Patent ID: 7373650
Filing Date: 2008-05-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method implemented by a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) for enabling a user to scroll through a plurality of video programs received via a plurality of transmission channels, comprising the steps of: tuning to a first plurality of transmission channels via a plurality of respective tuners; receiving a first plurality of video programs including a first video program and a second video program via the first plurality of transmission channels, wherein each of the first plurality of video programs comprises a plurality of time-sequential pictures; outputting the first plurality of video programs to a display device configured to simultaneously display the first plurality of video programs, wherein a first video program is displayed in a first video display area of the display device and a second video program is displayed in a second video display area of the display device; receiving via a tuner a program guide data including program information related to the first video program and program information related to the second video program and program information related to a third video program; outputting the program guide data to the display device simultaneously with the first plurality of video programs in a default display order, as configured by a headend that sent the program guide data, wherein the program guide data includes an order option for the user to override the default display order and manually arrange the plurality of video programs with the program guide data, wherein at least a portion of the program information related to the first video program is displayed at a location corresponding to the first video program and at least a portion of the program information related to the second video program is displayed at a location corresponding to the second video program; receiving, from a user during the outputting of the program guide data simultaneously with the first plurality of video programs, a request for program information related to at least one of the plurality of programs; in response to receiving the user request for program information related to at least one of the plurality of programs, suspending, at the DHCT, at least one of the plurality of tuners from tuning to the respective transmission channels; utilizing the suspended tuner for receiving at least a portion of the requested program information; and outputting a static image in the display area corresponding to the video program previously provided by the suspended tuner.