Patent ID: 7305357
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: G06Q,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for providing multimedia content to a customer comprising: connecting a computing device to a first server via a data communication network, the computing device including a display screen, communicating first data from the first server to the computing device via the data communication network, the first data implementing a first graphical user interface that provides for user selection of multimedia content; displaying the first graphical user interface on the display screen of the computing device; in response to user interaction with the first graphical user interface whereby the user selects particular multimedia content, communicating second data identifying the particular multimedia content from the computing device to the first server over the data communications network; connecting a second server to a media receiver at the customer's premises via a distribution network, the distribution network employing a plurality of RF channels for delivery of multimedia content from the second server to the media receiver, the media receiver separate and distinct from the computing device; communicating a command to the media receiver via the distribution network, the command providing third data that enables the media receiver to tune to at least one particular RF channel of said plurality of RF channels of the distribution network and receive the particular media content over said at least one particular RF channel, wherein the command is communicated to the media receiver upon a determination that sufficient bandwidth is available over said at least one particular RF channel; upon receipt of the command at the media receiver, tuning the media receiver to said at least one particular RF channel; and communicating the particular media content from the second server to the media receiver over said at least one particular RF channel of the distribution network where it is received at the media receiver for output therefrom.