Patent Publication Number: US-10779045-B2

Title: Multi-option sourcing of content and interactive television

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional patent of earlier filed U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/832,667 entitled “MULTI-OPTION SOURCING OF CONTENT AND INTERACTIVE TELEVISION,” filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In accordance with conventional television technology, cable network subscribers can tune to any of multiple broadcast and/or video on demand channels to select from multiple different television programs available on a shared communication link. For example, via input to a conventional set-top box, any of one or more subscribers can select and tune to the CNN™ (Cable News Network™) channel to view a news program; the one or more subscribers can select and tune to the ESPN™ (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) channel to view sports events; and so on. Thus, via selection of a respective television channel, a subscriber is able to select and playback many different types of scheduled or video on demand type of content. 
     In certain instances, a content sponsor assigned to a respective cable network channel may wish to make additional content available to a subscriber. The content may be interactive or custom in nature and/or may not lend itself to be transmitted in a standard broadcast in a video on demand or scheduled time slot. For example, in addition to making content available on a standard television channel, the content sponsor such as CNN™ may establish one or more different websites from which additional content (e.g., statistics, stock reports, business information, etc.) is available for viewing in an interactive manner by a subscriber. 
     In most situations, a user plays back broadcasted or video on demand content from a content sponsor on a display screen such as a television set (e.g., a large screen television). To view custom web content available from a respective content provider, the user typically must log on to a device other than the television set such as a respective computer, open a browser on the computer, and input the appropriate network address to the browser to retrieve the additional content. In this manner, via a computer device located at a disparate location with respect to the user&#39;s television, a subscriber can retrieve so-called over-the-top content to view additional content available from, for example, a CNN™ website. 
     Conventional technology includes so-called widgets (i.e., applications) that enable display of retrieved content on a display screen. For example, a subscriber can initiate execution of a weather widget via a respective set-top box. The weather widget retrieves information such as current weather conditions. The subscriber can activate a widget by viewing a listing of available widgets and then selecting a particular widget amongst the list for execution. When executed, the widget enables a respective subscriber to retrieve data such as display information and initiate display of the display information on a display screen. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Conventional techniques of accessing content from different sources suffer from deficiencies. For example, it is often inconvenient for a user watching a television program on a respective television screen to switch over to use of a home computer in another room to view further information about the television program or selected channel from a corresponding content sponsor. 
     Embodiments herein are useful over conventional techniques. For example, embodiments herein enable a user such as a cable network subscriber to more easily retrieve and playback supplemental content associated with a content sponsor, television program, television channel, etc. In certain instances, embodiments herein enable a user to have a more interactive experience with respect to viewing content available from multiple sources. 
     More specifically, one embodiment herein includes receiving a request to display a content guide of available content. In response to receiving the request, a processing resource initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. In the displayed content guide, the processing resource initiates display of multiple selectable content viewing options. In one embodiment, a first selectable channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options corresponds to a television channel from which to view content originating from a content sponsor. A second channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options corresponds to an auxiliary channel (with respect to the television channel) providing the subscriber to access available over-the-top content or other supplemental content associated with the content available on the television channel originating from the content sponsor. Accordingly, via display of a content guide displaying a novel channel lineup, a viewer can be easily notified of the availability of original content and corresponding related content available from different sources (e.g., a television channel and an auxiliary channel supporting retrieval of over-the-top content). 
     By further way of a non-limiting example, the channel lineup (i.e., channels of available content to a subscriber) can include a first content viewing option specifying a standard television from which to view scheduled or video on demand television programs. The second content viewing option (potentially displayed adjacent to the first content viewing option) in the channel lineup enables a respective subscriber to retrieve supplemental content such as over-the-top content associated with the television program and/or television channel. Via selection of the different content viewing options on a display screen, a viewer is able to more easily select retrieval of main content and supplemental content from multiple different sources. 
     Further embodiments herein can include receiving a command to view supplemental content associated with a television program while the television program is currently rendered on a display screen. In one non-limiting example embodiment, subsequent to and in response to receiving the command, a processing resource maps an identity of the television program to a corresponding network address from which the supplemental content such as web content associated with the television program is retrievable. The processing resource retrieves the supplemental content from a server resource as specified by the corresponding network address and initiates display of the supplemental content on the display screen. Accordingly, a user can initially select and view content in a scheduled time of a television channel. The user can view additional content (e.g., custom or generic over-the-top content) associated with the selected television program via input of an appropriate display command. 
     Note that display of related content is not limited to content associated with a respective television program. For example, embodiments herein can further include rendering content received over a cable network channel on a display screen. The cable network channel can be assigned to distribute content originating from a particular content sponsor assigned to the cable network channel. As an example, a business entity such as CNN™ may provide the content to be broadcasted on a corresponding assigned cable network channel. 
     Assume in one example embodiment that a user currently viewing content on the CNN™ cable network channel initiates a request to view web content associated with the CNN™ cable network channel. In one embodiment, in response to receiving the request to access supplemental content associated with the cable network channel: a respective processing resource receiving the request maps an identity of the cable network channel currently displayed on the display screen to a network address of a server resource from which the supplemental content associated with the selected cable network channel is retrievable. The processing resource retrieves the supplemental content from the server resource as specified by the network address and initiates display of the supplemental content (such as web content) on the display screen. Accordingly, embodiments herein enable a user to easily initiate display of supplemental over-the-top content associated with a currently viewed television channel. 
     These and more detailed embodiments are discussed below. 
     Any of the resources as discussed herein can include one or more computerized devices, servers, base stations, wireless communication equipment, communication management systems, workstations, handheld or laptop computers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processors can be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein to carry out different embodiments of the invention. 
     Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform the steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. One such embodiment comprises a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computer readable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions are encoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in a computerized device having a processor, program and/or cause the processor to perform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code, instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as an optical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick, one or more memory chips, etc., or other non-transitory media such as firmware or shortcode in one or more ROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations can be installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform the techniques explained herein. 
     Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system, computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussed herein. 
     One embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by at least one processor of a respective computer device, cause the processor or multiple processors of the system to: receive a request to display a content guide of available content; in response to receiving the request, initiate display of the content guide on a display screen; and in the displayed content guide, initiating display of multiple selectable content viewing options, a first selectable channel viewing option corresponding to a television channel from which to view content originating from (i.e., provided by) a content sponsor, a second channel viewing option corresponding to an auxiliary channel with respect to the television channel from which to access available over-the-top content associated with the content originating from the content sponsor. 
     Another embodiment as discussed herein includes a computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by at least one processor of a respective computer device, cause the processor or multiple processors of the system to: while rendering a television program on a display screen, receive a command to view supplemental content associated with the rendered television program; subsequent to and in response to receiving the command, map an identity of the television program to a network address from which the supplemental content associated with the television program is retrievable; retrieve the supplemental content from a server resource as specified by the network address; and initiate display of the supplemental content on the display screen. 
     Another embodiment as discussed herein includes a computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by at least one processor of a respective computer device, cause the processor or multiple processors of the system to: render content received over a cable network channel on a display screen, the cable network channel allocated to distribute content originating from a content sponsor assigned to the cable network channel; in response to receiving a request to access supplemental content associated with the cable network channel: map an identity of the cable network channel currently displayed on the display screen to a network address of a server resource from which the supplemental content associated with the cable network channel is retrievable; retrieve the supplemental content from a server resource as specified by the network address; and initiate display of the supplemental content on the display screen. 
     The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Note that any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed in any suitable order. 
     Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programs and/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. 
     It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructions on computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also can be embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid of software, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as within a processor, or within an operating system or a within a software application. 
     As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in distributing main content as well as corresponding supplemental content in a cable network environments. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well. 
     Additionally, note that although each of the different features, techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in different places of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each of the concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other or in combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more present inventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in many different ways. 
     Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein purposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presents general embodiments and corresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. For additional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description section and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussed below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc. 
         FIG. 1  is an example diagram illustrating a technique facilitating distribution of content from different sources according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 2  is an example diagram illustrating display of a content guide according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 3  is an example diagram illustrating bandwidth allocation of different types of channels in a shared communication link according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 4  is an example diagram illustrating playback of a selected channel of content according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 5  is an example diagram illustrating a map according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 6  is an example diagram illustrating display of related web content in response to receiving a request to display the related web content for the currently selected channel according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 7  is a more specific example diagram illustrating display of retrieved over-the-top content associated with a corresponding television channel according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 8  is an example diagram illustrating a content guide indicating available content and corresponding advanced interactive features for each multiple different programs according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 9  is an example diagram enabling viewer participation in a television program according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 10  is an example diagram illustrating social participation in a television program according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 11  is an example diagram illustrating a computer architecture executing one or more embodiments as discussed herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing notification of supplemental content associated with one or more television channels in a content guide according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing notification of the availability of supplemental content according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing notification of the availability of supplemental content according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 15  is an example diagram illustrating of a content guide according to embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 16  is an example diagram illustrating an example method of providing notification of the availability of content from different types of content sources according to embodiments herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Now, more specifically,  FIG. 1  is an example diagram illustrating a network environment according to embodiments herein. 
     As shown, network environment  100  includes multiple networks including a packet-switched network  190 - 1 , a cable network  190 - 2 , shared network  190 - 3 , etc. Via the different types of networks  190 , respective subscribers are able to retrieve and playback different types of content such as over-the-top content, scheduled broadcast television programs, on-demand content, etc. 
     As its name suggests, packet-switched network  190 - 1  enables routing of data packets based on network address information. By way of a non-limiting example, packet-switched network  190 - 1  can support client server type communications. For example, a client can generate a request for content from a particular server resource using an appropriate network address of the server resource. The server resource transmits the requested content over packet-switched network  190 - 1  to the respective client in a subscriber domain using the network address of the client. 
     Cable network  190 - 2  supports services such as distribution of content via one or more cable television channels (e.g., QAM or quadrature amplitude modulated channels, IPTV channels, etc.) to subscribers in network environment  100 . 
     Shared network  190 - 3  supports final leg connectivity to subscribers or subscriber domains  150  and includes physical media such as one or more coaxial cables, optical fibers, twisted wire pairs, etc. 
     Via distribution resources  125  (e.g., equipment such as cable modem termination systems, headend equipment, hubs, optical nodes, etc.), shared communication link  191  facilitates distribution of different types of content over shared communication link  191  to a respective service group of multiple subscriber domains  150 . By way of a non-limiting example, a portion of bandwidth of shared communication link  191  can be allocated to broadcast content such as one or more television channels to subscribers in respective subscriber domains  150 . Subscribers can selectively tune to the broadcasted television channels to view respective content. 
     The bandwidth associated with shared communication link  191  can also support distribution of additional content such as video on demand content. To retrieve such content, a subscriber generates a request for desired content. The distribution resource  125  allocates a new channel in the shared communication link  191  and transmits the requested content over the new channel. The requesting subscriber tunes to the newly established channel to retrieve the requested on-demand content. 
     As mentioned, content can be transmitted to the different subscribers in any suitable manner such as via QAM channels, IPTV channel, etc. 
     As mentioned, shared communication link  191  can be configured to support distribution of so-called over-the-top content. For example, a portion of bandwidth in shared communication link  191  can support data channels in accordance with DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) or any other suitable communication standard. Via the data channels, each of the subscribers can retrieve over-the-top content from respective server sources disposed in packet-switched network  190 - 1  such as the Internet. 
     An additional portion of the bandwidth of shared communication link  191  can be allocated to support miscellaneous services such as phone services. Thus, shared communication link  191  can support various services such as Internet access services, cable television services, phone services, etc. 
     In this example, subscriber domain  150 - 1  includes a content manager  140 - 1  such as a set-top box device, computer, etc. Content manager  140 - 1  can be any suitable type of playback device. Subscriber domain  150 - 1  can be configured to include network  174 - 1  such as a local area network, WiFi™ network, routers, etc., facilitating distribution of data and communications to and from subscriber domain  150 - 1 . Interface  112 - 1  connects the respective subscriber domain  150 - 1  to shared network  190 - 3 . Accordingly, the subscriber domain  150 - 1  is able to transmit and receive data. 
     User  108 - 1  resides in subscriber domain  150 - 1  and controls content manager  140 - 1  via input of commands from any of one or more controller devices  170  (e.g., controller device  170 - 1  such as a wireless set-top box remote controller, controller device  170 - 2  as a keyboard, etc.). The subscriber  108 - 1  can provide input commands to content manager  140 - 1  in accordance with any suitable technique. 
     As specified by the inputted commands, the content manager  140 - 1  controls playback of content received on any of one or more channels of the shared communication link  191 . 
     Assume in this example that the subscriber  108 - 1  inputs a respective command to view content guide  250 - 1  on display screen  130 - 1 . In response to the command, the content manager  140 - 1  initiates retrieval of display data associated with the content guide and displays content guide  250 - 1  on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     A non-limiting example of content guide  250 - 1  is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this example embodiment, the content guide  250 - 1  displayed on display screen  130 - 1  includes a channel lineup of multiple selectable content viewing options. 
     Certain viewing options in the displayed content guide  250 - 1  correspond to available television channels that can be selected by the subscriber  108 - 1  for viewing. For example, assume that the current time is 7:01 pm. Via selection window  260 , the subscriber can select channel  555  to view a drama show on television channel  555  (e.g., CBS™); the user can select channel  556  to view NEWS on television channel  556  (e.g., CNN™); the user can select channel  557  to view NFL GAME on television channel  557  (e.g., ESPN™); etc. 
     By way of a non-limiting example, the selection window  260  can be navigated up, down, left, right, etc., via respective arrow buttons on the control device  170 - 1 . After highlighting a respective entry in content guide  250 - 1 , the subscriber can press an OK button or selection button on the controller device  170 - 1  to confirm a selection. 
     Accordingly, embodiments herein can include: initiating display of a first channel viewing option or notification specifying playable content such as NEWS in scheduled timeslot 7:00-7:30 pm. of channel  556  as well as initiating display of a second channel viewing option (e.g., channel  556  WEB) specifying availability of the over-the-top content  114  via an auxiliary channel (e.g.,  556  WEB) with respect to standard channel  556 . 
     To select a respective channel in content guide  250 - 1 , the respective subscriber  108 - 1  can navigate selection window  260  about displayed content guide  250 - 1 . Subsequent to receiving selection of a respective channel in content guide  250 - 1 , the content manager  140 - 1  tunes to the appropriate selected channel  122  (such as channel  556  in this instance) and plays back corresponding broadcasted content received on channel  556 . Thus, via selection form content guide  250 - 1 , the subscriber is able to select amongst multiple channels for viewing. 
     In this example embodiment, note that certain content sponsors (i.e., content providers) such as content sponsor CNN, content sponsor ESPN, etc., may produce additional content that is available over the Internet. Content guide  250 - 1  includes content viewing option  556  WEB enabling a respective user to view additional content associated with the CNN channel; content guide  250 - 1  includes content viewing option  557  WEB enabling a respective user to view additional content associated with the ESPN channel; and so on. 
     As a more specific example, each content sponsor may have a respective home page. Via selection of channel  556  WEB via selection window  260 , the subscriber  108 - 1  can view a home page or any other suitable content associated with content sponsor CNN. Via selection of channel  557  WEB via selection window, the subscriber  108 - 1  can view a home page or any other suitable content associated with content sponsor ESPN. 
     The juxtaposition of displaying a respective television channel viewing option and a web channel viewing option adjacent or near each other in a content guide  250 - 1  is useful. For example, a subscriber may be interested in viewing content from a particular content sponsor such as CNN. Via the content guide  250 - 1 , and display of multiple selectable viewing options (e.g., a standard television channel viewing option and related web content channel viewing option), the subscriber can easily, selectably, and efficiently view content from different sources for each of the content sponsors. Thus, in contrast to conventional techniques, a user can view content guide  250 - 1  and identify more options from the same content sponsor in a channel lineup. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , display screen  130 - 1  initiates display of the content guide  250 - 1 . Subscriber domain  150 - 1  receives one or more television channels of available content over termination branch  191 - 1  of shared communication link  191 . By way of a non-limiting example, branch  191 - 1  is a final portion of a communication link connecting subscriber domain  150 - 1  to shared communication link  191 . 
     Assume in this example that content sponsor  105 - 1  represents content sponsor CNN™ and that content  113 - 2  represents the NEWS program available in time slot 7:00-7:30 pm of channel  556 . By way of a non-limiting example, the content sponsor  105  provides content  113 - 2  to the cable network service provider. The cable network service provider makes the content  113 - 2  available to subscribers. 
     As previously discussed, when the subscriber  108 - 1  (i.e., user) selects channel  556  for viewing, the content manager  140 - 1  tunes to channel  556 , decodes the corresponding content stream, and plays back a rendition of the respective content on display screen  130 - 1  for viewing by the respective subscriber  108 - 1 . Again, channel  556  can be any suitable type of channel such as a QAM channel, IPTV channel, video on demand channel, etc. 
     Further, as previously discussed, in certain instances, the subscriber  108 - 1  may wish to view alternative content  114  (i.e., supplemental content) such as over-the-top content, web content, etc., provided by or made available by the content sponsor  105  (e.g., CNN) or any other suitable resource. In such an instance, in response to receiving selection of channel  556  WEB, the content manager  140 - 1  initiates communications over a respective data channel such as data channel  123 - 1  (e.g., an IP channel, Internet channel, etc.) in shared communication link  191 . 
     By way of a non-limiting example, to retrieve content  114  such as home page associated with the content sponsor CNN™, the content manager  140 - 1  produces a request message including a network address of the server resource  110 - 2  from which the content  114  associated with content sponsor  105 - 1  is retrievable. The content manager  140 - 1  communicates the request message (e.g., one or more IP data packets) through the data channel to server resource  110 - 2 . The content manager  140 - 1  decodes and renders the content  114  (e.g., streaming video, home page, etc.) received from server resource  110 - 2  on display screen  130 - 1  for viewing by the respective subscriber  130 - 1 . 
     Accordingly, network environment  100  and corresponding infrastructure enables a respective content sponsor to distribute content to a respective subscriber from a number of different sources in network environment  100 . Additional details are discussed below. 
       FIG. 3  is an example diagram illustrating bandwidth allocation according to embodiments herein. 
     As previously discussed, the bandwidth of the shared communication link  191  can be allocated to include one or more channels (e.g., scheduled television channels, video on demand channels, etc.). In this example embodiment, bandwidth of shared communication link  191  can include channels . . . ,  556 ,  557 ,  558 ,  559 , . . . . 
     Assume that channel  556  includes content  113 - 2  from content sponsor CNN; channel  557  includes content from content sponsor ESPN; and so on. 
     Shared communication link  191  can also include one or more data channels  123 - 1 ,  123 - 2 ,  123 - 3 ,  123 - 4 , etc., to carry over-the-top such as IP (Internet Protocol) data traffic. Subscribers in network environment  100  are coupled to shared communication link  191  can share use of the data channels to retrieve web content. 
     In this example embodiment, the content manager  140 - 1  includes a tuner resource  320 - 1 . In a manner as previously discussed, the user can select a standard television channel from which to view a broadcast of streaming video content. In response to receiving selection of channel  556 , the content manager  140 - 1  sets tuner resource  320 - 2  to tune to channel  556 . Display manager  350 - 1  decodes the received data on channel  556  and renders playback of the corresponding content  113 - 2  on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Via selection window  260 , the subscriber  108 - 1  may also select  556  WEB. In accordance with one embodiment, responsive to receiving selection of this channel viewing option (i.e., channel  556  WEB), the content manager  140 - 1  retrieves an appropriate network address specifying the server resource  110 - 2  from which the content  114  (such as a home page or other type of content associated with sponsor CNN) can be retrieved. 
     The network application  340 - 1  (such as a web browser or other suitable type of resource) utilizes the network address of content sponsor CNN to communicate with the server resource  110 - 2  over an auxiliary channel (e.g., channel  556  WEB or channel  123 - 1 ) with respect to main channel  556 . 
     Note that in one embodiment, the network application  340 - 1  such as a browser can be opened or executed well before receiving a request to access corresponding web content. 
     The network application  340 - 1  transmits the content request message over the auxiliary channel to retrieve display information such as content  114  generated by the content sponsor  105  or other suitable resource. The network application  340 - 1  receives the display information over the auxiliary channel from the server resource  110 - 2 . The display manager  350 - 1  decodes and renders the display information (e.g., content  114 ) on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     In a similar manner, each of the subscribers in respective subscriber domains  150  of network environment  100  can retrieve and playback content from multiple different sources for a particular content provider (e.g., content sponsor). 
     As previously mentioned, network application  340 - 1  can be a browser application supporting retrieval of over-the-top content. The network application  340 - 1  can retrieve and transmit content (e.g., documents, web pages, video data, audio data, images, etc.) in accordance with a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) HTTP or any other suitable communication protocol. As will be further discussed below, additional displayed viewing options such as hyperlinks present in the information displayed on display screen  130 - 1  enable the subscriber to navigate to other websites, retrieve different types of content, etc. 
     Accordingly, a respective subscriber can select a standard television channel to view standard broadcast content associated with a content sponsor. The subscriber can select an auxiliary channel to access supplemental content made available by a respective content sponsor. 
       FIG. 4  is an example diagram illustrating transition of displaying content received on a television channel to an auxiliary channel according to embodiments herein. 
     In a manner as previously discussed, assume that the subscriber initially produces control input  405  indicating to tune to channel  556  and render corresponding content  113 - 2  provided by content sponsor  105  on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Assume that during playback of respective content  113 - 2  received on channel  556 , the subscriber  108 - 1  would like to switchover to viewing and/or accessing supplemental content such as web content  114  associated with channel  556 . Assume in this example that the subscriber  108 - 1  provides control input  405  such as by pressing an appropriate button  425  on controller device  170 - 1 . 
     While rendering content  113 - 2  from channel  556 , assume that the subscriber  108 - 1  presses button  425 . In response to receiving the control input  405  as a result of the button  425  being pressed, the content manager  140 - 1  utilizes map  465  to map the currently viewed channel (i.e., channel  556  associated with content sponsor CNN) to a corresponding network address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to retrieve the corresponding supplemental content  114  for playback on display screen  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is an example diagram illustrating a map  465  according to embodiments herein. In one embodiment, the content manager  140 - 1  keeps track of the currently selected channel (i.e., channel  556  in this instance). Via map  465 , the network application  340 - 1  determines that supplemental web content (such as content  114 ) associated with channel  556  and/or content sponsor CNN can be retrieved from a URL such as CNN.COM (or corresponding unique IP network address #1). 
     The network application  340 - 1  uses the identified network address and/or URL (e.g., network application #1) to obtain the supplemental content  114  from server resource  110 - 2 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 6 , in response to receiving the command (such as depressing of button  425 ) to retrieve and display content  114  associated with channel  556  WEB, the display manager  350 - 1  switches into a mode of displaying a rendition of retrieved supplemental content  114  (as retrieved over auxiliary channel  556  WEB by network application  340 - 1 ) in display region  620  on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Note that  FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a picture-in-picture mode in which the display manager  350 - 1  displays a rendition of the supplemental content  114  received from channel  556  WEB in a portion of the display screen as an overlay on top of a rendition of content  113 - 2  from channel  556  as a background on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     As an alternative to displaying a picture-in-picture mode as in  FIG. 6 , the display manager  350 - 1  can be configured to discontinue playing back content  113 - 2  and display a rendition of supplemental content  114  over the entire field of pixels in the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     By further way of a non-limiting example, whether in a picture-in-picture mode or an alternating display mode (in which either a rendition of content from channel  556  is displayed or content from channel  556  WEB is displayed), if supplemental content is associated with a respective viewed channel, note that the button  425  of controller device  170 - 1  can be used to toggle between playing back streaming content  113 - 2  received on channel  556  and playing back corresponding supplemental content associated with the channel. 
     More specifically, while displaying a rendition of content  113 - 2  on display screen  130 - 1  from channel  556 , selection of the button  425  causes the display manager  350 - 1  to switch over to (alternatively or additionally) displaying a rendition of supplemental content  114  (such as a home page or other suitable content) on display screen  130 - 1 . While displaying a rendition of content  114  on display screen  130 - 1  from an over-the-top channel such as auxiliary channel  556  WEB, selection of the button  425  can cause the display manager  350 - 1  to switch over to displaying a rendition of content  113 - 2  on display screen  130 - 1  again. 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, a user such as subscriber  108 - 1  can easily toggle between modes of playing back content from different sources for a particular content provider merely by repeatedly pressing the button  425 . 
     In yet further embodiments, the content  112 - 2  received on the main television channel (e.g., channel  556 ) can be recorded in a digital video recorder. As mentioned, the subscriber  108 - 1  can temporarily switchover to viewing the available supplemental web content received over the auxiliary channel (e.g., channel  556  WEB). In response to detecting that a user switches back to viewing the main television channel again after temporarily viewing the supplemental content, the display manager  340 - 1  can initiate playback of stored broadcast content so that the subscriber  108 - 1  is able to view an entirety of the content  112 - 2 , as opposed to skipping playback of parts of the content  112 - 2  due to times when the user happened to view content received of the auxiliary channel  556  WEB. 
     Thus, certain embodiments herein can include storing a program of currently viewed content  112 - 2  as received on channel  556 ; in response to detecting switchover to viewing content on channel  556  WEB, storing a pointer in a respective video stream of the stored content, the pointer specifying a playback time at which the user switches over to the auxiliary channel  556  WEB; and upon switchover back to viewing the main television channel or stored content  112 - 2 , playing back the stored content starting at the time as specified by the pointer. As mentioned, the subscriber is able to view a television program in its entirety even though the subscriber happens to at least temporarily switch over to viewing supplemental content associated with a currently viewed television program or channel. 
       FIG. 7  is an example diagram illustrating a rendering of over-the-top content associated with a television channel according to embodiments herein. 
     As previously discussed, the user can initiate display of content associated with channel  556  WEB on display screen  130 - 1 . In this example embodiment, assume that the content manager  140 - 1  receives a request to display content associated with channel  556  WEB. In such an instance, the display manager  340 - 1  initiates display of content  114  in display region  620  as shown. 
     The rendering of supplemental content (associated with a television program or content provider) in display region  620  can include displaying a menu of further selectable content viewing options  720  such as content viewing option  720 - 1 , content viewing option  720 - 2 , content viewing option  720 - 3 , and so on. Each of the content viewing options  720  can correspond to further retrievable supplemental over-the-top content accessible by the subscriber  108 - 1 . 
     By way of a non-limiting example, the rendition of content in display region  620  may be a web home page of the CNN content sponsor. The subscriber  108 - 1  can initiate selection of content viewing option  720 - 1  to retrieve further display information over the auxiliary channel  556  WEB (e.g., a data channel) for viewing in display region  620  on display screen  130 - 1 ; the subscriber  108 - 1  can initiate selection of content viewing option  720 - 2  to retrieve further display information over the auxiliary channel  556  WEB (e.g., a data channel) for viewing in display region  620  on display screen  130 - 1 ; and so on. 
     Accordingly, embodiments herein can include initiating display of a set of selectable content viewing options  720  on the display screen  130 - 1  in which each of the content viewing options  720  specifies different content available for selection and retrieval over the auxiliary channel; and in response to selection of a given content viewing option from the set of displayed content viewing options  720 , initiating a communication over the auxiliary channel to a respective server resource to retrieve content as specified by the given content viewing option. 
       FIG. 8  is an example diagram illustrating an example of another version of a content guide according to embodiments herein. 
     In this example embodiment as shown, the content guide  250 - 2  indicates availability of corresponding web content for each of multiple different television programs as opposed to merely that web content such as a respective home page or other supplemental content is available from a particular content sponsor. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , content guide  250 - 2  indicates that television program “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” supports interactive television. 
     In one embodiment, content guide  250 - 2  indicates that supplemental content is available from channel  567  WEB for television program “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” in timeslot between 7:00 and 8:00 pm; content guide  250 - 2  indicates that supplemental content is available from channel  556  WEB for television program “LIVE INTERVIEW WITH TED TURNER” in timeslot between 8:00 and 9:00 pm; content guide  250 - 2  indicates that supplemental content is available from channel  567  WEB for television program “AMERICAN IDOL” in timeslot between 9:00 and 10:00 pm; and so on. 
     A corresponding unique network address from which to retrieve web content for a television program can be assigned to each of the programs. For example, a first set of one or more unique network addresses from which to retrieve supplemental content associated with the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” can be assigned to the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” aired in channel  567  during timeslot 7:00 to 8:00 pm. 
     In a manner as previously discussed, a respective subscriber can tune to view a respective television program such as “GERALDO SHOW LIVE.” Note that the network application  340 - 1  can be executing well before a time of actually initiating an access of web content such as at or around a time of powering up the content manager  140 - 1  for use. Early execution of the network application  340 - 1  can reduce delays of retrieving corresponding supplemental content when so requested by a subscriber. 
     Note that display of notifications in the content guide is one way that a respective subscriber can be notified that supplemental content is available for a respective television program. However, in one embodiment, the subscriber  108 - 1  may not need to view the content guide  250 - 2  to learn that corresponding web content associated with a television program is available for retrieval. 
     For example, the network application  340 - 1  in content manager  140 - 1  can be configured to monitor a current viewed channel to which tuner resource  320 - 1  is tuned. The content manager  140 - 1  can be configured to check whether a particular selected channel being played back on display screen  130 - 1  has corresponding web content available for viewing. If so, the display manager  350 - 1  provides a notification to a subscriber by initiating display of a visual notification such as a symbol on the display screen  130 - 1  to notify the subscriber  108 - 1  that web content is available for the currently selected television program. 
     Assume in this example that the subscriber  108 - 1  selects the television program “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” on channel  567  for display on display screen  130 - 1 . In a manner as previously discussed, the tuner  320 - 1  tunes to channel  567  and renders the selected television program on display screen  130 - 1 . While the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” is played back by content manager  140 - 1 , the display manager  350 - 1  can be configured to initiate display of a symbol in a small portion of the display screen  130 - 1  to notify the subscriber  108 - 1  that web content associated with the displayed television program is available. 
     Assume further in this example that the subscriber  108 - 1  provides input such as pressing button  425  to access the web content associated with the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE.” In response to receiving a command such as a subscriber  108 - 1  pressing button  425  to access web content associated with the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE,” the network application  340 - 1  accesses a respective map to identify a corresponding network address from which web content associated with the currently displayed channel can be retrieved. Via communications with respect to a server resource as specified by the network address, the network application  340 - 1  retrieves the supplemental content such as web content associated with the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” and initiates display of the corresponding supplemental content on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Accordingly, a subscriber  108 - 1  can initially select and view content in a scheduled time of a television channel. The user can view additional content (e.g., custom or generic over-the-top content) associated with the selected television program via input of an appropriate display command such as pressing button  425  on control device  170 - 1 . 
     The communication channel (e.g., a client server channel) used by the network application  340 - 1  to retrieve the supplemental content can be used for a number of purposes such as interactive television. For example, the retrieved web content can enable a respective user to participate in a poll associated with the corresponding main television program. 
     As previously discussed, the supplemental content facilitating interactive television can be displayed on display screen  130 - 1  as a picture-in-picture. In one embodiment, via input to a poll received over channel  567  WEB and presented picture-in-picture window on the display screen  130 - 1 , the subscriber  108 - 1  can provide feedback indicating whether the subscriber believes that a male guest currently interviewed on the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” (as captured in video received and played back from the main channel  567 ) is telling the truth or not about a particular subject matter discussed several minutes earlier on the show played back on the display screen  130 - 1  (e.g., from channel  567 ). 
     The content provider of the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” can tally results of the poll from multiple different subscribers (as received in a similar manner via interactive television), and posts results later in the television show broadcasted on channel  567 . For example, via collection of information from different subscribers via the auxiliary channel providing web access, a data collection manager in the corresponding server resource associated with channel  567  WEB can determine that 75% of the audio viewing the “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” and taking the poll thinks that the male guest is lying about a subject such as cheating on his girlfriend. The corresponding content sponsor can play back the results of the poll on the show after tallying results. 
     Accordingly, embodiments herein can include receiving feedback from multiple subscribers with respect to television program; and producing a portion of the television program viewed by the subscriber to include the feedback. 
     Thus, a respective network application  340 - 1  can support two-way communications amendment interactive television. For example, display information can be retrieved from a particular web site and displayed on display screen  130 - 1  as supplemental content. In a reverse direction, the subscriber  108 - 1  can input data to the respective website to participate in the television program. 
     In accordance with yet further embodiments, the supplemental web content associated with a respective television channel can vary depending on which particular portion of the television program is being broadcasted to subscribers. For example, via the network application  340 - 1 , a respective subscriber may be able to use the network application  340 - 1  to participate in a poll during first portion of a broadcast. During another portion of the broadcast, via communications over a respective auxiliary WEB channel for a program, the respective subscriber may be able to participate in the show as if they were present in the audience; and so on. 
       FIG. 9  is an example diagram enabling further viewer participation in a television program according to embodiments herein. 
     As shown, the subscriber domain  150 - 1  can be equipped with a respective camera resource  175 - 1  (e.g., an audio and image capturing device) to monitor the subscriber  108 - 1 . In one embodiment, network application  340 - 1  transmits the captured images/audio to server resource  110 - 2  that stores the content. The corresponding content sponsor can receive the captured images/audio and initiate playback of such content in the corresponding television program. Accordingly, the host of “GERALDO SHOW LIVE” can interview a subscriber  108 - 1  at a remote location (such as in their home) and display the results of the home interview later in the corresponding broadcasted television program. Thus, subscribers in their respective homes can participate in a respective television show even though they are not physically present in an audio. 
       FIG. 10  is an example diagram illustrating the ability for subscribers to communicate with other subscribers according to embodiments herein. 
     As shown, each of the multiple subscriber domains  150  can be equipped with a respective camera resource. For example, subscriber domain  150 - 1  can be equipped with camera resource  175 - 1  to capture audio/images in subscriber domain  150 - 1 ; subscriber domain  150 - 2  can be equipped with camera resource  175 - 2  to capture audio/images in subscriber domain  150 - 2 ; and so on. 
     Each content manager  140  in a subscriber domain can be configured to monitor playback of particular content selected for viewing by a respective subscriber. When the subscriber tunes to a particular predetermined channel or television program, the network application in each content manager can be configured to access management resource  110 - 6  to determine whether the subscriber&#39;s one or more friends also happen to be watching the same television show. Management resource  110 - 6  can be configured to keep track of which subscribers in network environment  100  are open to receiving communications from each other. Assuming that subscriber  108 - 1  and subscriber  108 - 2  are friends with each other, in one embodiment, the management resource  110 - 6  communicates a message to the parties to indicate that they can communicate with each other via a video session. 
     More specifically, assume that subscriber  108 - 1  and subscriber  108 - 2  are friends that enjoy watching football. Assume further that management resource  110 - 6  keep track of the relationship between subscriber  108 - 1  and subscriber  108 - 2 . Each content manager  140  can be configured to monitor when a respective subscriber watches a football game. 
     By way of a non-limiting example, in response to detecting that subscriber  108 - 1  has tuned to channel  557  to watch the football game starting at 7:00 pm ( FIG. 2 ), the network application  340 - 1  in content manager  140 - 1  contacts management server  110 - 6  to indicate that subscriber  108 - 1  is currently watching the football game (or particular channel). In a similar manner, each of multiple subscribers can notify the management resource  110 - 6  of the corresponding channel they are watching. In this example, assume that subscriber  108 - 2  has also tuned to view the football game on channel  557 . 
     In response to detecting that subscriber  108 - 1  has tuned to channel  557  to watch the football game starting at 7:00 pm ( FIG. 2 ) as well, the network application  340 - 1  in content manager  140 - 1  contacts management server  110 - 6  check if any friends of subscriber  108 - 2  happen to be watching the same football game (or channel). If so, the management resource  110 - 6  can communicate through the respective network applications to notify one or more of the subscribers (e.g., subscriber  108 - 1  and/or subscriber  108 - 2 ) that a respective friend is watching the same game. 
     Via further communications with the management resource, if both subscriber  108 - 1  and subscriber  108 - 2  are open to communications with each other, the subscriber  108 - 1  and subscriber  108 - 2  can facilitate transmission of images to each other. For example, the network application in content manager  140 - 1  can send the audio/images of subscriber  108 - 1  as captured by camera resource  175 - 1  over the web channel to management resource  110 - 6 . Management resource  110 - 6  forwards the audio/images of the subscriber  108 - 1  as captured by camera resource  175 - 1  to the network application in content manager  140 - 2  that displays the images/audio as a picture-in-picture over the football game rendered in display screen  130 - 2 . 
     In a reverse direction, the network application in content manager  140 - 2  can send the audio/images of subscriber  108 - 2  as captured by camera resource  175 - 2  over a respective web channel to management resource  110 - 6 . Management resource  110 - 6  forwards the audio/images of the subscriber  108 - 2  as captured by the camera resource  175 - 2  to the network application in content manager  140 - 1  that displays the images/audio as a picture-in-picture over the football game rendered in display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Accordingly, each subscriber can view the other subscriber and communicate with each other while watching the same football game. 
       FIG. 11  is an example diagram illustrating a computer architecture in which to execute one or more embodiments as discussed herein. 
     Any of the different processing techniques can be implemented via execution of software code on a computer system. 
     For example, as shown, computer system  151  (e.g., a computer device) of the present example can include an interconnect  511  that couples computer readable storage media  512  such as a non-transitory type of media (i.e., any type of hardware storage medium) in which digital information can be stored and retrieved. The computer system  151  can further include processor resource  513  (e.g., one or more processor devices), I/O interface  514 , communications interface  517 , etc. 
     As its name suggests, I/O interface  514  provides connectivity to external resources or devices control devices  170 , one or more display screens  130 , etc. 
     Computer readable storage medium  512  can be any hardware storage device to store data such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium  512  stores instructions and/or data. 
     Communications interface  517  enables the computer system  151  and one or more processor resource  513  to communicate over a resource such as network  190 - 3 . I/O interface  514  enables processor resource  513  to perform functions such as receive control input from a respective subscriber, control a respective display screen, etc. 
     As shown, computer readable storage media  512  can be encoded with content manager application  140 - 1 -APP (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) executed by processor resource  513 . Content manager application  140 - 1 -APP can be configured to include instructions to implement any of the operations as discussed herein. 
     During operation of one embodiment, processor resource  513  accesses computer readable storage media  512  via the use of interconnect  511  in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions in content manager application  140 - 1 -APP stored on computer readable storage medium  512 . 
     Execution of the content manager application  140 - 1 -APP produces processing functionality such as content manager process  140 - 2 -PROC in processor resource  513 . In other words, the content manager process  140 - 2 -PROC associated with processor resource  513  represents one or more aspects of executing content manager application  140 - 1 -APP within or upon the processor resource  513  in the computer system  151 . 
     Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system  151  can include other processes and/or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardware resources to execute content manager  140 - 1 -APP. 
     In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a set-top box, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, etc., or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     The computer system  151  may reside at any location or can be included in any suitable resource in network environment  100  to implement functionality as discussed herein. 
     Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussed via the flowchart in  FIGS. 12-14 . Note that the steps in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart  1200  illustrating an example method facilitating interactive television according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above. 
     In processing block  1210 , the content manager  140 - 1  receives a request to display a content guide  250  of available content. 
     In processing block  1220 , in response to receiving the request, the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the content guide  250 - 1  on a display screen  130 - 1 . 
     In processing block  1230 , in the displayed content guide  250 - 1 , the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of multiple selectable content viewing options. A first selectable channel viewing option (such as channel  556 ) corresponds to a television channel from which to view content  113 - 2  originating from a content sponsor  105 - 1 . A second channel viewing option corresponds to an auxiliary channel (e.g.,  556  WEB) with respect to the television channel from which to access available over-the-top content  114  associated with the content  113 - 2  originating from the content sponsor  105 - 1 . Content originated by the content sponsor  105 - 1  includes any content provided by or made available by the content sponsor  105 - 1 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart  1300  illustrating an example method of interactive television according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above. 
     In processing block  1310 , the content manager  140 - 1  renders content received over a cable network channel on display screen  130 - 1 . The cable network channel can be allocated to distribute content originating from a content sponsor assigned to the cable network channel. 
     In processing block  1320 , the content manager  140 - 1  receives a request to access web content associated with the cable network channel. 
     In response to receiving the request: In processing block  1340 , the content manager  140 - 1  maps an identity of the cable network channel currently displayed on the display screen  130 - 1  to a network address of a server resource from which the web content (i.e., supplemental content) associated with the cable network channel is retrievable. In processing block  1350 , the content manager  140 - 1  retrieves the web content from a server resource as specified by the network address. In processing block  1360 , the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the retrieved web content on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart  1400  illustrating an example method of interactive television according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above. 
     In processing block  1410 , while rendering a television program on a display screen  130 - 1 , the content manager  140 - 1  receives a command to view web content associated with the rendered television program. 
     In processing block  1420 , subsequent to and in response to receiving the command, the content manager  140 - 1  maps an identity of the television program being played back to a network address from which the web content associated with the television program is retrievable. 
     In processing block  1430 , the content manager  140 - 1  retrieves the web content from a server resource as specified by the network address. 
     In processing block  1440 , the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the web content on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 15  is an example diagram illustrating a content guide according to embodiments herein. 
     In this example embodiment, assume that the content manager  140 - 1  receives a request from subscriber  108 - 1  to display content guide  250 - 3  on display screen  130 - 1 . In response to receiving the request, the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the content guide  250 - 3  on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     The content guide  250 - 3  includes a display of multiple selectable channel viewing options. For example, the user  108 - 1  can move selection window  260  about regions of display screen  130 - 1  to select any of the available channels of content. 
     By way of a non-limiting example, channel  950  represents a first selectable channel viewing option that corresponds to a cable network television channel (such as ESPN2™) from which to retrieve content (e.g., a respective college basketball game #1) originating from a first content sponsor such as ESPN. 
     Channel  951  is a second selectable channel viewing option that corresponds to an auxiliary channel (e.g., an over-the-top channel) from which to access over-the-top content available from a second content sponsor such as Facebook™. 
     Channel  952  is a third selectable channel viewing option that corresponds to an auxiliary channel (e.g., an over-the-top channel) from which to access over-the-top content available from a third content sponsor such as Netflix™. 
     Via selection of any of the channels using selection window  260 , the content manager  140 - 1  receives notification to tune to a respective channel. 
     Note that in addition to moving the respective navigation window  260  to select and view content as specified by the corresponding channel, the subscriber  108 - 1  can press one or more buttons on the control device  170 - 1  to select the appropriate sequence of numbers to select a channel. For example, the subscriber  108 - 1  can press buttons ‘9’, ‘5’, and ‘0’ to select the channel  950 ; the subscriber  108 - 1  can press buttons ‘9’, ‘5’, and ‘1’ to select the channel  951 ; the subscriber  108 - 1  can press buttons ‘9’, ‘5’, and ‘2’ to select the channel  952 ; and so on. Accordingly, navigation and selection of a respective channel can be achieved in a number of different ways. 
     By way of further non-limiting example, the content guide  250 - 3  can initiate display of additional information in the different content viewing options. For example, channel  950  can be a content viewing option including a notification specifying a title assigned to respective playable content available in a scheduled time slot of the television channel  950 ; channel  951  can be a content viewing option including display of a notification specifying availability of the over-the-top content such as personal account information associated with Facebook™ via an auxiliary channel; channel  952  can be a content viewing option including display of a notification specifying availability of the over-the-top content such as a Netflix content guide via an auxiliary channel; and so on. 
     Thus, as shown, available over-the-top content can be assigned a numerical value in a numerical sequence. The content manager  140 - 1  displays the content viewing options in accordance with the numerical channel sequence. More specifically, each numerical channel value (e.g.,  950 ,  951 ,  952 , . . . ) in the numerical channel sequence can be configured to specify a corresponding channel from which to retrieve available content. In the present example, the content manager  140 - 1  displays a first numerical channel value such as channel  950  to indicate content available from content sponsor ESPN2™ in content guide  250 - 3 ; the content manager  140 - 1  displays a second numerical channel value such as channel  951  to indicate content available from content sponsor Facebook™ in content guide  250 - 3 ; the content manager  140 - 1  displays a third numerical channel value such as channel  952  to indicate content available from content sponsor Netflix™ in content guide  250 - 3 ; and so on. 
     In one embodiment, responsive to receiving selection of numerical channel value  951 , the content manager  140 - 1  maps the numerical channel value  951  to a respective network address associated with Facebook™. The network address indicates a server resource from which to retrieve the over-the-top content for retrieval and viewing on display screen  130 - 1 . To display personal Facebook account information on display screen  130 - 1 , the content manager  140 - 1  utilizes the network address to communicate with the server resource over an auxiliary channel (e.g., an over-the-top channel supported by one or more of data channels  123 ). 
     More specifically, the content manager  140 - 1  transmits a content request message over the auxiliary channel to retrieve the over-the-top content available from Facebook™. The content manager  140 - 1  receives the requested over-the-top content over the auxiliary channel from the server resource and renders the over-the-top content on the display screen  130 - 1 . One embodiment herein can include storing personal settings associated with a respective subscriber and, upon selection of the channel  951 , the content manager  140 - 1  utilizes the personal settings to request the personal information from the Facebook™ website for the subscriber. Accordingly, accessing a subscriber account can be achieved by merely selecting the channel  951 . 
     Accordingly, embodiments herein can include: responsive to receiving selection of channel  951  in the content guide  250  (such as a cable network content guide), the content manager  140 - 1  initiates retrieval of personal social networking account information from a Facebook™ content sponsor website over an auxiliary channel. The content manager  140 - 1  then initiates display of the personal social networking account information on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     In a similar manner, the subscriber  108 - 1  can select channel  952 . Responsive to receiving selection of the channel  952  (e.g., a selectable content viewing option) in the content guide  250 - 3 , the content manager  140 - 1  initiates retrieval of content such as an over-the-top content guide for viewing different over-the-top content available from 3 rd  party content provider Netflix™. The content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the over-the-top Netflix content guide on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     Via further input to the retrieved and displayed over-the-top Netflix™ content guide, the subscriber can select a specific title of content amongst multiple titles of content displayed in the over-the-top Netflix™ content guide. For example, the subscriber  108 - 1  can provide further input of which of multiple content selections the subscriber  108 - 1  would like to retrieve for viewing on display screen  130 - 1 . 
     As previously discussed, via selection of channel  950  in content guide  250 - 3  by subscriber  108 - 1 , the content manager  140 - 1  tunes to the cable network television channel  950  such as a broadcast channel, IPTV channel, etc. In such an instance, the content manager  140 - 1  decodes a video signal received on the cable network television channel  950  and then renders video derived from the video signal on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 16  is an example diagram illustrating of a method of providing notification of content from multiple types of sources according to embodiments herein. 
     In processing block  1610 , the content manager  140 - 1  receives a request to display a content guide  250  of available content. 
     In processing block  1620 , in response to receiving the request, the content manager  140 - 1  initiates display of the content guide  250 - 3  on the display screen  130 - 1 . 
     In processing block  1610 , in the displayed content guide  250 - 3 , the content guide  250 - 3  initiates display of multiple selectable channel viewing options. A first selectable channel viewing option corresponds to a cable network television channel from which to access content originating from a first content sponsor. A second selectable channel viewing option corresponds to an auxiliary channel from which to access over-the-top content available from a second content sponsor. 
     Note again that techniques herein are well suited for use in a cable network environment. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well. 
     Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similar electronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing platform. 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the scope of this present application. As such, the foregoing description of embodiments of the present application is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations to the invention are presented in the following claims.