Program guide graphical user interface systems and methods

In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to display a scrollable program guide graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured to show a multiplicity of blocks of information corresponding to a multiplicity of content carriers. The processing subsystem is further configured to display a magnified area within the program guide graphical user interface. When a block corresponding to a particular content carrier within the multiplicity of content carriers is entered into the magnified area, the processing subsystem is configured to display enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances transmitted via the particular content carrier.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The advent of computers, interactive electronic communication, the Internet, and other advances in the digital realm of consumer electronics have resulted in a great variety of enhanced programming, recording, and viewing options for users who view media content such as television programs. In implementing such enhanced options, the set-top box (“STB”) has become an important computing device for accessing media content services and the media content within those services. In addition to supporting traditional analog broadcast video functionality, STBs also support an increasing number of two-way digital services such as video-on-demand, internet protocol television (“IPTV”), and personal video recording.

An STB is typically connected to a cable or satellite, or generally, a subscriber television system, and includes hardware and software necessary to provide enhanced options for a subscriber television system at a subscriber location. Conventional STBs include a processor, communication components, and memory and are connected to a television or other display device, such as a personal computer. While many STBs are stand-alone devices that are externally connected to a television, an STB and/or its functionality may be integrated into a television or personal computer, a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or even into an audio device such as a programmable radio, as is known.

An STB is usually configured to provide users with a large number and variety of media content choices. For example, a user may choose to view a variety of broadcast television programs, pay-per-view services, video-on-demand programming, Internet services, and audio programming via an STB.

However, the large number of media content choices often makes it difficult for an STB user to find and select a desired media content instance for viewing. On-screen program guides have alleviated this confusion to some degree. However, the use of an on-screen program guide is cumbersome in many instances and often results in missed viewing opportunities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary systems and methods for displaying enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances within a program guide graphical user interface (“GUI”) are described herein. As used herein, the term “media content instance” will be used to refer generally to any television program, on demand program, pay-per-view program, broadcast media program, IPTV, commercial, advertisement, video, movie, song, image, photograph, sound, or any segment of these or other forms of media content that may be experienced or viewed by a user.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein generally enable a user to conveniently view or otherwise experience enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances within a program guide GUI. The enhanced information may include, but is not limited to, a title, a subtitle, a program summary, an advertisement, a hyperlink, an image or photograph, a logo, an icon, a current time, a progress bar, a video feed, a picture-in-picture video feed, and/or any other type of content related information.

In certain embodiments, a media content processing subsystem, such as a set-top box (“STB”), is configured to display a magnified area within a scrollable program guide GUI. The magnified area may be stationary and vertically centered within the program guide GUI, for example. When a program guide block corresponding to a particular content carrier (e.g., channel) is entered into the magnified area, enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances transmitted via the content carrier is displayed within the magnified area.

The systems and methods described herein may be used to provide media content consumers with additional content that may not be accessible via traditional program guide GUIs. For example, the systems and methods described herein may facilitate more effective advertising and content promotion. Users also benefit from the systems and methods described herein by being able to easily access enhanced information that is related to a particular media content instance.

Components and functions of exemplary embodiments of program guide GUI systems and methods will now be described in more detail.

II. Exemplary System View

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a media content access system100, according to one exemplary embodiment. Media content access system100may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components and facilities.

As shown inFIG. 1, a media content processing subsystem110is configured to communicate with and receive a signal or data stream (e.g., a media content stream) containing a media content instance from a media content provider111. The media content processing subsystem110and media content provider111may communicate using any known communication technologies, devices, media, and protocols supportive of remote data communications, including, but not limited to, cable networks, subscriber television networks, satellite networks, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, wireless networks (e.g., mobile telephone networks), optical fiber networks, data transmission media, communications devices, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”), Internet Protocol (“IP”), File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”), telnet, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”), socket connections, Ethernet, and other suitable communications networks and technologies.

The media content processing subsystem110may use any suitable technology or technologies to receive the media content instance from the media content provider111, including using a tuner to receive the media content instance, as described below. The media content processing subsystem110may be configured to process the media content stream provided by the media content provider111, including causing the media content instance, or one or more components (e.g., video and/or audio components) of the media content instance, to be presented for experiencing (e.g., viewing) by a user. The presentation of the media content instance may include, but is not limited to, displaying, playing back, or otherwise processing the media content instance, or one or more components of the media content instance, such that it may be experienced by the user. For example, the media content processing subsystem110may provide a signal to a display device112(e.g., a television, computer monitor, etc.) so that the display device112may present (e.g., display) the media content instance for experiencing by the user.

As shown inFIG. 1, and as will be described in more detail below, the media content processing subsystem110may be controlled by a user input device113(e.g., a remote control device) and/or a number of additional access devices114(e.g., a personal computer, wireless device, mobile phone, etc.).

While an exemplary media content access system100is shown inFIG. 1, the exemplary components illustrated inFIG. 1are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used, as is well known. Each of the components of system100will now be described in additional detail.

A. Media Content Provider

Media content provider111is configured to provide various types of media content via a satellite, cable system, subscriber television network, the Internet, optical fiber network, wireless network, or any other suitable network. The media content may include, but is not limited to audio-visual content (e.g., broadcast television programs, pay-per-view services, Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”), Digital Video Disc (“DVD”) related content, or video-on-demand programming), pre-recorded media content, data communication services such as Internet services, images, and audio programming.

An exemplary media content provider111includes a media content provider server121, as shown inFIG. 2. The media content provider server121may be configured to communicate with the media content processing subsystem110via one or more types of networks120(and communications links thereto). The network120shown inFIG. 2may include the Internet, an intranet or other private packet-switched network, a cable television network (e.g., hybrid fiber-coax network), a wireless broadcast network (e.g., a satellite media broadcasting network or terrestrial broadcasting network), a telephone network, a provider-specific network (e.g., a Verizon® FIOS® network and/or a TiVo® network), an optical fiber network, or any other suitable network. In some alternative examples, the processing subsystem110may be connected directly to the media content provider server121.

B. Display Device

As mentioned, the processing subsystem110may be coupled to a display device112configured to present media content to a user. For example, the display device112may display or play the media content. The display device112may include, but is not limited to, a television, computer monitor, mobile phone, handheld device, or any other device configured to present media content to a user.

C. Media Content Processing Subsystem

FIG. 3is a block diagram of an exemplary media content processing subsystem110(or simply “processing subsystem110”) according to an exemplary embodiment. The processing subsystem110may include any combination of hardware, software, and firmware configured to process an incoming media content stream. As used herein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specifically denoted, the terms “media content processing subsystem” and “processing subsystem” will be used to refer expansively to all possible receivers that receive and process digital and/or analog media content. Hence, an exemplary processing subsystem110may include, but is not limited to, a set-top box (“STB”), home communication terminal (“HCT”), digital home communication terminal (“DHCT”), stand-alone personal video recorder (“PVR”), DVD player, video-enabled phone, and personal computer.

In certain embodiments, the processing subsystem110may include any computer hardware and/or instructions (e.g., software programs), or combinations of software and hardware, configured to perform the processes described herein. In particular, it should be understood that processing subsystem110may be implemented on one physical computing device or may be implemented on more than one physical computing device. Accordingly, processing subsystem110may include any one of a number of well known computing devices, and may employ any of a number of well known computer operating systems, including, but by no means limited to, known versions and/or varieties of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, the UNIX operating system, Macintosh® operating system, and the Linux® operating system.

Accordingly, the processes described herein may be implemented at least in part as instructions executable by one or more computing devices. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions may be stored and transmitted using a variety of known computer-readable media.

A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”), which typically constitutes a main memory. Transmission media may include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves, and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (“RF”) and infrared (“IR”) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

While an exemplary processing subsystem110is shown inFIG. 3, the exemplary components illustrated inFIG. 3are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used. Various components of the processing subsystem110will now be described in additional detail.

1. Communication Interfaces

As shown inFIG. 3, the processing subsystem110may include a communication interface131configured to receive media content in any format from the media content provider111or from any other suitable media content source. The communication interface131may include any device, logic, and/or other technologies suitable for receiving signals and/or data representative of media content. In certain embodiments, the communication interface131may include a single port configured to receive media content from the media content provider111and/or from any other source (e.g., from another processing subsystem, another server, etc.) For example, the communication interface131may include or be connected to a broadband connection, which can enable the processing subsystem110to receive media content on a single port from multiple sources. In other embodiments, multiple ports may be used. The communication interface131may be configured to interface with any suitable communication media, protocols, and formats, including any of those mentioned above.

The processing subsystem110may also include a receiver132configured to receive input commands from a user input device113. The user input device113may include, for example, a remote control, keyboard, or any other suitable input device and may be configured to communicate with the receiver132via a wireless link, electrical connection, or any other suitable communication link.

An exemplary remote control user input device113is illustrated inFIG. 4. In some examples, the input device113may be configured to enable a user to control viewing options of the media content. For example, rewind144and fast-forward buttons145enable a user to access different scenes or frames within media content stored in a live cache buffer136. A record button146may also be included which enables the user to designate as permanently recorded any media content instance buffered in the live cache buffer136. A pause button147may enable the user to pause a media content instance. A program guide button148, as will be described in more detail below, may be configured to evoke the display of a program guide on the display device112. A left button149, right button150, up button151, down button152, and select button153may be included and configured to enable the user to evoke and/or navigate through various views and graphical user interfaces displayed by the display device112.

It will be recognized that the input device113shown inFIG. 4is merely illustrative of the many different types of user input devices that may be used in connection with the present systems and methods.

Returning toFIG. 3, a number of additional access devices114may also be configured to communicate with the processing subsystem110. These access devices114may include, but are not limited to, personal computers and mobile devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs, cellular phones, etc.). In some examples, as will be described in more detail below, the access devices114may be configured to access content stored and/or processed by the processing subsystem110. For example, media content that has been recorded by the processing subsystem110may be accessed and viewed on a personal computer. Moreover, the additional access devices114may be used to program or otherwise control the functions of the processing subsystem110.

The processing subsystem110may also include an output driver133configured to interface with or drive the display device112. The output driver133may include any combination of hardware, software, and firmware as may serve a particular application.

2. Storage Devices

Storage device134may include one or more data storage media, devices, or configurations and may employ any type, form, and combination of storage media. For example, the storage device134may include, but is not limited to, a hard drive, network drive, flash drive, magnetic disc, optical disc, or other non-volatile storage unit. As will be described in more detail below, various portions of media content may be temporarily and/or permanently stored in the storage device134.

The storage device134ofFIG. 3is shown to be a part of the processing subsystem110for illustrative purposes only. It will be understood that the storage device134may additionally or alternatively be located external to the processing subsystem110.

The processing subsystem may also include memory135. Memory135may include, but is not limited to, FLASH memory, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. In some examples, as will be described in more detail below, various applications (e.g., a program guide application) used by the processing subsystem110may reside in memory135.

As shown inFIG. 3, the storage device134may include one or more live cache buffers136. The live cache buffer136may additionally or alternatively reside in memory135or in a storage device external to the processing subsystem110. In some examples, media content data may be temporarily stored in the live cache buffer136to facilitate viewing of the media content in one or more trick play modes.

Tuner137is configured to tune to a particular television channel, stream, address, frequency or other carrier (i.e., content carrier) in order to process media content that is transmitted on that carrier. In some examples, the tuner137may include multiple tuners such that multiple carriers of media content may be processed and/or shown on a display device112. For example, the tuner137may include a first tuner configured to receive an analog video signal corresponding to a first media content instance and a second tuner configured to simultaneously receive a digital compressed stream corresponding to a second media content instance. It will be recognized that the tuner137may have any number of tuners configured to receive any kind of media content.

In some examples, media content received at the tuner137is temporarily buffered, or stored, in the live cache buffer136. If there are multiple tuners137, there may be a live cache buffer136corresponding to each of the tuners137. Once media content is temporarily stored in the live cache buffer136, the user may then designate whether the media content is to be permanently stored as a permanent recording in the storage device134or whether the media content is to be deleted. As used herein, the term “permanent recording” will be understood to mean media content that is stored for an extended period of time as decided by the user.

As shown inFIG. 3, the processing subsystem110may include one or more processors, such as processor138configured to control the operations of the processing subsystem110. The processing subsystem110may also include a signal processing unit139configured to process incoming media content. The signal processing unit139may be configured, for example, to demodulate and parse encoded digital media content. In some examples, the processing subsystem110may include one or more signal processing units139corresponding to each of the tuners137.

In some examples, if the incoming media content is in the form of IP data packets (e.g., in IPTV configurations), the media content may be processed directly by the processor138and/or any other processor configured to process IP data packets.

The processing subsystem110may also include a graphics engine140configured to generate graphics that are to be displayed by the display device112. The graphics may include graphical user interfaces such as, but not limited to, one or more program guides, progress bars, and other graphics.

5. Application Clients

Returning toFIG. 3, one or more applications141-142residing within the processing subsystem110may be executed upon initiation by a user of the processing subsystem110. The applications141-142, or application clients, may reside in memory135or in any other area of the processing subsystem110and be executed by the processor138. The applications141-142shown inFIG. 3are merely illustrative of the many different applications that may reside within the processing subsystem110.

As shown inFIG. 3, one of the applications may include a personal video recording (PVR) application141. A PVR application is also referred to as a digital video recording (DVR) application. As used herein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specifically denoted, the term “PVR application” will be used to refer to any application or device configured to record media content and/or provide for the viewing of media content in trick play mode. As previously mentioned, trick play modes include, but are not limited to, slow motion, fast motion, reverse play, fast forward play, instant replay, jumping, pausing of live broadcast, and scanning. The PVR application141may also provide for media content recording functionality by enabling the temporary and/or permanent recording of media content to the storage device134.

In some examples, the PVR application141may be integrated into the processing subsystem110, as shown inFIG. 3, or it may be a stand-alone unit. A stand-alone PVR may be coupled to the processing subsystem110or it may be used in place of the processing subsystem110. In the examples contained herein, it will be assumed that the PVR application141is integrated into the processing subsystem110for illustrative purposes only.

The processing subsystem110may additionally or alternatively include a program guide application142configured to generate a program guide that is displayed on the display device112. An exemplary program guide, as will be described in more detail below, includes a GUI that performs various functions including allowing a user to select and/or view information and options associated with various media content instances.

To facilitate an understanding of the program guide application142,FIGS. 5-12illustrate various embodiments of views caused to be displayed on the display device112by the processing subsystem110. An exemplary media content scene is shown inFIG. 5.FIG. 5illustrates a viewing area or screen155of an exemplary display device112with a particular scene or frame of a media content instance displayed thereon. In some examples, the user may be interested in viewing a program guide GUI in order to access a different media content instance and/or view information related to one or more media content instances.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary program guide GUI160(or simply program guide160) that may be displayed by the display device112. The program guide160may be evoked using a number of different methods. For example, the user may press a dedicated button on a user input device (e.g., the program guide button148on the remote control user input device113). Additionally or alternatively, the user may evoke the program guide160by pressing one of the arrow keys149-152.

The program guide160ofFIG. 6occupies the entire viewing screen155of the display device112. However, as will be described in more detail below, the program guide160may alternatively occupy only a portion of the viewing screen155.

As shown inFIG. 6, the program guide160may be displayed in a grid-like style with a number of blocks of information corresponding to a number of media content instances being broadcast, streamed, or otherwise transmitted during a specified period of time. For example, the program guide160ofFIG. 6shows the titles of the media content instances being broadcast on a number of different channels during a 1.5 hour time period between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. The size of the time period shown in the program guide160may vary as may serve a particular application and may be specified by the user. Moreover, it will be recognized that the term “channel” will be used herein to refer broadly to any analog, digital, or other type of channel and that in turn “channel” is an example of a content carrier as discussed above.

It will be assumed that the media content instances are broadcast in the examples given herein for illustrative purposes only. However, it will be recognized that the media content instances may additionally or alternatively be streamed or otherwise transmitted to the processing subsystem110.

The program guide160ofFIG. 6shows the titles corresponding to media content instances being broadcast on nine channels for illustrative purposes only. It will be recognized that the number of channels for which information is displayed in the program guide160may vary as may serve a particular application. Moreover, the type of information displayed for each media content instance may vary as may serve a particular application.

In some examples, the user may use the left and right buttons149and150to scroll backwards and forwards in time to view information corresponding to media content instances broadcast at different times than those currently shown in the program guide160ofFIG. 6. For example, with reference to the program guide160shown inFIG. 6, the user may scroll forward in time to view information corresponding to media content instances to be broadcast after 4:30 PM.

The user may also use the up and down buttons151and152to view information corresponding to channels not being currently displayed in the program guide160. For example, with reference to the program guide160shown inFIG. 6, the user may scroll down one channel to view information corresponding to channel302through channel10.

In some embodiments, the program guide160includes a magnified area161in which enhanced information corresponding to media content instances that are broadcast on a particular channel is displayed. For example, the magnified area161ofFIG. 6displays enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances that are broadcast on channel 4 (WNBC). As used herein, the term “enhanced information” refers to information that is in addition to the information displayed for channels not located within the magnified area161. For example, the enhanced information may include, but is not limited to, a title, a subtitle, a program summary, an advertisement, a hyperlink, an image (e.g., a photograph, a logo, or an icon), a current time, a progress bar, a video feed, a picture-in-picture video feed, and/or any other type of information corresponding to one or more of the media content instances broadcast on the channel located within the magnified area161.

The magnified area161may additionally or alternatively include a time scale. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, a time scale showing the times in half-hour increments from 3:00 PM through 4:30 PM is shown within the magnified area161. The time scale labels change accordingly as the user scrolls backwards or forwards in time.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 6, the row within the program guide160that corresponds to the magnified area161may be larger than the other rows within the program guide160. Additionally or alternatively, the magnified area161may be distinguished from the other blocks of information within the program guide160by having a different color, border, font, and/or other attribute than the other blocks of information within the program guide160.

As shown inFIG. 6, the magnified area161is substantially centered vertically within the program guide160. However, it will be recognized that the magnified area161may be located anywhere within the program guide160as may serve a particular application.

As will be described in more detail below, the magnified area161is shown as remaining stationary, even when a user scrolls up or down through the available channels. Hence, when a user scrolls through the available channels, the row corresponding to the channel directly above or below the currently magnified channel moves into the magnified area161and enhanced information corresponding to the newly magnified channel is displayed therein. However, it will be recognized that the magnified area161may alternatively be configured to move as the user scrolls through the available channels.

By including the enhanced information corresponding to a selected channel within the magnified area161, all of the enhanced information pertaining to a selected channel may be easily accessed or viewed by a user. Because the magnified area161is stationary, the user may focus his or her attention on only one portion of the viewing screen155and as he or she scrolls through the various channels in order to view desired information.

To illustrate various features of the magnified area161, the particular magnified area161shown inFIG. 6will now be described in more detail. It will be recognized that the magnified area161shown inFIG. 6may include additional or alternative enhanced information as may serve a particular application.

As shown inFIG. 6, the row of the program guide160corresponding to channel 4 (WNBC) is currently within the magnified area161. A media content instance entitled “The Shield: Kavanaugh” is currently selected, as indicated by the border that surrounds the program description thereof.

As can be seen in the exemplary magnified area161, the selected media content instance started being broadcast at 3:05 PM and will stop being broadcast at 3:30 PM. In some examples, a user may cause the processing subsystem110to record the selected media content instance by pressing the record button146on the remote control input device113. However, it will be recognized that any other method of evoking a recording function of the processing subsystem110may additionally or alternatively be used. In some examples, a recording icon162may be displayed within a block of the program guide160corresponding to a media content instance marked for recording.

Additionally or alternatively, a progress bar, e.g., progress bar163, may be displayed within the magnified area161to graphically illustrate the amount of the selected media content instance that has been recorded by the processing subsystem110. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the progress bar163includes a shaded portion that indicates that the processing subsystem110has recorded a portion of “The Shield: Kavanaugh.” It will be recognized that the progress bar163ofFIG. 6is illustrative of the many different types of progress bars that may be used to illustrate an amount of a selected media content instance that has been recorded.

One or more logos and/or icons may additionally or alternatively be displayed within the magnified area161. For example, a trademarked logo of a particular channel, such as the NBC® logo164, may be displayed within the magnified area161. One or more icons, such as icons165, may also be displayed within the magnified area161. In some examples, a user may select one or more of the logos164or icons165in order to access additional information and/or options. For example, a user may select the NBC® logo164in order to access a webpage and/or other information corresponding to NBC® programming. The user may additionally or alternatively select one of the icons165to mark the selected media content instance, add the selected the media content instance to a favorites list, transmit a snippet or clip of the selected media content instance to another user, and/or record the selected media content instance.

In some examples, the user may select a program guide options link166to configure one or more options of the program guide160. Exemplary options that may be configured by the user may include, but are not limited to, viewing options, time scale options, video feed options, color and formatting options, etc. For example, the user may select the options link166to filter the types of media content instances that are displayed within the program guide160. For example, the user may select an option to display information for movies, high definition media content instances, favorites, kid's programming, etc.

As mentioned, the user may use the navigation buttons149-152to navigate through information corresponding to different media content instances. For example,FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary view of the program guide160ofFIG. 6wherein the user has selected a media content instance entitled “California Dreaming” by pressing the right arrow button150once. As shown inFIG. 7, the program description has changed from that shown inFIG. 6to include a description of the newly selected media content instance. It will be recognized that a user may access enhanced information corresponding to any media content instance having any length in time. Hence, the user may access enhanced information corresponding to the media content instance entitled “California Dreaming” even though the media content instance is only approximately ten minutes long.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary view of the program guide160wherein the user has scrolled the program guide160up one row by pressing the up arrow button151. In some alternative embodiments, the down arrow button152may be configured to scroll the program guide160up. As shown inFIG. 8, the magnified area161remains stationary in the middle of the screen155while the row corresponding to channel 5 (UPN) scrolls up and into the magnified area161. In this manner, enhanced information corresponding to one or more media content instances broadcast on channel 5 (UPN) may be displayed within the magnified area161. As shown inFIG. 8, one or more of the logos164and/or icons165may change accordingly.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9, a video feed of the media content instance that is currently being broadcast on the channel that is within the magnified area161may be displayed within the magnified area161. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, a video feed190of the media content instance entitled “The Shield: Kavanaugh” may be displayed within the magnified area161while the user navigates within the program guide160. In this manner, the user may access information within the program guide160while at the same time viewing a video feed190of the media content instance that is currently being broadcast on the channel within the magnified area161. In some examples, the displayed media content instance190appears within the magnified area161after a predetermined time interval. However, it will be recognized that the particular display options associated with the video feed190may be specified by the user or by the media content provider. It will also be recognized that an audio feed and/or any other type of media content feed may additionally or alternatively be included within the magnified area161.

In some examples, the user may enter a particular channel number using the buttons on the remote control input device113while the program guide160is displayed on the viewing screen155. The content within the magnified area161may then change to display enhanced information corresponding to the newly entered channel. The remaining rows within the program guide160may also be updated to adjust to the newly selected channel.

In some embodiments, the program guide160may only partially occupy the viewing screen155. For example,FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary program guide160configured to only partially occupy the viewing screen155. As shown inFIG. 10, the program guide160may be configured to occupy a right-hand portion of the viewing screen155while an ongoing content feed200of a particular media content instance is being displayed in the left-hand portion of the viewing screen155. The ongoing content feed200will be referred to herein as a primary feed for explanatory purposes. In this manner, a user may browse through the program guide160while at the same time viewing the primary feed200. It will be recognized that the program guide160ofFIG. 10occupies the right-hand portion of the viewing screen for illustrative purposes only and that the program guide160may alternatively occupy any portion of the viewing screen155as may serve a particular application. It will also be recognized that the primary feed200may additionally or alternatively include an audio feed or any other type of media content instance feed.

As shown inFIG. 10, the magnified area161of the program guide160is substantially centered vertically within the viewing screen155. However, it will be recognized that the magnified area161may be located anywhere within the program guide160.

The time period shown in the program guide160ofFIG. 10is a half hour for illustrative purposes only. It will be recognized that the length of the time period may be specified by the user or by the media content provider as desired.

In some examples wherein the processing subsystem110is capable of processing and simultaneously displaying multiple content feeds on the viewing screen155(e.g., in a multi-tuner processing subsystem110and/or in a processing subsystem110configured to process IP video streams), one or more video feeds may be displayed within the program guide160at the same time that the primary media content instance200is being displayed. It will also be recognized that the one or more content feeds may additionally or alternatively include one or more video feeds, audio feeds and/or any other type of media content instance feed.

For example,FIG. 11illustrates an exemplary program guide160with a secondary content feed210being displayed within the magnified area161at the same time that the primary feed200is being displayed in the left-hand portion of the viewing screen155. Both primary feed200and secondary content feed210include a video feed in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the content feed210displayed within the magnified area161corresponds to a media content instance being currently broadcast on the channel that is within the magnified area161.

In some examples, the content feed210may be configured to appear within the magnified area161a pre-determined amount of time after a row within the program guide160enters the magnified area161. The pre-determined amount of time may be specified by the user. For example, if a user causes a row corresponding to a particular channel to enter the magnified area161, a plot synopsis may first appear within the magnified area161, as shown previously inFIG. 10. After a pre-determined amount of time (e.g., 3-5 seconds), the content feed210of the selected media content instance may replace the plot synopsis within the magnified area161, as shown inFIG. 11.

In some embodiments, information and/or one or more advertisements may be displayed in a portion of the viewing screen155not occupied by the program guide160. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, an advertisement220for SportsCenter® on ESPN® may be displayed above the displayed primary media content instance200. Information corresponding to the displayed primary media content instance200, such as the title and/or other information221shown inFIG. 12, may additionally or alternatively be displayed.

In some example, if a user presses the select button153while within the program guide160, the processing subsystem110tunes the primary feed200to the media content instance located within the magnified area161. However, if the user presses the select button153to select a media content instance that is not currently being broadcast, a detailed information page corresponding to the selected media content instance may be displayed on the viewing screen155.

III. Exemplary Process View

FIG. 13illustrates an exemplary method of accessing enhanced information corresponding to a desired media content instance, according to an embodiment. WhileFIG. 13illustrates exemplary steps according to one embodiment, other embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the steps shown inFIG. 13.

In step230, a program guide GUI160is generated. The program guide GUI160may be generated using any suitable application within the processing subsystem110as described previously.

A magnified area161may then be provided within the program guide GUI160, as shown in step231. In some examples, the magnified area161is stationary and centered vertically within the program guide160.

In step232, a user may then navigate through the blocks of information within the program guide GUI160until the desired media content instance is located within magnified area161. Once the desired media content instance is located within the magnified area161, the enhanced information corresponding to the desired media content instance may be displayed within the magnified area161.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments of the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. The invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.