Patent ID: 7735108
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A presence state module for enabling a push to talk (PTT) communication between an initiator and a recipient of said PTT communication, comprising: a first module operatively connected to a set top box or a digital video recorder, wherein said first module is configured to collect recipient presence data; a data storage medium operatively connected to said first module, wherein said data storage medium is configured to store received presence data from said first module, wherein said presence data identifies a current television program being displayed, and wherein said presence data further identifies a first television program designated to be interrupted for said PTT communication and a second television program designated to not to be interrupted for said PTT communication; and a second module operatively connected to said data storage medium, wherein said second module is configured to filter said PTT communication to said recipient based on said presence data, wherein said PTT communication is allowed to interrupt said current television program when said first television program is being broadcast, and wherein said PTT communication is not allowed to interrupt said current television program when said second television program is being broadcast.