MXPA00011358A - Program guide system with video-on-demand browsing - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program, and set a desired broadcast time for that program.

Description

SYSTEM OF GUIDE OF PROGRAMMING WITH SEARCH OF VIDEO ON ORDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to interactive television programming guides, and more particularly, to television programming guides that allow viewers to search for video on demand programs. A television program and a visual presentation of the programming guide containing information about the video on demand programs, can be displayed simultaneously on a viewing screen. Through the history of television, broadcast networks have been striving to provide viewers with interesting programming displayed at convenient times to be seen. This has proven to be a difficult task, given the vast diversity of the viewing public. Over time, cable systems emerged with services such as "paid" channels (which you have to pay to see) and "on demand", which provided viewers with a greater variety of programming and greater control over their schedule to watch TV shows. However, these systems offered viewers a relatively small number of programs, exhibited only in a few hours. default broadcast. More recently, cable subscriptions, video on demand programs or "VOD" have been made available to some subscribers. On-demand video programs are usually composed of a library or database of programs that are available to be viewed at any time. Such programs are typically stored on a video server located in a nearby television distribution facility. A viewer can select a program from the database and request the video server to supply that program. The video server processes this request and, if the selected program is available, routes a video signal from that program to the television team of the viewer. Such video-on-demand systems allow viewers to watch the programs contained in the database, virtually at any time. U.S. Patent No. 5,619,249 describes an on-demand video service wherein a television broadcast service is provided that implements the ability to offer video programs in response to the viewer's request. Television programming guides help viewers select programs of interest. Traditionally, viewers have consulted Printed television programs to determine the programs that are broadcast at a particular time. Recently, cable television, satellite and broadcasting systems have provided viewers with an increasing number of television channels to choose from. Since the number of potential programs of interest has increased, interactive electronic programming guides have been developed. to help viewers determine which programs may be of particular interest. Such interactive programming guides are usually implemented using a box that is placed on the set-top box, controlled by a microprocessor, which is connected to the television set of the viewer. These boxes that are placed on the television typically receive program information from a central transmission center and store it in a memory inside the box that is placed on the television. The information typically includes titles, broadcast schedules, channels and descriptions of the programs, etc. Viewers can use the visual presentation of the programming guide and use the directional keys up and down the remote control to examine the announcements of programs to order to see the available programming. Once a program of interest has been located, the viewer You can use the remote control to sort the box that is placed on the TV that displays that program. Current interactive video on-demand programming guides display program announcements on the viewer's viewing screen. A description is also provided with text of the program displayed and order options. This type of visual presentation of the video-on-demand programming guide covers the entire television screen and does not allow the viewer to see the visual presentation of the video-on-demand programming guide and a previously selected television channel. If the viewer is interested in watching video on demand programs, he or she should leave any programming in progress and display an overlay of the programming guide in full screen to see the options of video programming on demand. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an on-demand video programming guide system with enhanced capabilities for viewing and selecting television programs. It is another object of the present invention to provide a programming guide system that allows a viewer simultaneously watch a visual presentation of a video programming guide on demand, and a selected television program, on a television viewing screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects of the invention are achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing an interactive television programming guide system with an on-demand video search function. A viewer can indicate to the programming guide that he / she exhibits, in the viewer's television equipment, a visual presentation of the programming guide that contains video-on-demand programs. The visual presentation of the programming guide of the present invention contains information of one or more video on demand (VOD) programs in a given category. Information about video on-demand programs in other categories is not displayed. A viewer can obtain information about other video programs on demand in a particular category, searching through the programs in the programming guide, by using up and down directional keys. Other categories of video on demand programs can be selected using keys directional left and right. When the visual presentation of the programming guide is active, the programming guide can reduce the amount of screen surface used by the channel in use at that moment, so that the visual presentation of the programming guide and the channel in use be displayed without being hidden. However, if desired, the visual presentation of the programming guide can be superimposed on a portion of the viewer's television screen, so that the viewer can continue to watch a previously selected program in the background while the television is displayed. programming guide. This allows the viewer to continue watching a program while looking for video on demand programs. The visual presentation of the programming guide may contain brief descriptions with text of the video on demand programs displayed. When the viewer searches through the available programming with the directional keys of the remote control, each brief description can be automatically updated to correspond to the program displayed. A viewer can obtain more information about a video program on a given order, by pressing an "mfo" key located on a remote control unit. This can cause an information screen to appear detailed that provides additional information about that on-demand video program. A viewer can request an on-demand video program by pressing a key on a remote control unit, such as a "select" key. This can cause a configuration and control screen to appear that requires the user to enter information to complete the order. Such information may include entering a parent control code and / or entering the start time of a desired program. The programming guide can provide the viewer with a confirmation screen to confirm the user's order. Other features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure IA is a conventional visual presentation of a video-on-demand programming guide, which covers most of the viewer's viewing screen, and allows the viewer to select a category of programs. Figure IB is a conventional visual presentation of a video programming guide on request, which covers most of the viewing screen of the viewer, and allows the viewer to examine programs in a particular category. Figure 1C is a confirmation screen for orders of a conventional visual presentation of the programming guide, which covers most of the user's display screen. Figure 2 is a diagram of a system in which an interactive television programming guide according to the present invention can be implemented. Figure 3 is a diagram of an illustrative video server for use with the programming guide system of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram of another system in which an interactive television programming guide according to the present invention can be implemented. Figure 5 is a diagram of an illustrative remote control for use with the programming guide system of the present invention. Figure 6A is a display screen illustrative of a visual presentation of the programming guide, in accordance with the present invention, that a viewer can use to search for programs of video on request in the visual presentation of the programming guide, while continuing to watch the video of a previously selected channel in the background. Figure 6B is a display screen illustrative of a visual presentation of the programming guide, in accordance with the present invention, that a viewer can use to simultaneously do the following: (1) search for video on demand programs displayed in the presentation visual of the programming guide, (2) watch a video clip (videoclip) of an on-demand video program, and (_) view the video, in the background, of a selected channel. Figure 7 is a visualization display illustrative of a visual presentation of the programming guide, in accordance with the present invention, showing how the program presented in the visual presentation of the programming guide can be automatically updated when the viewer changes the category of program. Figure 8 is an illustrative configuration and control screen of the programming guide system of the present invention. Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating some of the steps involved in the provision of search display screens, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1A-1C illustrate a set of display screens 1 of the programming guide, supplied by a conventional on-demand video programming guide system (not shown). With this system, the viewer can see advertisements for available video-on-demand programs. When used, the programming guide displays a visual display of categories, 2 (shown in Figure A), on a visualization screen 3 that is superimposed on an ongoing program. 4. The visual presentation of categories , 2, contains a series of categories 5 of video programs on request, and a button 6 of selection of on-screen programs. The viewer can scroll through the categories of available programs, 5, and choose a category of interest using certain remote control keys (which are not shown). A category of interest can also be selected by using a screen selection button, 6. When a category is chosen, the programming guide displays, on the display screen 3, a visual display of programs, 7 (shown in the Figure IB), which is superimposed on the current program 4. The display 7 typically contains multiple advertisements for programs 8 of a selected category 11, each of which includes a program title 9 and a program description box, 10. The viewer can see advertisements of programs referred to video on demand programs, using directional keys on a remote control (not shown) to scroll through the program listings 8. If the viewer wishes to request a video program on request in particular, 9, which is displayed in the visual presentation of the programming guide (for example, X-Files, The Movie), the viewer can press a selection button on screen 12 or use a button specialized in a control remote (not shown). Once a program has been selected, the visual presentation of the programming guide displays an order confirmation screen 13 (shown in Figure 1C), which contains the title 14 of a selected program, a price 16, and the on-screen buttons 17 and 18. The viewer can request the selected program 14 by pressing the YES, 17 key, or cancel the order by pressing the NO, 18 key. The program order can also be confirmed or canceled using certain keys in a remote control (not shown).

There are a number of disadvantages associated with the arrangements of Figures 1A-1C. For example, the visual presentations of the programming guide shown in Figures 1A-1C do not allow the viewer to watch the video of a previously selected channel while viewing available video-on-demand programs. The viewer should leave any programming in progress at that moment and display the visual presentations of the programming guide 2, 7 and 13 in full screen, in order to select video programs on request. In addition, the viewer can not: (1) change the program category, 11, while in the visual presentation of a program, 7, without first returning to the category 2 search screen, (2) choosing a start time for a selected program of video on request, (3) see the preview of a video clip of a video program on request. On the contrary, the present invention provides a scheduling guide having a visual search display that allows a viewer to search and select an on-demand video program from a list of available video on demand programs, while continuing to watch a video program. previously selected television program. The viewer can select an on-demand video program and choose a start time for that program. The viewer can also watch video clips of certain on-demand video programs that appear in the programming guide. The visual presentation of the programming guide can have a single cell in width (ie in the horizontal dimension) and a single cell in length (that is, in the vertical dimension). 0, if desired, multiple cells containing advertisements of video on demand programs may be displayed. In the cell a brief description of the program with text can also be incorporated, to show a description of the video program on request that appears at that moment. If the viewer wishes to obtain more information about a particular video-on-demand program, he or she may instruct the programming guide to display additional screens with detailed information about that program. An illustrative programming guide system 20 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The programming guide system 20 may include a main facility 22, a regional television distribution facility 26, and the television equipment of the viewer 30. The main facility 22 (which may be multiple facilities 22) contains a database 24 of the guide, of programming to store information of the programming guide, 21, such as data of program announcements of the video-on-demand programming guide, order data, program announcement data of the television programming guide, information of orders of paid programs, information to promote of television programs, etc. Such information may be ordered by a source identification address or code, 25, and may also include a "tag" or other designation 27 to further identify the type of program (ie, video program upon request, paid program, etc.). .). The information in the database 24 of the programming guide can be transmitted to the regional television distribution facility, 26, by the coication link 28. However, in alternative embodiments, some or all of the databases 24 can be be contained within the regional facility 26 (not shown). The link 28 can be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable coication channel. If it is desired to transmit video signals over the link 28, in addition to the data signals, a relatively high bandwidth link such as a satellite link is generally preferable, rather than a relatively low bandwidth link such as a link. telephone link The regional television distribution facility 26 is an installation for distributing television signals to viewers, such as a cable system terminal, a local broadcast television distribution facility, or a satellite television distribution facility. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the distribution facility 26 may include a video server 29 which may contain a database 31 (Figure 3) of video on demand programs, to deliver those programs to the viewers. The video server 29 (Figure 3) can be composed of any suitable storage and retrieval system (33) that is digital, analog or mixed, digital and analog, and that can supply the television equipment of the viewer 30 with a video signal of a requested program. Such systems may include (but not limited to) VCR systems, digital versatile disk systems (DVD), laser disk systems, optical disk systems, magnetic disk and tape systems, and optical magnetic systems (such as a digital disk system for reading / writing), etc. The video server 29 may also contain a controller 39, such as a network computing system, which can be used in combination with the above described storage and retrieval systems, to process orders of video programs on request. Some of the functions executed by the controlling unit 39 may include various interconnection and control tasks, such as communicating with other portions of the programming guide systems, 20, receiving and transmitting billing information, verifying program availability, queuing wait and issue requested programming, and route the selected programming to the applicant's location, etc. The video servers 29 can be located at any suitable location in a programming guide system. For example, in Figure 4, the programming guide system 40 is shown with the video servers 29 placed in the local television distribution facilities 41. The local distribution facilities, or "neighborhood nodes" can be used as facilities distribution channels connected between the regional television distribution facilities, 26, and the television team of the television viewer 30. As shown in Figure 4, the regional television distribution facility 26 can distribute television programming and information from the television broadcasting guide. programming, 21, to the neighborhood nodes 41, which can in turn distribute this information periodically, continuously, or upon request, to the television team of the viewer 30, through the communication channels 32. If desired, the information 21 of the programming guide may be stored within the local nodes 41 and may be distributed periodically, continuously, or upon request, to the television crew of the viewer 30 through the communication channels 32 (not shown). In one or another type of arrangement, the television programming and the information of the programming guide can be distributed by analog television channels, and the data of the programming guide can be distributed by an out-of-band channel in the communication channels. 32. The distribution of data may also involve the use of one or more digital channels in communication channels 32. Such digital channels may also be used to distribute television programming and other information. By providing multiple neighborhood nodes 41, two important benefits are achieved: (1) the demand for individual video on demand servers that may have limited processing capacity is reduced, and (2) the bandwidth requirement for the channels is reduced. of communication 32.

Periodically, it may be necessary to update the program database, 31, to add recently appeared programs. Rather than manually updating the databases 31 in their respective geographic locations, the video servers 29 can be configured so that the contents of the program databases 31 can be updated remotely. The communication links 28 and / or 32 can be used to download new programs to the databases 31. Such program transfers can occur during periods of low demand of programs, in order to minimize the effect on the viewers of the system. For example, in Figures 2 and 4, the main installation 22 may contain a database 23 of new programs for distribution among the databases 31 of the video servers. The programming guide systems 20 and 40 can transmit these programs through the communication links 28 to the regional television distribution systems 26, which in turn can route those programs to the video servers 29 (possibly through the communication links 32). The controller 39 may then instruct the storage and retrieval system 33 to update the database 31 so that it contains those programs. The information in the programming guide, 21, transmitted by the main facility 22 to the regional television distribution facility, 26, may include television program announcement data for ongoing programs, future programs, and video on demand programs. The program announcement data for each program may include (but not limited to) the title of the program, the program channel, a predicted broadcast time (start time) and an end time (or duration). Other typical program data may include ratings, critical ratings, brief descriptions with text, genres (sports, movies, for children, etc.), actors, etc. The transmitted program information may also include advertising information and paid program data such as pricing information for individual programs that include VOD programs and subscription channels, time intervals for ordering programs and channels, telephone numbers for ordering they can not be made by pulses, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the regional television distribution facility 26 can distribute television programming and information from the programming guide to the television equipment 30 of multiple viewers, through the communication channels 32. For example, programming television can be distributed by analog television channels, and the data of the programming guide can be distributed by an out-of-band channel on communication channels 32. The data distribution can also involve the use of one or more digital channels in the channels of communication. communication 32. Such digital channels can also be used to distribute television programming and other information. The television equipment of the viewer 30 typically contains boxes that are placed on the television, 34. The television equipment of the viewer 30 can also be an appropriate equipment in which circuits similar to the circuits of the box that is placed on top have been integrated. the television, an advanced television receiver (such as HDTV), a television with a personal computer (PCITV), or any other suitable television equipment. Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital or both: analog and digital) can be supplied to the boxes that are placed on the television, 34, through the communication channels 32. If desired, the program announcements and other information may be distributed by one or more distribution facilities that are similar to the television distribution facility 36, but are separated from it, using communication channels that are separate from the communication channels 42.

Certain functions, such as requesting video-on-demand programs, may require the boxes 34 to transmit data to the local distribution facilities 41 (Figure 4) and / or to the regional distribution facilities 26 via the communication channels 32. Such data may be transmitted by telephone lines, cable or other separate communication channels. If functions such as these are provided using separate facilities of the regional television distribution facility 26, some of the communications involving the boxes that are placed on the television, 34, can be made directly with the separate facilities. Each television team of the viewer, 30, has the ability to receive, decode and simultaneously display two separate video signals. For example, the television team of the viewer, 30, can use a box (which is placed on the television) with two tuners. The tuners can have analog, digital or mixed functions: analog and digital. If desired, any other suitable arrangement can be used to handle the simultaneous display of two video signals. The data of the programming guide, 21, can be distributed continuously, periodically, or on The television regional television distribution facility 26 or the neighborhood nodes 41 may also periodically interrogate the television team of the television viewer 30 to obtain certain information (for example, information about the paid program account). or information regarding programs that have been purchased and viewed using locally generated authorization techniques). The main installation 22 preferably contains a processor to handle information distribution tasks. Each television set of the viewer 30 preferably contains a processor for handling tasks associated with the implementation of an interactive television programming guide on the television set of the viewer, 30. The regional television distribution facility 26 and / or the neighborhood nodes 41 they may also contain a processor for tasks associated with monitoring the interactions of a viewer with the interactive programming guide implemented in the boxes that are placed on the television, 34, and for handling tasks associated with the distribution of data from the guide programming and other information, to the television team of the television viewer 30. Each box that is placed on the television, 34, on the viewer's television equipment, 30, can to be connected to a VCR 36 and / or to a local storage device 35. VCR 36 allows selected television programs to be recorded. Each VCR 36 can be connected to a TV 38. To record a program, the box that is placed on the TV, 34, sends control signals to the VCR 36 (e.g., using an infrared transmitter) that drive the VCR 36 to Start and stop recording at the appropriate times. The programming guide systems 20 or 40 can store certain information such as video on demand programs and video program data on request, in the local storage device 35 through the box that is placed on the television, 34. During the use of the interactive television programming guide, implemented in the box that is placed on the television, 34, the advertisements of the video-on-demand programs and other programming can be displayed on the TV 38. Such visual presentations of the guide can be displayed on a television screen so as not to hide a program that the viewer has tuned to the box that is placed on the television 34 or, if desired, can be displayed as a superposition on a portion of a television. television program. Each box that is placed on the television, 34, VCR 36, and TV 38, can be controlled by means of one or more remote controls 50 or another suitable interface for data entry by the viewer, such as a wireless keyboard, mouse (mouse), ball tracker (trackball), specialized keypad, etc. In Figure 4 an illustrative remote control 50 is shown. During normal operation, the "play" key 58 or the "search VOD" key 51 can be used to toggle the visual display of the programming guide, entering and leaving the main display screen. The keys 57 to move up and down the channels (channel keys) can be used to change the channel in which the box that is placed on the TV is tuned, 34. The directional keys up and down 54a and 54b can be used to scroll vertically through the video on demand programs available in the programming guide. The left and right directional keys 54c and 54d can be used to change the category of video on demand programs. The "select" key 52 or the "buy" key 56 can be used to make selections such as when requesting video programs are selected by selecting one of such programs from the announcements of available programs. The number keys 60 can be used to directly select a desired program, both during the normal way of watching television and during the search of the video-on-demand programs. While the visual presentation of the programming guide is active, the "info" key 53 can be used to resort to a detailed information screen in order to obtain more information about a particular video-on-demand program. The detailed information screen may contain an "on screen" button that can be used to request a video program on a particular order. The "buy" key 56 and / or the "OK" key 55 can be used to activate the button on the screen and then ask for the video program on request that is displayed on the detailed information screen. The "exit to TV" button 59 can be used to exit the visual presentation of the programming guide and return to the normal way of watching television. Various other keys (not shown) can be used for functions such as controlling energy, VCR functions, volume control, etc. The keys of the remote control 50 of Figure 5 represent only one example illustrating a suitable arrangement of a remote control. If desired, Any other arrangement of the remote control keys can be used. It can be indicated to the box that is placed on the television, 34, that it exhibits the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide on the main display screen 72. The box that is placed on the television, 34, can reprovision (ie, reduce) the amount of screen surface used by channel 77 in use at that time (channel 5), so that the main display screen 72 displays both the display 70 of the programming guide and channel 77, in use in that moment, without hiding them. However, if desired, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide may also be superimposed on top of a portion of the channel in use at that time, as shown in Figure 6. This allows the viewer to simultaneously view the announcements of the video programs on demand while watching a television program on the main display screen 72. Visual presentation 70 of the programming guide can be accessed using any suitable technique, such as by pressing a button on the remote control 50, such as the "play" button 58, the "search VOD" button 51 (Figure 5), or using a button on the screen (not shown). As an alternative, you can access guide 70 entering first a "normal search mode" (that is, resorting to a visual presentation of the programming guide that normally shows broadcast programs) and then selecting a designated video channel on request, using the up and down arrow keys 54a and 54b, or the number keys 60. The display 70 of the VOD programming guide preferably contains information about a particular video-on-demand program. If desired, such video-on-demand programs can be organized according to certain categories 72, such as "recent appearances", "sitcoms", "action / adventure", "drama", etc. In the example of Figure 6, the viewer is watching programs of the drama category, and information about a particular drama-like program that is available upon request is displayed. The information displayed may include (but not limited to) the program title (The Truman Show), 76, the extension or "duration" 74 of that program (110 minutes), a brief description with text of that program, 73, an icon indicating that the program is effectively available upon request, an icon 79 indicating that there is a video clip available for the on-demand program that appears, the video program number on request (VOD 1), 77, and the rating of the Program (TV-Y), 78. More detailed information about a particular video-on-demand program can be obtained by pressing the "mfo" key 53 (Figure 5). Such detailed information may include a summary of the plot, actors and actresses, etc., and may appear on the main screen 72 in the form of a separate screen for detailed information (not shown). Although the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide shown in Figure 6 has only one cell -or element- of width (ie, in the vertical dimension), and a single cell -or element- of length (i.e. in the horizontal dimension), said presentation can also be displayed as multiple cells in both dimensions or in one or the other of them (not shown). Each cell of the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide may include a program description box, 73, which contains a brief description with text of the title or titles or programs currently displayed in the guide 70. For example, In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the program title "The Truman Show" is shown, so that the program description box 73 contains a brief description with text of the program The Truman Show. "mfo1 53 key on remote control 50 (Figure 5) for more detailed information about that program, and / or to see other options available. The "select" key 52 or a "on screen" button can be used to select the other options. A viewer can navigate through the program advertisements in a given video category on request, 72, using any suitable key on the remote control 50, such as the up and down directional keys 54a and 54b (Figure 5). This can cause the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide to display information about the next video on demand program in that category. For example, in Figure 6, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide is set in the "drama" category of video on demand, and displays information about the first video on demand (VOD 1) program in that category (The Truman Show). If the viewer presses the upward direction key once, 54a, the on-demand video program number, 77, can be increased, and the guide 70 will display information about the next program in that category (i.e., VOD 2). If a viewer presses the upward directional key again, 54a, the on-demand video program number, 77, may be increased to the next program in that category (ie, VOD 3), etc. The downward directional key, 54b, can work in a similar way to decrease the number of video on demand program, 77. The on-demand video category, 72, can be changed using any suitable key on the remote control 50, such as the right and left directional keys, 54c and 54d (Figure 5). This can cause the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide to display the first video-on-demand program in the next video-on-demand category, 72. For example, in Figure 6, the on-demand video category, 72, is set in "drama", and the first video on demand program (VOD 1) in that category is "The Truman Show". If the viewer presses once the right directional key, 54c, the category of video on demand, 72, can change to another category such as "situation comedies", and then information about the first program (VOD 1) is displayed in that category (Seinfeld). This is shown in Figure 7. If the right directional key, 54c is pressed again, the category 72 can again be increased to the next category (eg, "recent appearances"), etc. The left directional key 54d can act in a similar manner, with the condition that it travels through the categories 72 in an order opposite that of the right directional key, 54c. If desired, viewers can also tune in directly to visual presentation 70 of the guide programming in a particular video-on-demand program, in a given video-on-demand category, 72, using the number keys 60. While the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide is active, the television program in which it is tuned at that time the box that is placed on the television, 34, continues to be displayed on the main display screen 72. Although a viewer can scroll through several video programs on demand in the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide, the video on the main display screen 72 remains tuned to the channel 5 program. However, each time a viewer moves the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide to a new video-on-demand program advertisement, the frame 73 Program description is updated to display information about the program displayed at that time. As a result, the viewer can watch a selected television program while automatically searching for updated text descriptions of the video on demand programs. This feature can be particularly useful when, for example, a household member wants to search for video on demand programs while another household member wants to continue watching a program in progress.

Certain video on demand programs may have preliminary video clip presentations associated with such programs. As shown in Figure 6a, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide may include a video clip icon, 79, to indicate that the program being announced has a video clip preview associated with it. If a viewer who is looking for the program advertisements in the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide, is interested in a particular video-on-demand program, he or she may request a video clip of that program. For example, in Figure 6, assume that the viewer is interested in the "The Truman Show" program. By pressing any appropriate key on the remote control 50, such as the "OK" key 55 (Figure 5), the viewer can instruct the programming guide to request a video clip from that program to the video server 29 (Figure 3). After the video clip preview has been provided, a viewing screen may be presented to the viewer asking if the viewer wants to order that program (not shown). The viewer can accept or reject this offer by pressing any appropriate key on the remote control 50 (Figure 5), or by using a button on the screen (not shown). If the viewer requests a presentation Preview of video clip, the preview can be displayed in a video window 71, so that the current program, 77, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide, and the video window 71 can be viewed simultaneously (what it is shown in Figure 6b). However, in certain embodiments, the video window 71 may be a full screen display or it may be selectable by the viewer (i.e., it may change from a full screen display to a partial screen display and vice versa). The video window 71 can be implemented using any suitable method, such as a partial screen overlay or a video window with picture in picture, etc. If a viewer who is looking for program advertisements in the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide, is interested in a particular video-on-demand program, he or she may request that program. For example, in Figure 6, assume that the viewer wants to order the. program "The Truman Show". By pressing any appropriate key of the remote control 50, such as the "select" key 52 (Figure 5), the viewer can instruct the program guide requesting that program to the video server 29 (Figure 3). If it happens that the viewer is looking for more information about a program in jjflrticular on a detailed information screen (not shown), that screen may contain a button on the screen to request that video program on request. By pressing any appropriate key of the remote control 50, such as the "buy" key 56 (Figure 5), the viewer can activate the on-screen button and thus indicate the programming guide requesting that program to the video server 29 (Figure 3). ).

Once the viewer has requested an on-demand video program, one or more configuration and control screens may appear that require an entry (data entry) by the viewer to complete the order. As shown in Figure 8, the configuration and control screen 80 may contain the title 81 and the price 89 of the requested program and a series of data fields for the entry of information by the user. Such data fields may include a purchase confirmation field 82, a parent control code field, 84, a form presentation field, 85, a program start time field, 86, and a field of "start program now", 88. A viewer can navigate through the configuration and control screen 80 using the directional keys 54, and can enter the required information in the data fields using the appropriate keys in the remote control 50 (Figure 5). Certain data fields in the configuration and control screen 80 may require data entry from the number keys 60 on the remote control 50. For example, the program start time field, 86, may require a numeric entry to establish the desired start time for the requested video-on-demand program. The start time field 86 can be a descending menu that presents a list of start times (not shown), which can be selected using the directional keys 54, and a binary input key (yes / no) as the "OK" key 55 of the remote control 50. The parental control code field, 84, may also require a numeric entry. Other data fields such as the "start program now" field, 80, and the purchase confirmation field, 82, may also accept data entry from a binary input key such as the "OK" key 55 in the remote control 50. When the configuration and control screen 80 has been properly filled out and presented, the ordering process has ended. The programming guide system can provide a response screen (not shown) to confirm the viewer's request. If a video program on selected order it will not start immediately, it can be downloaded totally or partially to the local memory (for example, to the local storage device 35) in order to reduce the bandwidth required to transmit the program, and / or it can be transmitted during a schedule that is not peak. For an "advance order" of a program, a discount on the price may be offered (not shown). In the flow chart of Figure 9 some of the steps involved in providing the search presentation characteristics described herein are illustrated. In Step 100, the programming guide provides the viewer with an option to access either the video search mode on request, or the normal search mode. If the viewer chooses to access the video search mode on demand, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide is displayed on the television equipment of the viewer 30 in step 101. If the viewer chooses to access the normal search mode, the The programming guide displays a visual presentation of the programming guide (not shown) on the television team of the viewer, possibly displaying a program advertisement that reflects the channel in use at that time. Assuming that in the step 100 the video search mode is chosen upon request, the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide is displayed on the television equipment of the viewer 30, in step 101. When the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide is displayed initially, it can be set in a category and "predetermined" program announcement. , or you can return to the previously selected category and / or program. In case 102, the viewer can search through the available program categories using the left and right arrow keys 54d and 54c, and / or search the available programs in that category, using the up and down arrow keys, 54a and 54b. If no program of interest is found in that category, a new category can be selected, and the viewer can search for programs in that category. The viewer can continue searching through the available categories and programs until they find a program of interest, or they can leave the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide by pressing the "exit to TV" key 59 on the remote control 50 (Figure 5 ). If a video program is found on request of interest, the viewer has several options. For example, the viewer can: 1) request a video clip from the program, if available (for example, using a button on the screen or key on the remote control), 2) request the program (for example, using a button on the screen or remote control key); or 3) request more information about that program by pressing the "info" key 53 (step 103). If a video clip is requested, the video clip is displayed on the viewer's viewing screen (step 102). If a video-on-demand program is requested, a configuration and control screen may appear that requires data entry by the viewer (step 104). The viewer can fill out and submit this form to request the requested program. At this point, the viewer can be sent back to the visual presentation 70 of the programming guide to search for more video on demand programs, or, if desired, the viewer can press the "go to TV" button to exit the programming guide (step 105). If the selected program has been set to start immediately, the program guide will supply the program immediately. However, if the selected program is requested for a later schedule, the programming guide can automatically start the program at that later time. In addition, the programming guide can be configured to present a screen with a reminder (which is not 3 shows) at some point before the selected program is going to be shown, so that the viewer is reminded of the scheduled start time. When this reminder is received, the viewer can be given the option to: 1) watch the program at the scheduled time, 2) watch the program immediately, 3) reschedule the program for another time (for example, entering a new start time or selecting a start time from a list provided by the programming guide), or 4) canceling the selected program. Although not specifically shown in the flow diagram of Figure 9, the viewer can at any time go back to the normal way of watching television, by pressing the "go to TV" key 59 of the remote control 50. The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (97)

1. CLAIMS 1. An interactive television programming guide system, implemented on a television team of the viewer, having a main display screen, comprising: means for displaying a particular television program on the television team of the viewer; and means for displaying a visual presentation of the programming guide on a partial screen, on the television equipment of the viewer, at the same time that the determined television program is displayed, where the visual presentation of the programming guide includes at least a list of video program on request.
2. 2. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for displaying the visual presentation of the programming guide in the form of superposition in the upper part of the television program.
3. 3. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for reducing the surface of the main display screen that is occupied by the television program when the visual presentation of the programming guide is active , so that the program can be seen without hiding it.
4. 4. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 1, further comprising means for allowing the viewer to search through listings of additional on-demand video programs available in the programming guide, using remote control keys.
5. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, wherein the listings of video on demand programs are organized by category, wherein the system further comprises a means to allow the viewer to search through the available categories in the programming guide, using remote control keys.
6. 6. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising means for enabling a viewer to indicate to the programming guide system that the display of the programming guide is displayed on the main display screen using a key on the remote control.
7. 7. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for allowing the viewer to remove the visual presentation of the programming guide of the main display screen, and return to the normal way of watching television using a key on the remote control.
8. 8. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for providing more detailed information about the video program on request, using a key of the remote control.
9. 9. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising means for enabling a viewer to obtain more detailed information about the displayed video-on-demand program, using a remote control key to display a television screen. detailed information on the main visualization screen.
10. 10. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 1, further comprising: a means for enabling a viewer to obtain more detailed information about the displayed video-on-demand program by using the "info" key of the remote control for display a detailed information screen on the main display screen; and a means to allow the viewer to place an order of the video program on demand, on the screen of detailed information, using a key on the remote control.
11. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for enabling a viewer to change the television program displayed on the television crew of the viewer, using remote control keys.
12. 12. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises means for storing at least one video program on demand in a local storage device.
13. 13. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 12, wherein the system further comprises a means for viewing the on-demand video program stored in the local storage device.
14. 14. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises means for allowing the viewer to place an order for a video program on demand.
15. 15. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 1, which further comprises means for indicating that a program displayed in the visual presentation of the programming guide is available upon request.
16. 16. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 15, wherein the indicator means is an icon.
17. 17. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 15, wherein the means for placing an order further comprises a means for allowing the viewer to set a start time of the video program on demand.
18. 18. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 15, wherein the means for placing an order further comprises a means for requesting the viewer to enter a parental control code to request the video program upon request.
19. 19. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises: a means for enabling the viewer to place an order for an on-demand video program; a means to allow the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program, requested by a viewer; Y a means to automatically start the video program on request that has been requested, at the start time selected by the viewer.
20. 20. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises a means for reminding the viewer of the start time of the requested program.
21. 21. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means for reminding the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to immediately look at the requested program.
22. 22. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means for reminding the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to view the requested program at the selected start time.
23. 23. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means to remind the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to select a new start time for the requested program.
24. 24. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means for reminding the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to select a new start time of the requested program, from a list of start times provided by the programming guide.
25. 25. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means for reminding the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to enter a start time defined by the viewer, for the requested program.
26. 26. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 19, wherein the system further comprises: a means to remind the viewer of the start time of the requested program; and a means to provide the viewer with an option to cancel the requested program.
27. 27. An interactive television programming guide system for video on demand, implemented on the television team of the viewer, which has a main display screen, comprising: a means to display a visual presentation of the programming guide on the equipment of the viewer's television, which displays at least a list of the video program on request; a means to allow the viewer to request a video program on demand represented by the list of the video program on request; and a means to allow a viewer to request in advance the video on demand program.
28. 28. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises a means for enabling a viewer to select a start time to watch the on-demand video program.
29. 29. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 27, in wherein the system further comprises a means to allow a viewer to select a start time of the video program on demand, selecting the start time from a J & of start times supplied by the programming guide.
30. 30. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises a means for enabling a viewer to select a start time for the on-demand video program, entering the start time with a set of numeric entry keys on a remote control.
31. 31. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises means for storing at least a portion of the video program on demand in a local storage device, when the viewer requests in advance the video program on request.
32. 32. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises a means for storing all that video program on demand in a local storage device, when the viewer requests in advance the video program on request.
33. 33. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the means for making an order supplies a purchase price of the video program on demand, depending on the purchase price of if the viewer requests in advance the video program on request.
34. 34. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the purchase price is discounted when the viewer requests in advance the video on demand program.
35. 35. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises: a means for enabling the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to automatically start the video program on request that has been requested, at the selected start time.
36. 36. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, in wherein the system further comprises: a means for allowing the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request, which has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to immediately look at the requested program, starting with the reminder medium.
37. 37. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises: a means for enabling the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by the viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to take notice of the start time indicated by the reminder means, and later to look at the requested program at the selected start time.
38. 38. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 27, in wherein the system further comprises: a means for selecting a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, where the video program on request that has been requested automatically starts at the new start time.
39. 39. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises: a means for selecting a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, selecting the new start time from a list of start times provided by the programming guide, where the video program on request that has been requested starts automatically in the new start time.
40. 40. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises: a means for enabling the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, entering a start time defined by the viewer, where the video program on request that has been requested begins, in the form automatic, at the start time defined by the viewer.
41. 41. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 27, wherein the system further comprises: a means for enabling the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by the viewer; a means to remind the viewer of a selected start time for the video program on request that has been requested; and a means to allow the viewer to cancel the video program on request that has been requested and that is indicated by the reminder means.
42. 42. An interactive television programming guide system for on-demand video, implemented in the television crew of the viewer, which has a main display screen, comprising: a means to display a visual presentation of the programming guide, in the television team of the viewer, which exhibits at least a list of video program on request; a means to allow the viewer to request a preview of a video clip (video clip) of an on-demand video program represented by the video program listing on request; and a means to indicate that the preview of the video clip (video clip) is available for the video on demand program that has been displayed.
43. 43. The interactive television programming guidance system defined in claim 42, further comprising means for indicating that the Preview video clip is available for the video on demand program that has been displayed.
44. 44. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 43, wherein _ the indicator means is an icon.
45. 45. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 42, further comprising a means for displaying a requested video clip preview in a video window.
46. 46. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 45, further comprising means for automatically displaying a shopping screen, immediately after the video clip preview is displayed.
47. 47. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 42, further comprising means for displaying a requested video clip preview, in a full-screen video window.
48. 48. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 42, further comprising a means for displaying a requested video clip preview, in a partial screen video window, while the presentation is displayed visual of the programming guide.
49. 49. The interactive television programming guide system defined in claim 48, further comprising means for displaying a particular television program, while displaying the video window on a partial screen and the visual presentation of the programming guide.
50. 50. A method for using an interactive television programming guidance system implemented in the television crew of the viewer, having a main display screen, characterized by understanding the steps of: simultaneously displaying a television program on the main display screen and a visual presentation of the partial screen programming guide that includes at least a list of video program on request; and allow the viewer to search through listings of programs available in the programming guide.
51. 51. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of simultaneously displaying comprises further displaying the display of the programming guide in the form of an overlay on the back of the television program.
52. 52. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of simultaneously displaying comprises further reducing the surface of the main display screen which is occupied by the television program when the visual presentation of the programming guide is active, so that the TV show can be seen without hiding it.
53. 53. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the advertisements of video-on-demand programs in the programming guide are organized by category, wherein in the search step further comprises allowing the viewer to search through the categories available in the visual presentation of the programming guide, using keys of the remote control.
54. 54. The method defined in claim 50, Wherein the step of displaying simultaneously also comprises displaying the programming guide on the main display screen when the viewer presses a key of the remote control.
55. 55. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of simultaneously displaying comprises removing the visual display of the programming guide from the main display screen, and returning to the normal way of watching television when the viewer presses a key of the television. remote control.
56. 56. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the look-up step further comprises supplying the viewer with more detailed information about an on-demand video program, when the viewer presses a key on the remote control.
57. 57. The method defined in claim 56, wherein the step of supplying further comprises displaying a detailed information screen on the main display screen.
58. 58. The method defined in claim 57, wherein the step of displaying further comprises allowing a viewer to place an order of the video program on demand shown in the detailed information screen, using a remote control key.
59. 59. The method defined in claim 50, further comprising allowing the viewer to watch other available television programs, using remote control keys.
60. 60. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of searching further comprises allowing a viewer to make an order of the video program on demand that is displayed in the visual presentation of the programming guide.
61. 61. The method defined in claim 60, wherein the step of making an order further comprises Allow the viewer to set a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested.
62. 62. The method defined in claim 60, wherein the step of placing an order further comprises entering a parental control code.
63. 63. The method defined in claim 60, wherein the step of placing an order further comprises storing at least some of a requested video-on-demand program in a local storage device.
64. 64. The method defined in claim 63, further comprising allowing the viewer to watch the on-demand video program stored in the local storage device.
65. 65. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of simultaneously displaying further comprises indicating that the program displayed in the visual presentation of the programming guide is available upon request.
66. 66. The method defined in claim 65, wherein the indicate step further comprises using an icon.
67. 67. The method defined in claim 50, wherein the step of exhibiting further comprises: allow the viewer to place an order for an on-demand video program represented by the video program listing on request that is displayed in the visual presentation of the programming guide; allow the viewer to select a start time for the video-on-demand program requested by a viewer; and automatically start the video program on request that has been requested, at the start time selected by the viewer.
68. 68. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of starting automatically also comprises reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program.
69. 69. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of starting automatically also comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to immediately look at the requested program.
70. 70. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of starting automatically also comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to view the requested program at the requested start time.
71. 71. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of beginning further comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to select a new start time for the requested program.
72. 72. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of beginning further comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to select a new start time for the requested program, from a list of start times provided by the programming guide.
73. 73. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of beginning further comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to enter a start time defined by the viewer, for the requested program.
74. 74. The method defined in claim 67, wherein the step of beginning further comprises: reminding the viewer of the start time for the requested program; and provide the viewer with an option to cancel the requested program.
75. 75. A method for providing an interactive television programming guide system for on-demand video, implemented in the television crew of the viewer, which has a main display screen and which comprises: displaying a visual presentation of the programming guide in the television team of the viewer, which exhibits at least a list of video program on request; allow a viewer to request an on-demand video program represented by the video program listing upon request; and allow the viewer to request in advance the video program on request.
76. 76. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of making the order further comprises allowing the viewer to select a start time to watch the video program on demand.
77. 77. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the request step also comprises allowing the viewer to select a start time of the video program on request, selecting the start time from a list of start times provided by the programming guide.
78. 78. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of placing the order further comprises allowing the viewer to select a start time for the video program on demand, entering the start time with a set of numeric entry keys in a remote control
79. 79. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the programming guide system further comprises a local storage device, wherein the method further comprises storing at least a portion of the video program upon request that has been requested, in the local storage device, when the viewer requests in advance the video program on request.
80. 80. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the programming guide system further comprises a local storage device, wherein the method further comprises storing all that video program on demand in the local storage device, when the viewer request in advance the Video program on request.
81. 81. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of making the order further comprises supplying a purchase price of the video program upon request, the purchase price depending on whether the viewer requests in advance the video program upon request .
82. 82. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises supplying a purchase price of the video program on demand, wherein the purchase price is reduced when the viewer requests in advance the program of video on request.
83. 83. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of making the order further comprises: allowing the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; remind the viewer of a start time for the requested program; and automatically start the video program on request that has been requested, at the start time selected by the viewer.
84. 84. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of placing an order further comprises: allow the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; remind the viewer of a start time for the requested program; and allow the viewer to watch the requested program immediately, from the step of remembering.
85. 85. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of effecting the order further comprises: allowing the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by the viewer; remind a viewer of a start time for the requested program; and allow the viewer to take note of the start time indicated by the reminder means and then, to watch the requested program at the selected start time.
86. 86. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises: allowing the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer; remind a viewer of a start time for the requested program; Y allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, where the video program on request that has been requested automatically starts at the new start time.
87. 87. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises: allowing the viewer to select a start time for the video-on-demand program that has been requested by a viewer; remind the viewer of a start time for the requested program; and allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, selecting the new start time from a list of start times provided by the programming guide, where the video program on request that has been requested starts automatically in the new start time.
88. 88. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of placing the order further comprises: allowing the viewer to select a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by a viewer, reminding a viewer of a schedule Of start for the requested program; and allow the viewer to change the start time indicated by the reminder means, to a new start time, and a start time defined by the viewer, where the video program on request that has been requested, starts automatically at the time of Start defined by the viewer.
89. 89. The method defined in claim 75, wherein the step of effecting the order further comprises: allowing the viewer a start time for an on-demand video program that has been requested by the viewer; remind the viewer of a start time for the requested program; and allow the viewer to cancel the requested program indicated by the reminder means.
90. 90. A method for providing an interactive television programming guide system for video on demand, implemented in the television crew of the viewer, which has a main display screen and which comprises: displaying a visual presentation of the programming guide in the television team of the viewer, which exhibits at least a list of video program on request; Y allow the viewer to request a preview of a video clip (videoclip) of a video program on request represented by the video program listing on request. indicate that the preview of the video clip is available for the video on demand program that has been displayed.
91. 91. The method defined in claim 90, wherein the step of displaying further comprises indicating that the video clip preview is available for the video on demand program that has been displayed.
92. 92. The method defined in claim 91, wherein the step of indicating further comprises using an icon.
93. 93. The method defined in claim 91, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises displaying a requested video clip preview, in a video window.
94. The method defined in claim 91, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises automatically displaying a purchase screen, immediately after the video clip preview is displayed.
95. 95. The method defined in claim 91, wherein the step of making the order further comprises displaying a video clip preview. requested.
96. 96. The method defined in claim 91, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises displaying a requested video clip preview, in a partial screen video window, while displaying the visual presentation of the programming guide.
97. 97. The method defined in claim 96, wherein the step of performing the order further comprises displaying a particular television program, while displaying the partial screen video window and the visual presentation of the programming guide.