHANNELUNEF YOURCHOICE RV7 PressGOHere to Return to Menu G PressGOHere to Return to Cable TV a U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 68 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50c
Thursday, October 26, 1994 PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE next 7 days HBO XPRESS Press(GOOn The Day You Want to Review TODAY October 26, 1994 FRIDAY October 27, 1994 SATURDAY October 28, 1994 SUNDAY October 29, 1994 MONDAY October 30, 1994 TUESDAY October 31, 1994 WEDNESDAY November 1, 1994
YoURCHOICENA - PressGOHere for NETWORKSCHEDULES RV7 PressGOHere to Return to Menu G - GUIDE PressGOHere to Return to Cable TV
1238 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 69 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50d
Thursday, October 26, 1994 HBO SCHEDULE TODAY HBO XPRESS PressGOOn The Show You Want to Review Press GUIDE RECORD on Any Show To Automatically Set Your VCR to Tape 8:00pm Making of Terminator 4 Press(GO)on 8:30 pm Dream On Arrowbars to 9:00pm Great Fights of the 1980's 9:30 pm Robin Williams of The Comedy Shop Move Schedule 10:00pm Patriot GameS (R A. 12 mid Passenger 57 (R) V 2:00 am JFK (R) 4:00 am Home Alonel (G Yourq9.5 PressGO) Here for HBO 7-day Schedule V7 Press(GO) Here for NETWORKSCHEDULES PressGO) Here to Return to Menu G - GUIDE PressGO) Here to Return to Cable TV
1242 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 70 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50e
Thursday, October 26, 1994 7:59 PM
HBOB9SCEDULEXPRESS descriptionis Press on Any Show To Automatically Set Your VCR to Tape
GREAT FIGHTS OF THE 1980's 9:00pm 10/26/94 on HBO This 30 minute special takes a look at the great boxing duels of the 1980's Compiled form HBO's sports library and features Sugar Ray Leonard, the Spinks brothers, Mike Tyson, Boom Boom Mancini and many others. Includes the 10 greatest knockout punches landed in the 80's.
YOUR CHOICE RV7 PressGO) Here to Return to Schedule Press(GO) Here to Return to Cable TV
a
U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 72 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 50g
CURRENT TIME BROADCAST TV 9:45 PM MENU WELCOME
CATEGORIES OF PROGRAMMENUS
PRESS GO FOR ANY CATEGORY
FAVORITE CHANNELS OFTEN WATCHED CHANNELS POPULAR SHOWS CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS MURDER/MYSTERY PROGRAMS DOCUMENTARIES NEWS AND INFORMATION OTHER
PRESS GO HERE TO RETURN TO HOME MENU DDDDDDDDDDO DO to U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 73 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Favorite Channel Current Time: Program Menu Programs in 9:45 pm Progress Programs at your command press GO on any title to watch that program NBC Nightly News (NBC) CBS Nightly News (CBS) Wheel of Fortune (ABC) MacNeil/Lehrer Report (PBS) Cheers (WZZZ) Murphy Brown (WZYZ) Golden Girls (WZWZ) in The Heat of the Night (WZXZ) press GO here to return to home menu OOOOOOOOOOO OD a U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 74 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5Ia
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1994 (3) INTERACTIVE SERVICES PRESSGOON ANYTITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION PRODIGY SHOPPING CENTER AMERICAON LINE GAMES XPRESS ATLAS AIRLINE RESERVATIONS ASSOCATED PRESS HOTEL RESERVATIONS U.S. YELLOWPAGES ENCYCLOPEDIA CABLE FAX MAL -YOUR Q9IgE -Y7 PREssGOHERE To RETURN to CABLE Tv
1330 U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 75 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5Ib
Thursday, October 26, 1994 e AIRLINE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
PressGOHere to Check on Your Current Reservations Press(GOHere to Check or Make Airline Reservations
your choice-Press(GOHere to Continue V7 Press(GOHere to Erase Above and Repeat Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV is U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 76 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5 Ic
Thursday, October 26, 1994 - e-G- ANDARLINE RESERVATIONS INFORMATION Press (GO) Here to Check on Your Current Reservations Press Here to Check or Make Airline Reservations Domestic Flight Or International Flight Press (GO) on the year of your flight 1994 or 1995 Press (GO) on the month of your flight
JUN SEP DEC your choice PressGOHere to Continue V7 Press(GOHere to Erase Above and Repeat Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV is U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 77 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 51d
Thursday, October 26, 1994 AIRLINE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS PressGO)on the STATE you will DEPART: AR CA CO CT DE FL GA KS KY LA MET MD MT NE NV NH ND OH O K OR PA R SC
IL i IN A KS KY LA MET MD MN MS MO TMT NE NV NH NJ your PressGOHere to Continue V7 PressGOHere to Erase Above and Repeat PressGOHere to Return to Cable TV
1336 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 78 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5Ie
Thursday, October 26, 1994 AIRLINE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS (continued) PressGO)on the ARIZONA airport you will DEPART: PHOENIX FLAGSTAFF TUCSON PRESCOTT YUMA Minor Airport List PressGO)on the DC airport you will ARRIVE: NATIONAL DULLES BW Check Flights to all Three D.C. Airports PressGO)on your preferred departure time: Mid-day Late aft. eve/night anytime PressGO)on your preferred arrival time: Morning Mid-day Late aft. eve/night anytime
YOUR CHOICE RV7 PressGOHere To Continue PressGOHere To Erase Above And Repeat PressGOHere To Return To Cable TV 1338 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 79. Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 80 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 51g
Thursday, October 26, 1994 AIRLINE INFORMATION se- AND RESERVATIONS (continued) DELTAFLIGHT #49 from Phoenix to Dulles direct departs 8:00 AM and arrives 3:07 PM To check availability, enter month, day and year with your remote - example O3 21 94 Month: 11 Day: 25 Year: 9
Press(GOHere to Erase Above Entries and Repeat PressGOHere if Above Entries are Correct your choice-Press(GOHere to Return to Airline Main Menu RV7 Press(GOHere to Return to Menu 1 Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV
1342 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 81 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
2
KIRSI 222 NN N NN NN NN NN NN @ NN N Z Z/,0) U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 82 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5 Ii
Thursday, October 26, 1994 8:06 PM
AIRLINE INFORMATION se- AND RESERVATIONS (Continued) You have Selected SEATS: 23A, 23B DELTAFLIGHT #49 from Phoenix to Dulles Date: 11/25/94 Departs 8:00 AM and arrives 3:07 PM One Way Fare: $295.00 23A Round Trip Fare: $419.00 23A $295.00 23AB $419.00 23B Total: $590.00 Total: $838.00 PressGOHere to Select ONE WAY or ROUNDTRIP TO CONFIRMYOUR RESERVATION: YOUR CHOICE PressGOHere to Charge to Your Credit Card RV7 Press(GOHere and an Agent Will Call You Press(GOHere to Exit Without Reservation
1346 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 83 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 51j
Thursday, October 26, 1994 AIRLINE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS (continued CREDIT CARD CHARGE PressGO)on Amount: S590.00 Delta Flight #49 Credit card You One Way: Phoenix to Dulles Date: 1 1/25/94 Want to Use: Departs: 8:00AM Arrives: 3:07 PM Dinner American Visa Discover Master Express Charge Enter Your Credit Card Number: 2177735811736 Enter Expiration Date (example O997): Month: O 9 Year: 98 your choice Press(GOHere to Erase Above and Repeat V7 Press(GOHere to Cancel Above and Exit Press(GOHere to Confirm Above Charge
1348 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 84 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
Fig. 5 Ik
Thursday, October 26, 1994 e AIRLINE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
Processing credit card information
YOUR CHOICE V7 Press(GOHere to Return to Cable TV
1350 f U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 85. Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 86 of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
REMOTE SMART PHONE CATW CONTROL
REMOTE SMART TELEPHONE CONTROL CARD MODEM INTERFACE INTERFACE
LEGEND MICROPROCESSOR
VIDEOAUDIO DEMULTIPLEXER
MCROPROCESSOR 602 CONTROL 609 60
COMPRESSED VIDEODATA 600
PICTURERELATED DATA
- - - - - was a -
VIDEO VIDIGRAPHICSTEXT TEXT DEMULTIPLEXOR AUDIO GENERATOR 510 | DATA 623
525
TEXTGRAPHICS RUN-LENGTH WIDEOPLANE GRAPHICS COMBINER DECOMPRESSOR 500
515 RUN-LENGTH 53O COMPRESSED ------GRAPHICS Fig. 52b EPROM
619
625 ANT- RF AUDO TAPNG MODULATOR DECOMPRESSOR NTSC ENCODING ENCODER RGB M RF AUDIO CH34 BASEBAND 22O' OUTPUT OUTPUT U.S. Patent Jul. 4, 2006 Sheet 87 Of 88 US 7,073,187 B1
22O
635
220
AUDIO VIDEO OUTPUT UPGRADEPORT 664 OUTPUT INPUT
650 652 66O 662 665
US 7,073,187 B1 1. 2 MENU-DRIVEN TELEVISION PROGRAM ket for at least the next 20 years. As computer vendors have ACCESS SYSTEMAND METHOD experienced a Switch from marketing new technology in computer hardware to marketing better usability, interfaces RELATED APPLICATIONS and service, the television entertainment industry will also experience a Switch from new technology driving the market This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. to consumer usability driving the market. 08/912,934, filed Aug. 15, 1997 entitled AN OPERATIONS CENTERFORATELEVISION PROGRAMPACKAGING In order for new television entertainment products to be AND DELIVERY SYSTEM, which is a continuation of Successful, the products must satisfy consumer demands. TV application Ser. No. 08/160,282 filed Dec. 2, 1993 (now U.S. 10 consumers wish to go from limited viewing choices to a Pat. No. 5,659,350) entitled AN OPERATIONS CENTER variety of choices, from no control of programming to FOR A TELEVISION PROGRAM PACKAGING AND complete control. Consumers do not wish to pay for one DELIVERY SYSTEM which is a continuation-in-part of hundred channels when due to lack of programming infor application Ser. No. 07/991,074 filed Dec. 9, 1992 entitled mation, they seldom, if ever, watch programming on many TELEVISION PROGRAM PACKAGING AND DELIV 15 of these channels. ERY SYSTEM WITH MENU DRIVEN SUBSCRIBER The concepts of interactive television, high definition ACCESS. television and 300–500 channel cable systems in consumer The following other continuation-in-part applications, homes will not sell if they are not packaged, delivered and also based on the above-referenced patent application, are presented in a useable fashion to consumers. The problem is incorporated herein by reference: that TV programming is not being managed, packaged, U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,785, entitled REPROGRAMMABLE delivered, and presented to consumers in a user friendly TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS a. OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIV ERY SYSTEM, filed Dec. 2, 1993; Consumers are already being bombarded with program U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,364, entitled NETWORK CONTROL 25 ming options, numerous “free” cable channels, Subscription LER FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYS cable channels and pay-per-view choices. Any further TEMS, filed Dec. 2, 1993; increase in TV entertainment choices will likely bewilder U.S. Pat. No. 5,734.853, entitled SET TOP TERMINAL viewers with a mind-numbing array of choices. The TV FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS, industry has traditionally marketed and sold its programs to filed Dec. 2, 1993: Ser. No. 08/160,194, PCT/US93/ 30 consumers in bulk, such as continuous feed broadcast and 11606, entitled ADVANCED SET TOP TERMINAL long-term subscriptions to movie channels. The TV industry FOR is unable to sell its programming in large quantities on a per CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS, filed Dec. unit basis, such as the ordering of one program. 2, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,549, entitled DIGITAL In today's television world networks manage the program CABLE HEADEND FOR CABLE TELEVISION 35 lineup for individual channels. Each network analyzes rat DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed Dec. 2, 1993. ings for television shows and determines the appropriate TECHNICAL FIELD schedule or program lineup to gain market share and rev enue from advertising. Since each channel is in competition The invention relates to television entertainment delivery 40 with every other channel, there is no coordinated effort to systems that provide television programming to consumer organize television programming in a manner that primarily homes. More particularly, the invention relates to a method suits the viewers. and system that allows television program selection from a Additionally, viewership fragmentation, which has program menu. already begun to decrease a channel's or program's market 45 share, will increase. Programming not presented in a user BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION friendly manner will suffer with a decrease in viewership and revenue. Advances in television entertainment have been primarily And finally, with the imminent introduction of digital driven by breakthroughs in technology. In 1939, advances television technology, current television delivery systems do on Vladimir Zworykin's picture tube provided the stimulus 50 for NBC to begin its first regular broadcasts. In 1975, not have the capabilities or features necessary to operate in advances in Satellite technology provided consumers with the digital environment. increased programming to homes. Many of these technology breakthroughs have produced SUMMARY OF INVENTION inconvenient systems for consumers. One example is the 55 ubiquitous three remote control home, having a separate and This invention is an apparatus and a method that allows a unique remote control for the TV, cable box and VCR. More viewer to select a television program from a program menu. recently, technology has provided cable users with 100 Data related to the television programs are gathered at a channels of programming. This increased program capacity central location Such as an Operations Center, a television is beyond the ability of many consumers to use effectively. 60 Broadcast Center, or Cable Television Headend. The central No method of managing the program choices has been location organizes and packages television programming. In provided to consumers. an embodiment, the Operations Center may generate pro Consumers are demanding that future advances in televi gram menus related to the programming. Alternately, the sion entertainment, particularly programs and program Operations Center may provide program menu data to choices, be presented to the consumer in a user friendly 65 remote locations. The remote locations may then generate manner. Consumer preferences, instead of technological the program menus based on the provided program menu breakthroughs, will drive the television entertainment mar data. US 7,073,187 B1 3 4 The Operations Center may also receive data on viewer Subscriber can advance from one menu to the next. In this ship behavior and may then use the data to assist in pack fashion, the Subscriber can sequence the menus and select a aging programs for future viewing. The Operations Center is program from any given menu. The programs may be a particularly useful invention for television delivery sys grouped by category so that similar program offerings are tems which will provide users with the ability to select found on the same menu. Alternately, the menus may be programs from on-screen menus. organized by date/time and program channel, where a pro The Operations Center may include a computer assisted gram channel includes all television programming that is to packaging system (CAP), which uses hardware and software be provided on a single broadcast television channel. to control and transmit programming signals over a televi An array of menu templates are generated by either a sion delivery system. The CAP creates the program lineup or 10 computer program within the set-top terminal or by the cable packaging of programs and the packaging of menu and headend. The menu templates are generated using the pro control information for later transmission and use in the gram control information signals received from the Opera television delivery system. The CAP may generate graphical tions Center. A computer program within the set top terminal menu displays for user selection of television programs. The generates the on-screen menu displays and allocates a spe hardware and Software for controlling and transmitting 15 cific menu program option for each program signal. A programming signals over the television delivery system is combined alpha and numeric remote control device provides particularly useful in large television delivery systems that the Subscriber interface to each program signal, allowing include Satellite transmissions to cable headends. selection of a specific menu option which corresponds to a The software of the CAP performs the functions of particular program signal. gathering analog and/or digital program signals from a At a given receive site, any of the compressed signals may variety of Sources Such as broadcast television, premium be demultiplexed or individually extracted from the data channels, video disk, and directly from television broadcast stream and passed from the Operations Center or the cable ers. The Software also packages the programs efficiently for headend over the cable system to the subscriber's set-top the available bandwidth and for subscriber viewing through terminal. Within the set-top terminal, the individual com computer assisted creation of program line-up and allocation 25 pressed signals are decompressed and either placed in local of bandwidth. The line-ups may be created to effectively storage (from which the menu template may be created), group programming for display in menus by categories. executed immediately, or sent directly to the screen. A Alternately, the program lineups could reflect specifically combined alpha, numeric and iconic remote control device allocated time?day slots. The television programs are pack provides the subscriber interface to the system. aged with the program control information (Such as cost for 30 Through this interface, the subscriber may select desired viewing certain program) and menu information. programming through the systems menu-driven scheme or The Operations Center provides a method for remote by directly accessing a specific channel by its actual number. management and control of local cable and CATV programs The menu-driven scheme provides the subscriber with one available and on-screen menu displays shown to Subscribers. step access to all major menus, ranging from hit movies to The Operations Centers computer software programs and 35 specialty programs. From any of the major menus, the hardware provide “real-time” control over cable and CATV Subscriber can in turn access Submenus and minor menus by systems. By transmitting appropriate control 2 information alpha character access. By using menu-driven, iconic or the Operations Center has the ability to change allocation of alpha-character access, the Subscriber can access regular programs across physical channels, update menu informa broadcast and basic cable television stations by using either tion (from the Operations Center), reprogram menu formats 40 the numeric keys on the remote control and pressing the and menu flow, and change or augment a packaged program corresponding channel number, or one of the menu icon signal sent to a particular region of the country. The Opera selection options. tions Center may remotely control certain features and Software of the set top terminals and if necessary reprogram DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS menu display software stored at the set top terminals. 45 In order to properly manage program lineups, the Opera FIG. 1 is a diagram of the primary components of the tions Center may acquire viewer information on programs television delivery system. watched. Such viewer information includes information FIG. 2 is an overview of the television delivery system about the buy rates of specific shows, viewer preferences for operations. programming, and the like, gathered by recording viewer 50 FIG. 3 is a schematic of the operation of the primary transactions. A compilation of viewer information may be components of the system. used to make decisions on future individualized program FIG. 4 is a schematic of the primary components of the lineups and program packaging. In addition, allocation of Computer Assisted Packaging System (CAP). menu space and construction of menus may be aided by the FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic of the hardware of the use of the viewer information. This information may be 55 received from the set top terminals using a feedback loop, Operations Center and CAP. for example. FIG. 6a is a chart of the program control information Subscribers may access an expanded television program carried by the program control information signal. package and view selected programs through a menu-driven FIG. 6b shows a bit-wise data format for program control access Scheme that allows each Subscriber to select indi 60 information. vidual programs by sequencing a series of menus. The FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a Delivery Control menus are sequenced by the Subscriber using simple alpha Processor Unit and a Computer Assisted Packaging Appa numeric and iconic character access, allowing the Subscriber ratuS. to access desired programs by simply pressing a single FIG. 8 is a schematic of the subroutines for the CAP button rather than recalling from memory and pressing the 65 software. actual two or more digit numeric number assigned to a FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the computer assisted selection. Thus, with the press of a single button, the packaging. US 7,073,187 B1 5 6 FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the processing occurring at the DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION operations center. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the bandwidth allocation for a 750 A. Television Program Delivery System Description MHz system. 1. Introduction FIG. 12 is a diagram/chart of the compressed channel FIG. 1 shows the present invention as part of an expanded allocation for the system. cable television program delivery system 200 that dramati FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how three cable television cally increases programming capacity using compressed systems each with a different bandwidth may use the pro transmission of television program signals. Developments in gram delivery system and operations center of the present digital bandwidth compression technology now allow much invention simultaneously. 10 greater throughput of television program signals over exist FIG. 14 is a drawing of a broadcast television menu ing or slightly modified transmission media. The program screen to be displayed on a set top terminal. delivery system 200 shown provides subscribers with a user FIG. 15 is a drawing of a hit movie menu screen to be friendly interface to operate and exploit a six-fold or more displayed on a set top terminal. increase in current program delivery capability. FIG. 16 is a drawing of a hit movie description menu 15 screen to be displayed on a set top terminal. Subscribers are able to access an expanded television FIG. 17 shows a program menu structure. program package and view selected programs through a FIG. 18 is another program menu structure. menu-driven access Scheme that allows each Subscriber to FIGS. 19a and 19b show introductory menu screens. select individual programs by sequencing a series of menus. FIGS. 20a–20d show home menu screens. The menus are sequenced by the Subscriber using simple FIGS. 21a and 21b show major menu screens for hit alpha-numeric and iconic character access or moving a movies. cursor or highlight bar on the TV screen to access desired FIGS. 22a and 22b show submenus related to the FIGS. programs by simply pressing a single button, rather than 21a and 21b major menus. recalling from memory and pressing the actual two or more FIGS. 23a and 23b show additional submenus related to 25 digit numeric number assigned to a selection. With the press the FIGS. 21a and 21b major menus. of a single button, the Subscriber can advance from one FIGS. 24a and 24b are hit movie notification submenus. menu to the next or can select a program from a displayed menu. In this fashion, the Subscriber can sequence the menus FIG.25a is a hit movie escape during program Submenu. and select a program from any given menu. The programs FIG. 25b is a hit movie re-entry submenu. may be grouped by category so that similar program offer FIG. 26 is a movie library major menu. 30 FIG. 27 is a drawing of a hit movie description menu. ings are found on the same menu. Alternately, the programs FIG. 28 is a drawing of a movie library confirmation may be arranged by date and time of broadcast. Submenu. 2. Major System Components FIGS. 29a and 29b are drawings of major menus. The program delivery system 200 may include (i) at least FIGS. 30a and 30b are drawings of submenus for the 35 one operations center 202, where program packaging and major menus shown in FIGS. 29a and 29b. control information are created and then assembled in the FIGS. 31a and 31b and FIGS. 32a–32c are drawings form of digital data, (ii) a digital compression system, where showing examples of Submenus for the menus shown in the digital data is compressed, combined/multiplexed, FIGS. 30a and 30b. encoded, and mapped into digital signals for satellite trans FIG. 33 is a drawing of a specialty channel major menu. 40 mission to a cable headend 208, and (iii) a set of in-home FIGS. 34 and 35 are drawings of submenus related to FIG. decompressors. The program delivery system 200 transports 33. the digital signals to the cable headend 208 where the signals FIG. 36 is a drawing of a magazine channel major menu. are transmitted through a concatenated cable television FIGS. 37–39 are drawings of submenus related to FIG. system 210. Within the cable headend 208, the received 45 signals may be decoded, demultiplexed, managed by a local 36. central distribution and Switching mechanism, combined FIG. 40 is a drawing of a documentary/news major menu. and then transmitted to set top terminals 220 located in each FIGS. 41–43 are drawings of submenus related to FIG. subscriber's home over the cable system 210. Although 40. concatenated cable systems 210 are the most prevalent FIG. 44 is a drawing of an entertainment choice menu. 50 transmission media to the home, alternate communication FIG. 45 is a drawing of a submenu related to FIG. 44. media 216, including telephone lines, cellular networks, FIG. 46 is a drawing of a sports major menu. fiberoptics, Personal Communication Networks, satellite FIGS. 47 and 48a–48d are drawings of submenus related systems and similar technology for transmitting to the home to FIG. 46. may be used with the program delivery system 200. FIGS. 49a and 49b are drawings of menus related to high 55 The program delivery system 200 has a reception region definition television programming. 207 with an in-home decompression capablity. This capa FIGS. 50a–50fare drawings of menus related to program bility is performed by a decompressor housed within the set guide services. top terminal 220. The decompressor remains transparent FIGS. 50g-50h are drawings of broadcast television from the subscriber's point of view and allows any of the CUS. 60 compressed signals to be demultiplexed and individually FIGS. 51a–51k are drawings of interactive services. extracted from the composite data stream and then individu FIGS. 52a and 52b are block diagrams of hardware ally decompressed upon selection by the subscriber. The components for alternative set top terminals. decompressed video signals may be converted into analog FIGS. 53a and 53b are front and back views, respectively, signals for television display. Such analog signals include of an embodiment of a set top terminal. 65 NTSC formatted signals for use by a standard television. FIG. 54 is a block diagram of a hardware upgrade for a set Alternately, the program delivery system 200 may provide top converter. digital signals that are displayed on a digital television. US 7,073,187 B1 7 8 Control signals are extracted and decompressed and then programs, the operations center 202 may package the pro either executed immediately or placed in local storage Such grams into the groups and categories that provide the as a RAM located in the set top terminal 220. Multiple sets optimal marketing of the programs to Subscribers. For of decompression hardware may be used to decompress example, the operations center 202 may package the same video and control signals. The set top terminal 220 may then 5 programs into different categories and menus for weekday, overlay or combine different signals to form the desired prime-time viewing and Saturday afternoon viewing. The display on the subscriber's television. Graphics on video or operations center 202 may package the television programs picture-on-picture are examples of Such a display. in a manner that enables both the various menus to easily Although a single digital compression standard (e.g., represent the programs and the Subscribers to easily access MPEG) may be used for both the program delivery system 10 the programs through the menus. 200 and the concatenated cable system 210, the compression The packaging of the digital signals is typically performed technique used may differ between the two systems. When at the operations center 202 by computer assisted packaging the compression standards differ between the two media, the equipment (CAP). The CAP system normally includes at signals received by the cable headend 208 must be decom least one computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, and standard pressed before transmission from the headend 208 to the set 15 Video editing equipment. A programmer packages the sig top terminals 220. Subsequently, the cable headend 208 nals by entering certain information into the CAP. This must recompress and transmit the signals to the set top information includes the date, time slot, and program cat terminal 220, which would then decompress the signals egory of the various programs. The programmer and the using a specific decompression algorithm. CAP may use demographic data and ratings in performing The video signals and program control signals received by the packaging tasks. After the programmer selects the vari the set top terminal 220 correspond to specific television ous programs from a pool of available programs and inputs programs and menu selections that each Subscriber may the requisite information, the programmer, with assistance access through a subscriber interface. The subscriber inter from the CAP can select the price and allocate transponder face is a device with buttons located on the set top terminal space for the various programs. After the process is com 220 or on a portable remote control 900. In an embodiment, 25 plete, the CAP displays draft menus or program Schedules the subscriber interface is a combined alpha-character, that correspond to the entries of the programmer. The CAP numeric and iconic remote control 900, which provides may also graphically display allocation of transponder direct or menu-driven program access. The remote control space. The programmer may edit the menus and transponder 900 also contains cursor movement and go buttons and allocation several times until satisfied with the programming alpha, numeric and iconic buttons. The remote control 900 30 schedule. During the editing, the programmer may direct the used in conjunction with the menu arrangement enables the exact location of any program name on a menu with simple subscriber to sequence through menus by choosing from commands to the CAP. among several menu options that are displayed on the The packaging process also accounts for any groupings by television screen. In addition, the Subscriber may bypass satellite transponder that are necessary. The operations cen several menu screens and immediately choose a program by 35 ter 202 may send different groups of programs to different selecting the appropriate alpha-character, numeric or iconic cable headends 208 and/or set top terminals 220. One way combinations on the remote control 900. the operations center 202 may accomplish this task is to send In an embodiment, the set top terminal 220 generates the different program packages to each transponder. Each tran menus that are displayed on the television by populating or sponder, or set of transponders, then relays a specific pro creating arrays of particular menu templates, and the set top 40 gram package to specific cable headends 208 and/or set top terminal 220 displays a specific menu or Submenu option for terminals 220. The allocation of transponder space is an each available video signal. Alternately, the menus may be important task performed by the operations center 202. created by the operations center 202 or the cable headend The operations center 202 may also “insert directions for 208. The menus may then be broadcast to the set top filling local available program time in the packaged signal to terminals 220 over the concatenated cable system 210 or the 45 enable local cable and television companies to fill the alternate communication media 216. The menus may also be program time with local advertising and/or local program generated by a third party and be made available to the ming. Consequently, the local cable headends 208 are not subscriber over the alternate communication media 216. constrained to show only programs transmitted from the 3. Operations Center and Digital Compression System operations center 202. New set top converters will incorpo The operations center 202 performs two primary services, 50 rate both digital and analog channels. Therefore, the cable packaging television programs and generating the program headend 208 may combine analog signals with the digital control information signal. The operations center 202 may signals prior to transmitting the program signals to the set also generate the program menus. At the operations center top terminals 220. 202, television programs are received from external program After packaging the programs, the CAP creates a program Sources in both analog and digital form. FIG. 2 shows an 55 control information signal to be delivered with the program embodiment of the operations center 202 receiving signals package to the cable headend 208 and/or set top terminal from various external sources 212. Examples of the external 220. The program control information signal contains a program sources are sporting events, children's programs, description of the contents of the program package, com specialty channels, news or any other program source that mands to be sent to the cable headend 208 and/or set top can provide audio or visual signals. Once the programs are 60 terminal 220, and other information relevant to the signal received from the external program sources, the operations transmission. center 202 digitizes (and preferably compresses) any pro In addition to packaging the signal, the operations center gram signals received in analog form. The operations center 202 employs digital compression techniques to increase 202 may also maintain an internal storage of programs. The existing satellite transponder capacity by at least a 4:1 ratio, internally stored programs may be in analog or digital form 65 resulting in a four-fold increase in program delivery capa and stored on permanent or Volatile memory sources, includ bility. A number of digital compression algorithms currently ing magnetic tape or RAM, for example. After receiving the exist which can achieve the resultant increase in capacity US 7,073,187 B1 9 10 and improved signal quality desired for the system. The signal processor 209 may also incorporate local program algorithms generally use one or more of three basic digital ming and/or local advertisements into the program signal compression techniques: (1) within-frame (intraframe) com and forward a revised program control signal to the set top pression, (2) frame-to-frame (interframe) compression, and terminals 220. To accommodate this local programming (3) within carrier compression. Specifically, in the preferred 5 availability, the signal processor 209 must combine the local embodiment, the MPEG 2 compression method is used. signal in digital or analog form with the operations center After digital compression, the signals are combined (multi program signals. If the local cable system uses a compres plexed) and encoded. The combined signal is Subsequently sion standard that is different than the one used by the transmitted to various uplink sites 204. operations center 202, the signal processor 209 must also The program delivery system 200 may include a single 10 decompress and recompress incoming signals so they may uplink site 204 or multiple uplink sites (represented by 204'. be properly formatted for transmission to the set top termi shown in phantom in FIG. 1) for each operation center 202. nals 220. This process becomes less important as standards The uplink sites 204 may either be located in the same develop (i.e., MPEG 2). In addition, the signal processor 209 geographical place or may be located remotely from the performs any necessary signal decryption and/or encryption. operations center 202. Once the composite signal is trans 15 As a network controller 214, the cable headend 208 mitted to the uplink sites 204, the signal may be multiplexed performs the system control functions for the program with other signals, modulated, upconverted and amplified delivery system 200. The network controller 214 manages for transmission over the satellite 206. Multiple cable hea the configuration of the set top terminals 220 and processes dends 208 may receive such transmissions. signals received from the set top terminals 220. In an In addition to multiple uplink sites 204, the program embodiment, the network controller 214 monitors, among delivery system 200 may also contain multiple operations other things, automatic poll-back responses from the set top centers. The preferred method for using multiple operations terminals 220 remotely located at each subscribers home. centers is to designate one of the operations centers as a The polling and automatic report-back cycle occurs fre master operations center and to designate the remaining quently enough to allow the network controller 214 to operations centers as slave operations centers. In this con 25 maintain accurate account and billing information as well as figuration, the master operations center coordinates various monitor authorized channel access. The information to be functions among the slave operations centers such as Syn sent to the network controller 214 may be stored in RAM chronization of simultaneous transmissions and distributes within each subscriber's set top terminal 220 and may be the operations workload efficiently. retrieved only upon polling by the network controller 214. 4. Cable Headend 30 Retrieval may, for example, occur on a daily, weekly or After the operations center 202 has compressed and monthly basis. The network controller 214 allows the system encoded the program signals and transmitted the signals to to maintain complete information on all programs watched the satellite, the cable headend 208 may receive and further using a particular set top terminal 220. process the signals before they are relayed to each set top The network controller 214 is also able to respond to the terminal 220. Each cable headend site is generally equipped 35 immediate needs of a set top terminal 220 by modifying a with multiple satellite receiver dishes. Each dish is capable program control information signal received from the opera of handling multiple transponder signals from a single tions center 202. Therefore, the network controller 214 satellite and sometimes from multiple satellites. enables the programdelivery system 200 to adapt to the With reference to FIG. 3, as an intermediary between the specific requirements of individual set top terminals 220 set top terminals 220 and the operations center 202 and 40 when the requirements cannot be provided to the operations master control uplink site 211 (or other remote site), the center 202 in advance. In other words, the network control cable headend 208 performs two primary functions. First, ler 214 is able to perform "on the fly programming changes. the cable headend 208 acts as a distribution center, or signal With this capability, the network controller 214 can handle processor, by relaying the program signal to the set top Sophisticated local programming needs Such as, for example, terminal 220 in each subscriber's home. In addition, the 45 interactive television services, split screen video, and selec cable headend 208 acts as a network controller 214 by tion of different foreign languages for the same video. In receiving information from each set top terminal 220 and addition, the network controller 214 controls and monitors passing such information on to an information gathering site all compressors and decompressors in the system. such as the operations center 202. In an embodiment, the program delivery system 200 and FIG. 3 shows the cable headend 208 and the subscriber's 50 digital compression system provides a one-way path from home linked by certain communications media 216. In this the operations center 202 to the cable headend 208. Status particular embodiment, analog signals, digitally compressed and billing information may be sent from the set top terminal signals, other digital signals and up-stream/interactivity sig 220 to the network controller 214 at the cable headend 208 nals are sent and received over the alternate communication and not directly to the operations center 202. Thus, program media 216. The cable headend 208 provides such signaling 55 monitoring and selection control may take place only at the capabilities in its dual roles as a signal processor 209 and cable headend 208 by the local cable company and its network controller 214. decentralized network controllers 214 (i.e., decentralized As a signal processor 209, the cable headend 208 prepares relative to the operations center 202, which is central to the the program signals that are received by the cable headend program delivery system 200). The local cable company 208 for transmission to each set top terminal 220. The signal 60 may in turn be in communication with the operations center processor 209 may re-route or demultiplex and recombine 202 or a regional control center (not shown) which accu the signals and digital information received from the opera mulates return data from the set top terminal 220 for tions center 202 and allocate different portions of the signal statistical or billing purposes. In alternative system embodi to different frequency ranges. Cable headends 208 that offer ments, the operations center 202 and the statistical and different subscribers different program offerings may allo 65 billing sites are collocated. Further, telephone lines with cate the program signals from the operations center 202 in modems are used to transfer information from the set top various manners to accommodate different viewers. The terminal 220 to the statistical and billing sites. Finally, the US 7,073,187 B1 11 12 set top terminal 220 may connect to a cable modem, thereby an embodiment, the basic menu format information is stored allowing two-way communication between the set top ter in memory located within the set top terminal 220 so that the minal 220 and the operations center 202 and/or the cable microprocessor may locally access the information from the headend 208. set top terminal instead of from an incoming signal. The 5. Set Top Terminal microprocessor next generates the appropriate menus from The set top terminal 220 is the portion of the delivery the menu templates and the other menu information stored system 200 that resides in the home of a subscriber. The set in memory. The set top terminal 220 then displays specific top terminal 220 is usually located above or below the menus on the Subscriber's television screen that correspond subscriber's television, but it may be placed anywhere in or to the inputs the subscriber selects. near the Subscriber's home as long as it is within the range 10 If the Subscriber selects a specific program from a menu, of the subscriber's remote control device 900. In some the set top terminal 220 determines on which channel the aspects, the set top terminal 220 may resemble converter program is being shown, and then demultiplexes and boxes already used by many cable systems. For instance, extracts the single channel transmitted from the cable hea each set top terminal 220 may include a variety of error dend 208. The set top terminal 220 then decompresses the detection, decryption, and coding techniques such as anti 15 channel and, if necessary, converts the program signal to an taping encoding. However, it will become apparent from the analog NTSC signal to enable the subscriber to view the discussion below that the set top terminal 220 is able to selected program. The set top terminal 220 may be equipped perform many functions that an ordinary converter box to decompress more than one program signal, but this would cannot perform. unnecessarily add to the cost of the unit since a Subscriber The set top terminal 220 has a plurality of input and will generally only view one program at a time. However, output ports for communication with other local and remote two or three decompressors may be desirable to provide devices. The set top terminal 220 has an input port that picture-on-picture capability, control signal decompression, receives information from the cable headend 208. In addi enhanced channel Switching or like features. tion, the set top terminal 220 has at least two output ports In addition to menu information, the set top terminal 220 which provide communications from the set top terminal 25 may also store text transmitted from the cable headend 208 220 to a television and a VCR. Certain menu selections may or the operations center 202. The text may inform the cause the set top terminal 220 to send control signals directly Subscriber about upcoming events, billing and account sta to the VCR to automatically program or operate the VCR. tus, new subscriptions, or other relevant information. The Also, the set top terminal 220 contains a phone jack which text will be stored in an appropriate memory location can be used for maintenance, trouble shooting, reprogram 30 depending on the frequency and the duration of the use of ming and additional customer features. The set top terminal the textual message. 220 may also contain stereo/audio output terminals and a Also, optional upgrades may enhance the performance of satellite dish input port. Finally, the set top terminal may a subscriber's set top terminal 220. These upgrades may connect to a cable modem for two-way communication and consist of a cartridge or computer card (not shown) that is may connect to any of the alternate communication media 35 inserted into an expansion slot in the set top terminal 220 or 216. may consist of a feature offered by the cable headend 208 or Functionally, the set top terminal 220 is the last compo operations center 202 to which the user may subscribe. nent in the delivery system chain. The set top terminal 220 Available upgrades may include on line database services, receives compressed program and control signals from the Such as America On Line and other Internet access provides, cable headend 208 or, directly from the operations center 40 interactive multi-media services, access to digital radio 202. After the set top terminal 220 receives the individually channels, and other services. compressed program and control signals, the signals are In the simplest embodiment, available converter boxes demultiplexed, decompressed, converted to analog signals Such as those manufactured by General Instruments or (if necessary) and either placed in local storage (from which Scientific Atlanta, may be modified and upgraded to perform the menu template may be created), executed immediately, 45 the functions of a set top terminal 220. The preferred or sent directly to the television screen. upgrade is a circuit card with a microprocessor which is In an embodiment, the set top terminal 220 stores menu electronically connected to or inserted into the converter templates for creating menus that are displayed on a Sub box. scriber's television by using an array of menu templates. FIG. 52a is a block diagram of the hardware components Before a menu can be created, menu templates may be 50 of the set top terminal 220. The set top terminal 220 has a generated and sent to the set top terminal 220 for storage. A decryptor 600, tuner 603, digital demodulator 606, and microprocessor uses the control signals received from the demultiplexers 609, 616 as well as audio equipment 612, operations center 202 or cable headend 208 to generate the 614. Also shown in FIG. 52a is a remote control interface menu templates for storage. Each menu template may be 626 for receiving and processing signals from a remote stored in volatile memory in the set top terminal 220. When 55 control unit 900. A modem 627 is provided for allowing the set top terminal 220 receives template information it communication between a microprocessor 602 and the cable demultiplexes the program control signals received from the headend 208 (not shown). An NTSC encoder 625 provides cable headend 208 into four primary parts: video, graphics, an NTSC video output. program logic and text. Each menu template represents a The microprocessor 602 is capable of executing program different portion of a whole menu, Such as a menu back 60 instructions stored in memory. These instructions allow a ground, television logo, cursor highlight overlay, or other user to access various menus by making selections on the miscellaneous components needed to build a menu. The remote control 900. The various program instructions for menu templates may be deleted or altered using control accessing menus and performing other functions are signals received from the operations center 202 or cable described below. headend 208. 65 The manner in which the video is decompressed and the Once the menu templates have been stored in memory, the menus are generated from the program control signal varies set top terminal 220 can generate the appropriate menus. In depending on the specific embodiment of the invention. US 7,073,187 B1 13 14 However, at a minimum, one video decompressor 618 feature, subscribers may use the digital audio feature with capable of decompressing one video signal will be used. out activating the television screen. The signal source and Basic menu format information may be stored in a graphics output selected (e.g., a Subscriber's separate audio system, a memory 628 comprising ROM, non-volatile RAM, VCR, etc.) may be displayed. Although LEDs are preferred, EPROM, and/or EEPROM 620. If compressed graphics are the set top terminal 220 may also use a CRT, LCDs, or other used, a second decompressor 622 is used to generate menus. display technology. In one embodiment (not shown), a separate decompressor is The set top terminal 220 includes a flapped opening 635 used to process the program control information signal and on its front that allows the insertion of a magnetic cartridge a video combiner incorporates video and menu graphic (or similar portable storage device, including optical disk, information. The program control information signal may be 10 ROM, EPROM, etc., not shown). This opening 635 allows sent with three primary parts, compressed video for menu the set top terminal 220 to be upgraded or reprogrammed display (or video location information), compressed graph locally with the use of the applicable magnetic or optical ics, and text. After the program signal is demultiplexed into storage device. its component parts, a video decompressor 618, a graphic On the top or cover of the set top terminal 220 are decompressor 622, a text generator (shown in FIG. 52b at 15 pushbutton controls 645. Preferably these pushbutton con 623) and a video combiner 624 are used to assist in creating trols 645 duplicate the two-part alpha-iconic remote control the menus. 900. Any function that can be performed on the remote 900 FIG. 52b is a block diagram of an alternative digital may also be performed at the set top terminal 220 using the compression set top terminal 220". The same components duplicative pushbutton controls 645. shown in FIG. 52a are repeated in FIG. 52b, and given the FIG. 53b shows the back of the set top terminal 220 which same reference numbers (e.g., tuner 603, modem 617, NTSC includes the input/output ports of the terminal 220. The encoder 625, etc.). FIG. 52b also shows the addition of an input/output ports include a pair of output terminals 650, a expansion card interface 617 to allow additional features to pair of input terminals 652, a pair of stereo/audio output be included on an expansion card (not shown) insertable into terminals 654, a satellite dish input port 656, a telephone the expansion card interface 617. Error correction circuitry 25 jack 658 and an RS422 port 660. One of the output terminals 607 is also shown receiving the demodulated signal, prior to 650 is for a television and the other is for a VCR. The set top demultiplexing the signal. Memory 610 associated with the terminal 220 is equipped to handle incoming signals on one microprocessor 602, the demultiplexer 609, the decryptor or two cables using the input terminal 652. The phone jack 600, and the video decompressor 618 is shown in FIG. 52b. 658 and RS-232 or RS422 port 660 are provided for main The elements of an upgrade module 500, (connected to a 30 tenance, trouble shooting, reprogramming and additional basic decompression box 520) are shown (in the dotted box) customer features. In alternate embodiments, the telephone in FIG. 52b. The circuitry in the upgrade module 500 jack 658 may be used as the primary mode of communica includes a video, graphics and text demultiplexer 510, a text, tion between the cable headend 208 and the set top terminal graphics, and (video plane) video combiner 515, a graphic 220. This connection is possible through local telephone, decompressor 525 and a graphics memory 530. The graphics 35 cellular telephone or personal communications networks stored in memory 530 is preferably run-length compressed. (PCN). However, other methods of compressing graphics known by The basic programming of each set top terminal 220 will those skilled in the art may be used with the present be located on ROM within the set top terminal 220. Random invention. access memory, the magnetic cartridge capability, and the The generated menus and video are combined in the video 40 extension card slot 635 allow upgrades and changes to be combiner 515 and output to an anti-taping encoder 619. Any easily made to the set top terminal 220. method of anti-taping encoding known by those skilled in In an embodiment, the set top terminal 220 includes a the art may be used with the present invention. hardware upgrade port 662 as shown in FIG. 53b, in addition FIGS. 53a and 53b show front and back views respec to expansion card slots 665. Each expansion slot 665 is tively for an embodiment of the set top terminal 220. The 45 covered by the metal plate cover 664. The hardware upgrade front panel of the set top terminal 220 includes an infrared port 662 accommodates a four-wire (or more) connection sensor 630 and a series of LED displays 640. These LED for: (1) error corrected, decrypted data output of the set top displays 640 may indicate with an icon or a letter (e.g., A-K) terminal 220, (2) a control interface, (3) decompressed video the major menu currently selected by the set top terminal output of set top terminal 220, and (4) video input port. In 220 or the channels selected directly by a user, or menu 50 an embodiment, multiple wires are used to perform each of channel selections (e.g., from 1 to 50). This visual display the four functions. Typically, the four sets of wires are will remain lit while the subscriber is watching (or listening combined in a single cable with a single multipin connector. to) programming within a major menu. In an embodiment, multipin connections may be used for LEDs 640 are preferably provided to indicate a decom multiwire cable. The multipin connection 662 may range pression error, a processing error, or other error. Text mes 55 from DB9 to DB25. A variety of small computer system sages may be displayed on LEDs. During the normal func interface (SCSI) ports may also be provided. Alternatively, tioning of the set top terminal 220, the LED display 640 can four or more ports may be provided instead of the single port be customized by the user to display the time, the program 662 depicted. Port 662 may also be used to attach various channel, VCR activation or other pertinent information. hardware upgrades to a set top terminal 220. Further displays may include current channel, time, Volume 60 An embodiment has five hardware upgrades available for level, sleep time, parental lock (security), account balance, use with a set top terminal 220, including: (1) Level A use of a hardware upgrade, second channel being recorded interactive unit, (2) a Level B interactive unit, (3) Level C by VCR, use of the Level D music hardware upgrade in a interactive unit with compact disc capability, (4) Level D separate room, and any other displays useful to a Subscriber digital radio tuner for separate room use, and (5) Level E to indicate the current status of the set top terminal 220. 65 information download unit. Each of these upgrades can be The LEDs 640 may also provide an indication of the connected to the set top terminal 220 unit through the digital audio channel currently tuned. With this display upgrade port 662. US 7,073,187 B1 15 16 The memory in the set top terminal is used to store the similar device. Typically, an EPROM containing BIOS graphical and textual components of menus. Specifically, programs is used in this embodiment. Two BIOS programs, background, logo, menu display, and cursor graphical files the PC chip BIOS and the VGA controller BIOS, are the are stored, as well as long term, intermediate, and short term primary contents of the EPROM. This EPROM also contains text. the equivalent of a C: hard drive. This hard drive is similar Existing set top converter boxes such as those made by to those found on a PC which provides the means to “boot Scientific Atlanta or General Instruments are presently the DOS Operating System. The card also includes a unequipped to handle the menu selection system of the DRAM, and most of this memory is used as a RAM drive present invention. Thus, hardware modifications are neces after the Turbo Card 700 boots up. sary in order to use the menu selection system with existing 10 A video combiner 706 is used to combine RGB Video set top converter technology. created by the Graphics Controller 704 with video from the FIG. 54 shows a Turbo Card 700 addition to a set top set top converter 221. The NTSC encoder 710 is used to converter 221. The Turbo Card 700 provides the additional convert RGB and sync signals into an NTSC format signal functionality needed to utilize the menu system of the that can be used by a standard television 722. In an alter present invention with existing set top converter technology. 15 native embodiment, the synch signal is eliminated. The primary functions the Turbo Card 700 adds to the set top The Turbo Card 700 hardware may be implemented on a converter are interpreting of program control information board built into the set top converter 221 or, alternatively, signals, generating of menus, sequencing through menus, using plug-in slots. The embodiment shown uses a Dual and, ultimately, the ability of the viewer to select a channel Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) dialer 716 to initiate tele through the menu system without entering any channel phone transmissions. Such an interface uses DTMF tones, or identifying information. The Turbo Card 700 also provides pulse dialing, to make a telephone connection. The same a method for a remote location, Such as the cable headend DTMF tones used to initiate the call, communicates data 208, to receive information on programs watched and con from the PC chip CPU 702 upstream to the network con trol the operation of the set top converter 221 and Turbo troller 214 or operations center 202. Such upstream data may Card 700. The programs watched information and control 25 include purchase, logging and viewing information. The commands may be passed from the cable headend 208 to the embodiment shown in FIG. 54 may be modified to transmit Turbo Card 700 using telephone lines 718. information upstream to the cable headend 208 through the The primary components of the Turbo Card 700 are a PC coaxial cable 720, thereby eliminating the need for tele chip CPU 702, a VGA graphic controller 704, a video phone lines. combiner 706, logic circuitry 708, NTSC encoder 710, a 30 receiver 712, demodulator 714, and a dialer 716. Preferably Functionally, the Turbo Card 700 operates by receiving these components are located on a single circuit card. the program control information signal from the cable The Turbo Card 700 has two connections coming from headend 208 through the coaxial cable 720. The program outside the viewer home: (1) a telephone connection 718, control information signal is used by the PC chip CPU 702 preferably with an RJ11C jack for communicating with the 35 after being processed through an RF receiver 712, a quadra cable headend 208, and (2) a standard coaxial cable input ture phase shift keyed (QPSK) demodulator 714, and an 720. In addition to the two connections from outside the HDLC serial receiver 722. This receiver 712 demodulates viewer home, the Turbo Card 700 must be electronically any data transmissions at a fixed frequency of 108 MHz. connected to the set top converter 221. Preferably this Typically, the card receives and demodulates 108 MHz FSK connection is made with a ribbon cable connection with 40 carrier signals, having a data rate of 56 kilobits. In an forty or more pins (not shown). embodiment, a 1.5 megabyte QPSK encoded signal is used. The information that is passed between the set top con Once Such signals are received, the contents of the signals verter 221 and the Turbo Card 700 includes data and infrared are stored in the card's databases. Each signals content is commands. Preferably video input and output to the set top commonly structured in Synchronous Data Line Control converter 221 is through 75 ohm coax cable. In an embodi 45 (SDLC) format. Other formats, such as HDLC, may also be ment, the infrared commands of the remote control 900 are used. The HDLC/SDLC receiver 722 processes the demodu passed through (undisturbed from) the set top converter and lated signal from the 108 MHz FSK or QPSK receiver to the Turbo Card 700. After interpretation and modification demodulator 714, which provides a clock and data synchro by the Turbo Card 700, the infrared commands are then nously into the HDLC/SDLC receiver during such process returned to the set top converter 221 through the ribbon 50 ing. The HDLC/SDLC receiver 722 presents the data stream cable. Video signals are received by the Turbo Card 700 (or packets) to the PC chip CPU 702 for storage. The stored from the set top converter 221, manipulated by the Turbo data packets form the basis for the database files and other Card 700, and returned to the set top converter 221 in NTSC information, which have been downloaded from the cable format by the NTSC encoder 710. The Turbo Card 700 may headend 208 to the Turbo Card 700. also generate graphics which are passed to the set top 55 The VGA controller 704 is used to generate new graphics. converter 221 via the NTSC encoder 710. The VGA graphic controller 704 is an industry standard The Turbo Card 700 utilizes the capability of the set top VGA controller chip. The VGA controller 704 receives its converter 221 as much as possible to avoid duplication of dot clock from the combiner 706. The combiner 706 components. For example, the Turbo Card 700 uses the set receives a sync signal from any incoming NTSC video top converter's tuner thus avoiding the cost of an additional 60 signals provided by the set top converter 221. Typically, the tuner. combiner 706 strips sync information from each NTSC The PC Chip CPU 702 is used for controlling the com Video signal and uses it to generate each dot clock used by ponents of the Turbo Card 700. The PC chip 702 is also used the VGA controller 704. In this way, the combiner 706 to perform database management, billing and data logging synchronizes the VGA controller 704 to the incoming functions. All peripherals may be interfaced to the PC chip 65 NTSC-formatted cable TV signal. Such synchronization CPU 702 through an industry standard architecture (ISA) allows VGA graphics to be displayed on the users’s televi bus. The memory on the card may be an EPROM or other sion 722 alone or in conjunction with NTSC video. US 7,073,187 B1 17 18 In an embodiment, the logic block is enhanced to make In addition to enabling the subscriber to easily interact use of the sync signal extracted from the separate portion of with the program delivery system 200, the physical charac the set top converter 221. This enhancement allows the VGA teristics of the remote control 900 add to the user friendli controller 704 to be injection-locked directly with the sync ness of the system. The remote control 900 easily fits in the signal using some additional circuitry. In this embodiment, palm of the subscribers hand. The buttons of the remote the combiner 706 phase locks the VGA controller's dot control 900 contain pictorial symbols that are easily identi clock to the NTSC video clock to accomplish the synchro fiable by the subscriber. Also, buttons that perform similar nization described above. functions may be color coordinated and consist of distin The logic circuitry of the Turbo Card 700 receives the guishing textures to increase the user friendliness of the data, infrared commands, and synchronization from the set 10 system. To ensure maximum ease of use, the remote control top converter 221. When the Turbo Card 700 has finished 900 may operate using infrared signals. Alternatively, the processing and modifying the IR command it returns the remote control 900 may operate using radio frequency command to the set top converter 221 for further processing. signals. When appropriate, the VGA graphics controller 704 gener 7. Menu-Driven Program Selection ates menu screen graphics which are combined with video 15 In an embodiment, the program delivery system 200 by the video combiner. The menu, with video, is now in provides program menus. This menu-driven scheme pro RGB format and is encoded into standard NTSC format by vides the Subscriber with one-step access to all major menus, the NTSC encoder 710. ranging from hit movies to sport specials to specialty The RGB to NTSC encoder 710 accommodates the over programs. From any of the major menus, the Subscriber may lay of graphics and video. This encoder 710 makes use of in turn access Submenus and minor menus by cursor or two input signals: (1) a NTSC video signal and (2) an analog alpha-character access. The Subscriber may then select a RGB signal. The RGB signal comes from the VGA control desired program to view by simply pushing a single "go ler 704. On a pixel-by-pixel basis, the encoder 710 can button’ for example. choose between sending its output to the TV screen in either There are two different types of menus: the Program NTSC or RGB signal format. This allows graphics to be 25 Selection menus and the During Program menus. The first displayed on the screen alone or in conjunction with NTSC series of menus, Program Selection menus, consists of an Video on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Introductory menu, a Home menu, Major menus, and Sub The Turbo Card’s logic is customized to interface the PC menus. The second series of menus, During Program menus, chip to existing set top converters. The logic includes the include Hidden menus and the Program Overlay menus. ability to scan the keypads (not shown) that are present in the 30 Immediately after the subscriber turns on the set top set top converter 221 for keystroke entry and also the ability terminal 220 or the attached television, the Introductory to receive infrared commands from the set top converters menu welcomes the subscriber to the system. The Introduc remote control. Any keystroke entries and commands gen tory menu may display important announcements from the erate a signal that is sent to the PC chip CPU 702 for local cable franchise, advertisements from the cable pro processing by the application Software. Likewise, the Turbo 35 vider, or other types of messages. In addition, the Introduc Card 700 has the ability to simulate a serial infrared com tory menu may inform the subscriber if the cable headend mand and send it to other set top converter components. This 208 has sent a personal message to the Subscriber's particu allows the PC chip CPU 702, along with its software, to lar set top terminal 220. control the set top converter 221. After the Introductory menu is displayed, the subscriber 40 may advance to the next level of menus, namely the Home Menu selections made by the viewer on the remote menu. In an embodiment, after a certain period of time, the control 900 are received by the IR equipment of the con program delivery system 200 will advance the subscriber by verter 221 and passed through to the Turbo Card 700. The default to the Home menu. From the Home menu, the Turbo Card software interprets the IR signal and determines Subscriber is able to access all of the programming options. the program (or menu) the viewer has selected. The program 45 The subscriber may either select a program directly by selection information is sent by the Turbo Card software to entering the appropriate channel number from the remote the set top converter 221 by modifying the IR command. The control 900, or the subscriber may sequence through incre modified IR command contains the channel information mental levels of menu options starting from the Home menu. needed by the set top converter 221. The Home menu lists categories that correspond to the first 6. Remote Control Device 50 level of menus called Major menus. The primary conduit for communication between the If the Subscriber chooses to sequence through Subsequent subscriber and the set top terminal 220 is through the menus, the subscriber will be forwarded to the Major menu subscriber interface, preferably a remote control device 900. that corresponds to the chosen category from the Home Through this interface, the subscriber may select desired menu. The Major menus further refine a subscriber's search programming through the program delivery system 200 55 and help guide the subscriber to the selection of his choice. menu-driven scheme or by directly accessing a specific From the Major menus, the subscriber may access several channel by entering the actual channel number. Using the Submenus. From each Submenu, the Subscriber may access interface, the Subscriber can navigate through a series of other submenus until the subscriber finds a desired television informative program selection menus. By using menu program. Similar to the Major menu, each Successive level driven, iconic or alpha-character access, the Subscriber may 60 of Submenus further refines the subscriber's search. The access desired programs by simply pressing a single button system also enables the Subscriber to skip certain menus or rather than recalling from memory and pressing the actual Submenus and directly access a specific menu or television channel number to make a selection. The Subscriber may program by entering the appropriate commands on the access broadcast and basic cable television stations by using remote control 900. either the numeric keys on the remote control 900 (pressing 65 The During program menus (including Hidden Menus and the corresponding channel number), or one of the menu icon Program Overlay Menus) may be displayed by the set top selection options. terminal 220 only after the subscriber has selected a televi