System and method of distributing multimedia content

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for enhanced multimedia distribution. The method can include displaying a multimedia selection at a display device coupled to a first receiver of a video distribution system, where the multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver. A multimedia device can include a user interface module to receive a command from a first user to accept a channel selection of a second user. An indication of an attribute of multimedia content associated with a channel selected at a multimedia device can be received from a server having a channel content guide and stored to a database.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to distributing multimedia content.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy being able to interact with others while participating in tasks. Some websites offer features that allow users to receive a notification when other members a particular group are logged into the website. Text messaging applications allow users to interact with each other in real-time while performing other tasks at a computer. However, such applications are often tailored to support an underlying product or service and therefore may only appeal to, or be available to, a limited audience. Furthermore, using these applications requires users to be present at a networked computer instead of engaging in other available entertainment activities. Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method of distributing multimedia content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In an embodiment, a multimedia device is disclosed. The device includes a memory device accessible to a processor. The device also includes a user identification module to identify a first user of the multimedia device. The device further includes a user interface module to receive a command from the first user to accept a channel selection of a second user, where the channel selection is received via the network interface.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing multimedia content is disclosed. The method includes displaying a multimedia selection at a display device coupled to a first receiver of a video distribution system. The multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver of the video distribution system.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing multimedia content is disclosed. The method includes providing a multimedia selection to a first multimedia device of a first user. The multimedia selection is determined by a second user at a second multimedia device.

In another embodiment, a distributing multimedia content is disclosed. The method includes receiving first data at a server of a television system, where the first data identifies a first television channel selected at a first multimedia device. The method also includes determining first multimedia content associated with the first data and receiving second data indicating a first attribute of the first multimedia content from a server having a channel content guide. The method further includes storing an indication of the first attribute and an indication of the first multimedia content to a database.

In another embodiment, a graphical user interface is disclosed. The interface includes a first viewing region to display first video content received at a first multimedia device from a multimedia distribution system. The interface also includes a second viewing region to display second video content received from the multimedia distribution system, where the second video content is determined by a user of a second multimedia device coupled to the multimedia distribution system. The interface further includes an indication of a channel selected by a user of a third multimedia device coupled to the multimedia distribution system.

In another embodiment, a processor readable medium embodying executable instructions is disclosed. The executable instructions include instructions to receive a data stream from a television system via a network interface and instructions to send a video signal included in the data stream to display at a display device. The executable instructions also include instructions to send a first selectable menu to display at the display device when a first menu tag is identified in the data stream, and instructions to send a first signal to a server of the television system that stores viewer feedback. The first signal indicates a selected option of the first selectable menu. The executable instructions further include instructions to send a second selectable menu to display at the display device when a second menu tag is identified in the data stream and instructions to send a second signal to a server of the television system that identifies a channel selection of members of a group. The second signal indicates a selected option of the second selectable menu.

Referring toFIG. 1, a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a system to distribute multimedia content is depicted and generally designated100. In an illustrative embodiment, the system100can be an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system, or can include portions thereof. The system100includes a central video head-end102that includes a channel content guide server104; an audience measurement and tracking (AMT) server106; and a marketing statistical analysis server107. The central video head-end102communicates with a regional video distribution head-end110via a first internet protocol (IP) network108, which may be a private IP network, a public IP network, such as the Internet, or any combination thereof. The regional video distribution head-end includes a channel content burst application server112, a channel content application server114, and a presence and text messaging server116.

A first set-top box (STB)126communicates with the regional video distribution head-end110via a second IP network118. In an illustrative embodiment, the first STB126can be coupled to a display device, such as a first television monitor124. Further, the first STB126can communicate with a first remote control device120. In a particular embodiment, the first STB126can be coupled to a first user computer122. A second set-top box (STB)136communicates with the regional video distribution head-end110via the second IP network118. In an illustrative embodiment, the second STB136can be coupled to a display device, such as a second television monitor134. Further, the second STB136can communicate with a second remote control device130. In a particular embodiment, the second STB136can be coupled to a second user computer132.

In a particular embodiment, the channel content guide server104can store or access channel content, including programming titles, program descriptions, other data indicating at least one attribute of at least some of the programming offered by the IPTV system100, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the AMT server106can receive data indicating viewing activities of subscribers to the system100, as well as categorize, supplement, aggregate, and store the data in a viewing history database. In a particular embodiment, the marketing statistical analysis server107can request and receive viewing data from the AMT server106, perform statistical or other analysis on the data, and publish the data either as raw data or reports, in real-time or offline, via dedicated clients, or website access, or the like, or any combination thereof.

The presence and text messaging server116maintains data identifying members of one or more presence groups and data corresponding to interactions of group members with the IPTV system100. Members of a presence group can detect and interact with other members of the group, such as a group of subscribers of the IPTV system100. In a particular embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can communicate with consumer multimedia devices, such as STBs126,136. The presence and text messaging server116can receive data from STBs126,136indicating login and logout information, text messaging information, multimedia content selection information, menu option selection information, or any other data sent by the STBs126,136, or any combination thereof. The presence and text messaging server116can also send data to STBs126,136, such as text messaging data, presence group member identification and current content selection data, notification and menu option data to display to users, any other data, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can send data to the AMT server106, such as group data, member login data, member content selection data, temporary and permanent channel link data, or other data related to tracking group members' viewing history, or any combination thereof.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can also communicate with the channel burst application server112and the channel content application server114. In a particular illustrative embodiment, when a member of a presence group elects to receive multimedia content selected by another member of the group, such as in response to an invitation or via a temporary channel link or a permanent channel link, the presence and text messaging server can send data indicating the new channel selection to the content burst application server112and the channel content application server114. The content burst application server112and the channel content application server114can send multimedia content to a set-top box of the group member corresponding to the new channel selection.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, a first user of the first STB126can establish a session with the IPTV system100, such as by turning on the STB126, turning on the television124, interacting with the remote control device120, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, establishing the session can include a first user authenticating to the system100via the STB126by entering identifying information, such as a password, a user identification number, a biometric signal, other identifying information, or any combination thereof.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first STB126sends information identifying the first user to the presence and text messaging server116via the second IP network118, which can be a private network, a public network, such as the Internet, or any combination thereof. After receiving the identifying information from the first STB126, the presence and text messaging server116can authenticate the first user and generate and store data corresponding to the current session of the first user with the system100.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first user can be associated with a first presence group at the presence and text messaging server116. After receiving data identifying the first user, the presence and text messaging server116can identify the first user as a member of the first presence group. The presence and text messaging server116can also identify other members of the first presence group that have been identified as participating in a session with the system100. In a particular illustrative embodiment, each user authorized to participate in a presence group can perform a login process to establish a session with the presence and text messaging server116. The presence and text messaging server116can identify all members of the first group that have established a session, and provide information to each of the identified members corresponding to session activity of each of the other members.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the presence and text messaging server can provide data to the first user via the second IP network118and the first STB126identifying other members of the first group that have established a session and which programs or television channels the other members have selected. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the presence and text messaging server118can also establish a text message session allowing the members of the first group to communicate via text messaging.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can send a signal to one or more members of a group, such as the first user of the first STB126, indicating that another member of the group has selected content from the system100. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first STB126can send the indication to the television monitor124. the indication can include a notice of the selection of content and one or more selectable options. The notice and selectable options may overlay multimedia content displayed on the group member's display device. An example of such an indication is illustrated inFIG. 6.

In an illustrative embodiment, the first user of the first STB126and a second user of the second STB136can belong to the same presence group. When the second user establishes a session, the first user can be provided a notice at the first television monitor124that the second user is logged on to the system100. The first user can also be provided an indication of a channel currently selected by the second user. A menu of selectable options can be displayed at the television monitor124that can include options to display a text messaging interface, to invite the second user to view the same content as the first user, to view the content selected by the second user, to establish a permanent channel link with the second user, or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can send data related to the menu to the STB126to display on the television monitor124. In another illustrative embodiment, data related to the menu is retrieved from a memory device of the STB126.

In a particular embodiment, the presence and text messaging server116can also create and maintain data identifying permanent channel links between members of presence groups. A permanent channel link can be established between two or more members of a group when a participating member elects to allow multimedia content displayed at his or her display device to be determined by any other participating member. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first user of the first STB126and the second user of the second STB136may join a permanent channel link with other members of the first presence group. The content presently selected on the permanent channel link is provided to both the first user and the second user. Any member participating in the permanent channel link may change the selected content, and the new selection can be automatically provided to all participating members without prompting the members to approve the change. The permanent channel link can be maintained for each group member until the member indicates otherwise. For example, the first user can end a permanent channel link by turning off the display device124or the STB126, by logging out of the presence group session, by selecting a menu option to exit the permanent channel link, or any combination thereof.

Although in the particular illustrative embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the content and channel guide server104, the AMT106, and the marketing statistical analysis server107are located at the central video head-end102, while the content burst application server112, the channel content application server114, and the presence and text messaging server116are located at the regional video distribution head-end, it should be understood that any or all of the servers104,106,107,112,114and116may instead be located at other locations throughout the system100. Furthermore, it should be understood that multiple servers104,106,107,112,114,116may reside on a single physical server device, or that one or more servers104,106,107,112,114,116may be embodied in multiple physical server devices.

Referring toFIG. 2, a block diagram of a second particular illustrative embodiment of a system to distribute multimedia content is depicted and generally designated200. The system200includes a multimedia device202, such as a set-top box, communicating with an IPTV access network230via network access customer premises equipment (CPE)228coupled to a network interface208of the multimedia device202. The multimedia device202can include a display interface210to communicate with a display device, such as a television monitor212. The multimedia device202can also include a remote control interface216to communicate with a remote control device240and a computer interface214to communicate with a user computer250. The multimedia device202includes a processor204and memory device206accessible to the processor204. In an illustrative embodiment, the multimedia device202can also include a digital video recorder (DVR) coupled to the processor204.

The memory device206can include a video content control and buffer module219to receive multimedia content from a first source via the network interface. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first source can be a server of an IPTV system, such as the channel burst application server112or the channel content application server114of the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1. The memory device206can also include a coder-decoder (CODEC) module to process multimedia content.

In a particular embodiment, the memory device206can include a user identification (ID) module218. The user ID module218can identify a first user of the multimedia device202after receiving identification information from the first user such as a name, account number, identification code, password, biometric signature, any other identification information, or any combination thereof. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the user ID module218can authenticate the first user by comparing the identification information to data stored in the memory device206. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the user ID module can authenticate the first user by sending identification data to an authentication source via the network interface208, such as the presence and text messaging server116of the system100depicted inFIG. 1.

In a particular embodiment, the multimedia device202can include a user interface module221to receive a command from the first user to accept a channel selection of a second user, where the channel selection is received via the network interface208. In a particular illustrative embodiment, a signal can be received via the network interface208, such as from the presence and text messaging server116of the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1, indicating that the second user has selected a particular channel of an IPTV system. The user interface module221can display a notification of the channel selection of the second user at the display device212that overlays multimedia content. An illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface displaying channel selections of one or more other users is depicted inFIG. 6.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the user interface module221can be executable by the processor204to display a selectable menu concurrently with the notification. The selectable menu can include a first option to display content associated with the channel selection. For example, upon receiving a signal indicating a channel selection by the second user, the user interface module221can send a selectable menu to the display device212identifying the second user, the new channel selection of the second user, and options to accept the channel change or to reject the channel change. A selection of the menu options can be performed by navigation and selection keys of the remote control device240, or by a keyboard or pointing device of the computer250, or by other mechanisms, such as a speech recognition interface (not shown), or any combination thereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, the multimedia device202can display multimedia content associated with the channel selected by the second user in response to receiving a selection by the first user to accept the channel change. In an illustrative embodiment, the user interface module221can send a prompt to the display device212to determine if multimedia content associated with the new channel or a prior channel should be displayed as a picture-in-picture display. In another illustrative embodiment, multimedia device202can automatically display content associated with a presence group as a picture-in-picture display.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the user interface module221can send to the display device212a selectable menu that includes a second option to display content associated with all channel selections provided by members of a predefined group that includes the first user and the second user. The second option can be offered in the same selectable menu as the first option, or can be offered after the first user has selected to accept the channel selection of the second user. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the predefined group may be a presence group maintained by the presence and text messaging server116of the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1. In another particular illustrative embodiment, the predefined group can instead be maintained at the multimedia device202, at a computer in communication with the multimedia device202via the computer interface214, such as computer250or another computer (not shown) in communication with computer250, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the user interface module221can be executable by the processor204to resolve ambiguous commands received from the user. For example, a channel change signal received via the remote interface216may either indicate a channel change for the user only, or a channel change to be broadcast to one or all presence groups of the user. The user interface module221may send a menu to the display device212with selectable options to interpret the channel change command.

In a particular embodiment, the user interface module221can send a selectable menu to display at the display device212when a menu tag is identified in a data stream received from an IPTV system via the IPTV access network interface230. For example, the data stream can include a video signal to display at the display device. The data stream may further include one or more menu tags containing data related to a menu to be displayed at the display device212. In an illustrative embodiment, a menu tag can provide data defining a menu size, shape, menu text or selectable option text, time of display, latest time to display, or method of display of the menu, executable instructions to be processed by the processor204when a particular option is selected, a network address to send a response made by the user, other data associated with a selectable menu, or any combination thereof. In another illustrative embodiment, one or more predetermined selectable menus can be stored at the multimedia device202so that the menu tag can reference a predetermined menu to display. In another illustrative embodiment, menu components can be stored at the multimedia device202, and the menu tag can instruct the processor204to assemble a menu from specified components, for instance, via the user interface module221.

In a particular embodiment, the multimedia device202can send a first menu to the display device212when a first menu tag is identified in the data stream received from the IPTV system. The multimedia device202can send a first signal or data to a server of the television system that stores viewer feedback, where the first signal or data indicates a selected option of the first selectable menu. In an illustrative embodiment where the multimedia device202is coupled to the IPTV system100as depicted inFIG. 1, the first menu tag may be a request for real-time user feedback to a television program, such as a live broadcast of a presidential speech, and the user feedback can be sent to the AMT106.

In a particular embodiment, the multimedia device202can send a second selectable menu to the display device212when a second menu tag is identified in the data stream. A second signal or data indicating a selected option of the second selectable menu can be sent by the multimedia device202to a server of the television system that identifies a channel selection of one or more members of a group. In an illustrative embodiment where the multimedia device202is coupled to the IPTV system100as depicted inFIG. 1, the multimedia device202can send the second signal to the presence and text messaging server116.

Referring toFIG. 3, a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of distributing multimedia content is depicted. At block300, a multimedia selection is displayed at a display device coupled to a first receiver of a video distribution system, wherein the multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver of the video distribution system. In an illustrative embodiment, an indication of the multimedia selection is provided at the display device. In another illustrative embodiment, content of the multimedia selection is displayed.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the video distribution system can be a television system, such as an IPTV system, and the first and second receivers can be set-top boxes such as the STBs126,136as depicted inFIG. 1. In a particular embodiment, a first user of the first receiver and a second user of the second receiver are both members of a group, such as a presence group of the video distribution system. In a particular embodiment, a server of the video distribution system stores data that identifies members of the group. For example, the video distribution system can be an IPTV system such as the system100depicted inFIG. 1, and the server that stores data identifying members of the group can be the presence and text messaging server116.

Moving to block302, in a particular embodiment, a first signal is received from the video distribution system at the first receiver. The first signal indicates a channel selected by the user of the second receiver. Proceeding to block304, in a particular embodiment, an indication of the channel selected by the user of the second receiver is displayed at the display device coupled to the first receiver.

Continuing to block306, in a particular embodiment, a selectable menu is displayed at the display device coupled to the first receiver, the selectable menu including a first menu option to display content associated with the multimedia selection determined by the user of the second receiver. Moving to block308, in a particular embodiment, a selection of the first menu option is received from a user of the first receiver.

Proceeding to block310, the content is displayed at the display device. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first receiver may tune to a channel associated with the multimedia selection. In another particular illustrative embodiment, the first receiver may send a request for the content to one or more content sources of the multimedia distribution system. In another particular illustrative embodiment, a server of the multimedia distribution system, such as the presence and text messaging server116of the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1, may receive a signal indicating the selection of the first menu option, and may instruct content servers such as the content burst application server112or the channel content application server114, or any combination thereof, to send the content to the first receiver. The method terminates at block312.

Referring toFIG. 4, a flow diagram of a second particular illustrative embodiment of a method of distributing multimedia content is depicted. At block400, in a particular embodiment, data identifying members of a group is maintained, where a first user is a first member of the group and a second user is a second member of the group. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the data is maintained by a presence group server, such as the presence and text messaging server116of the Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system100depicted inFIG. 1. The data can identify members of one or more groups and can contain authentication information for members to login, a list of members currently logged in, an indication of multimedia content selected at a receiver of each of the members, any other information necessary for group management, or any combination thereof.

Continuing to block402, a multimedia selection is provided to a first multimedia device of the first user, where the multimedia selection is determined by the second user at a second multimedia device. In a particular embodiment, the first multimedia device communicates with a video distribution system, and the second multimedia device also communicates with the video distribution system. In a particular illustrative example, the video distribution system can be a cable television system. In another particular illustrative example, the video distribution system can be an IPTV system.

Proceeding to block404, in a particular embodiment, an indication of the multimedia selection is sent to the first multimedia device. In a particular illustrative embodiment, a presence group server may receive a signal from the second multimedia device indicating a channel change by the second user. The presence group server may determine that the first user is logged in as a member of the same presence group as the second user. The presence group server may send an indication to the first multimedia device to indicate that the second user has selected the new channel. In another illustrative embodiment, the indication can provide data indicating a television program selected by the second user. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the indication may be sent as data in a menu tag inserted into a video stream received by the first multimedia device to display a selectable menu to the first user, such as by the user interface module221of the multimedia device202depicted inFIG. 2.

Moving to block406, in a particular embodiment, content of the multimedia selection is sent to the first multimedia device. In an illustrative embodiment, the content of the multimedia selection can be sent to the first multimedia device by sending an instruction to the first multimedia device to tune to the television channel. In another illustrative embodiment, the content of the multimedia selection can be sent to the first multimedia device by sending an instruction to the first multimedia device to request the content from a multimedia content source, such as the channel content application server114or the channel burst application server112of the IPTV system100ofFIG. 1. In another illustrative embodiment, the content of the multimedia selection can be sent to the first multimedia device via an instruction to an IPTV content source, such as the channel content application server114or the channel burst application server112of the IPTV system100ofFIG. 1, to send the content to the first multimedia device. Thus, the content can be sent to the first multimedia device without the first multimedia device directly requesting the content from the content source.

Continuing to block408, in a particular embodiment, a third multimedia device is identified, where the third multimedia device is used by a third member of the group. Proceeding to block410, in a particular embodiment, the multimedia selection is provided to the third multimedia device. The method terminates at412.

Referring toFIG. 5, a third particular illustrative embodiment of a method of providing enhanced multimedia distribution is depicted. At block500, first data is received at a server of a video distribution system where the first data identifies a first television channel selected at a first multimedia device. In an illustrative embodiment, the first data is received from the first multimedia device. For example, the first data can be sent to the server from a multimedia device in response to a data tag in the data stream received from the video distribution system. In another illustrative embodiment, the first data is received from a multimedia content source of the video distribution system but not from the first multimedia device. For example, in the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1, the first data may be received at the AMT server106from the channel burst application server112, the channel content application server114, or any combination thereof, indicating content sent to the STB126.

Continuing to block502, first multimedia content associated with the first data is determined. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the first data can identify the first multimedia device, the first channel, and a time or time range. The multimedia content associated with the first channel during the specified time may be determined by reference to channel content data stored at the server, by querying another server of the video distribution system having channel content data, or any combination thereof.

Moving to block504, second data indicating a first attribute of the first multimedia content is received from a server having a channel content guide. In an illustrative embodiment, the first attribute can relate to a category such as a genre of the first multimedia content, such as “sports,” “drama,” “comedy,” as illustrative, non-limiting examples. In accordance with another illustrative embodiment, the first attribute may relate to a characteristic of the first multimedia content other than a genre, such as, for example, whether the content is live or recorded, a premiere or syndicated, a rating provided by industry organization or by other subscribers, or any other characteristic, or any combination thereof. Proceeding to block506, an indication of the first attribute and an indication of the first multimedia content are stored to a database.

Continuing to block508, in a particular embodiment where the first data further identifies a recording to a digital video recorder (DVR) of the first multimedia device, third data is received that identifies a retrieval from the DVR. For example, although the first multimedia content may be selected at the first multimedia device, a user of the first multimedia device may choose to time-shift viewing the first multimedia content by storing it to a DVR to watch at a later time. When the content is retrieved from the DVR, such as when the user selects the content to view, the first multimedia device can send the third data to the server indicating that the recorded content has been retrieved from the DVR. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the content stored to the DVR can include a data tag instructing the first multimedia device to send the third data to the server. Moving to block510, an indication of a time of the retrieval from the DVR is stored. The method terminates at block512.

Referring toFIG. 6, a particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface to provide enhanced multimedia distribution is depicted and designated600. The interface600can include a first viewing region604to display first video content received at a first multimedia device, such as a set-top box602, from a multimedia distribution system. In an illustrative embodiment, the multimedia distribution system can be an IPTV system such as the system100depicted inFIG. 1, and the interface600can be provided by the STB126to display at the display device124.

The interface600can also include a second viewing region620to display second video content received from the multimedia distribution system, where the second video content is determined by a user of a second multimedia device coupled to the multimedia distribution system. In an illustrative embodiment, the multimedia distribution system is the IPTV system100as depicted inFIG. 1, and the user of the interface600is a member of a first presence group maintained by the presence and text messaging server116. The second viewing region can depict content associated with a channel controlled by one or more members of the first presence group. The interface600can also include a first text messaging region622to enable text messaging between members of the first group. In a particular embodiment, the first text messaging region622can receive text input from the user of the interface600, such as by a computer coupled to the set-top box602, by a keyed input from a remote control device, by other methods of receiving text input, such as a speech recognition engine (not shown), or any combination thereof.

The interface600can also include an indication of a channel selected by a user of a third multimedia device coupled to the multimedia distribution system, such as indicators607,609, and611. In a particular illustrative embodiment, identifiers606,608and610identify members of a predetermined group of subscribers to the multimedia distribution system, and indicators607,609, and611each indicate a respective channel selected by the corresponding member of the predetermined group. Although the identifiers606,608, and610are depicted as names, the identifiers606,608, and610may include avatars, symbols, images, any other identifier, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, although the indicators607,609, and611are depicted as indicating a channel number, the indicators607,609, and611may include program names, descriptions, images, thumbnails, ratings, other identifying or descriptive information, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the user interface600can have a third viewing region630to display third video content selected by a user of a fourth multimedia device. In an illustrative embodiment where the user of the interface600is also a member of a second presence group, the third viewing region630may display video content selected by other members of the second presence group. A second text messaging region632can enable text messaging between the user of the interface600and other members of the second group.

Referring toFIG. 7, an illustrative embodiment of a general computer system is shown and is designated700. The computer system700can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system700to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computer system700, or any portion thereof, may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a public network or a private network within an IPTV system, to other computer systems or peripheral devices, including a server or set-top box device, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the computer system700may include a processor702, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system700can include a main memory704and a static memory706that can communicate with each other via a bus708. As shown, the computer system700may further include a video display unit710, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system700may include an input device712, such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device714, such as a mouse. Further, the computer system700can include a wireless input device715, e.g., a remote control device. When the computer system700, or any portion thereof, is embodied in a set-top box device, the cursor control device714can be a remote control device. The computer system700can also include a disk drive unit716, a signal generation device718, such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device720.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 7, the disk drive unit716may include a computer-readable medium722in which one or more sets of instructions724, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions724may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions724may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory704, the static memory706, and/or within the processor702during execution by the computer system700. The main memory704and the processor702also may include computer-readable media.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions724or receives and executes instructions724responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network726can communicate voice, video or data over the network726. Further, the instructions724may be transmitted or received over the network726via the network interface device720.

In conjunction with the configuration of structure described herein, the systems and methods disclosed may display a multimedia selection at a display device coupled to a first receiver for a video distribution system, where the multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver for the video distribution system. The systems and methods disclosed may provide a multimedia selection to a first multimedia device of a first user, where the multimedia selection is determined by a second user at a second multimedia device. An indication of multimedia content and an attribute of the content may be stored when data identifying a television channel selected at a first multimedia device is received at a server of a television system, content associated with the data is determined, and data indicating the attribute is received from a server having a channel content guide. A multimedia device may include a user identification module to identify a first user of the set-top box device and a user interface module to receive a command from a first user to accept a channel selection of a second user, where the channel selection is received via the network interface. A graphical user interface can include a first viewing region to display first video content and second viewing region to display second video content received at a first multimedia device, where the second video content is determined by a user of a second multimedia device. The interface can also include an indication of a channel selected by a user of a third multimedia device coupled to the multimedia distribution system.

Viewer history data can be obtained and stored at a database of a video distribution system, such as the AMT server106of the IPTV system100depicted inFIG. 1. The data can be provided or made available for marketing or statistical analysis, to enhance future multimedia content distribution. The analysis can be performed by a dedicated server of the television system, such as the marketing statistical analysis server107of the system100, or can be performed by an outside service such as a independent marketing or datamining consultant. In addition, other pertinent data can be obtained and stored for analysis. For example, presence group membership and group content selection activity can provide useful marketing and statistical information. In addition, real-time replies to feedback prompts displayed to subscribers, such as by inserting menu tags in a video data stream, can provide subscriber opinions or other information of value of advertisers, content or program developers, or the like.

In accordance with various embodiments, the methods described herein may be implemented as one or more software programs running on a computer processor. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

It should also be noted that software that implements the disclosed methods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage medium, such as: a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk; or a solid state medium, such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories. The software may also utilize a signal containing computer instructions. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium as listed herein, and other equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein may be stored.