Patent ID: 6804824
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
In a set top box receiving programming content, the programming content having a plurality of channels, a method of allowing a user to preview channel content while reducing tuning latency, the method comprising the acts of:tuning a first channel with a first tuner, the first channel being selected by a user from the plurality of channels; with a second tuner, maintaining an updated preview of one or more of the plurality of channels which are not currently tuned, the updated preview representing current content of the one or more channels; displaying the updated preview of the one or more channels for user selection so that the user is able to quickly review the current content of the one or more channels simultaneously without having to select and tune each of those channels individually; based on at least a display arrangement of the updated preview of the one or more channels and any received user input relative to the display arrangement, predicting user selection of a second channel which is not currently tuned; and tuning the second channel for viewing with the second tuner prior to user selection of the second channel so that when the second channel is selected, delay associated with tuning the second channel is reduced because the second tuner already tunes the second channel for viewing.