Patent ID: 7155674
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for providing access to television content comprising at a service provider: sending a first video content program over a first channel, the first video content program or the first channel being provided by a content provider from among a plurality of content providers; receiving a request from a viewer watching the first video content program over the first channel; in response to the request, presenting a viewer-activated interface that includes a selection menu which provides the viewer with selective access to a limited group of alternative video content programs or channels, including one or more video-on-demand programs, the limited group of alternative video content programs or channels available for selection at any time from the selection menu being dependent on the first video content program or the first channel being watched by the viewer and substantially limited to video content programs or channels available from a predetermined group of one or more affiliated content providers of which the content provider that provides the first video content program or the first channel is a member; enabling the viewer to interactively select a second video content program or a second channel from the limited group of alternative video content programs or channels; and presenting the selected second video content program or the second channel to the viewer.