Patent Publication Number: US-2007124768-A1

Title: Media content menu navigation and customization

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      Currently, special televised events such as the Olympics, Presidential elections and parties, and the various music charity benefit concerts such as “Live 8” and “Farm Aid” are provided for viewing on one television channel, or across a random selection of television channels. For example, a particular network may provide a special event for viewing and then televise the event via the various channel(s) associated with the particular network.  
      A particular television network may include a typical broadcast channel and may also include various cable channels and/or additional movie channels. The various channels are typically not consecutively listed in a program guide, but rather are dispersed throughout the many available channels listed in the program guide making it difficult for a viewer to locate all of the events or performances that are available for viewing and which correspond to a televised special event. A viewer interested in the various events or performances of a particular special event has to either watch one linear broadcast of the event, or navigate across multiple television channels.  
      In addition, the current hierarchical structuring of user interfaces for television, such as an electronic program guide, makes it difficult to promote the special events when they are to be televised. The current user interfaces for television often occupy the entire screen making it difficult to promote, advertise, or lead with specific popular or promotional content, special events, products, or branding corresponding to the promotional content, products, and/or special events.  
     SUMMARY  
      This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of media content menu navigation and customization which is further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.  
      In an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization, media content is received at a television-based client device and displayed for viewing on a display device. A user-selectable menu input is received via a television-based remote control device and, in response, a content menu is displayed over the media content. The content menu includes regularly available media content and a listing for a special event and/or promoted content that is available for viewing for a limited period of time.  
      In another embodiment, a user-selectable input is received via the television-based remote control device to select the listing for the special event and/or promoted content that is included in the content menu, and an updated content menu is displayed that includes listings corresponding to the selected listing for the special event and/or promoted content. A promotional image can be displayed over the media content upon receiving the user-selectable input where the promotional image is associated with the listing for the special event and/or promoted content. In addition, a graphic can be displayed as an image and/or text associated with the listing for the special event and/or promoted content. The graphic and the promotional image can be brand identifiers corresponding to the special event and/or promoted content, and are displayed to promote the special event and/or promoted content and to encourage viewer selection of the special event and/or promoted content.  
      In an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization, a content menu is displayed that includes a listing which collectively identifies media content that is available for viewing from multiple data streams. The multiple data streams can each provide different media content that is collectively identified where the different media content of each data stream is related. Each of the multiple data streams of the media content are mapped to a television channel and each data stream has an associated sub-channel identifier. At least some of the sub-channel identifiers are displayed and optionally an associated image corresponding to the media content that is available for viewing via the associated sub-channel is displayed.  
      In another embodiment, an additional user-selectable input of a sub-channel identifier can be received and the media content corresponding to the selected sub-channel identifier is displayed. The additional user-selectable input of the sub-channel identifier can be received whether the sub-channel identifier is displayed for viewing or not. The display of the media content corresponding to the selected sub-channel identifier is initiated by switching sub-channels without changing the television channel.  
      In an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization, a content menu is displayed that includes a listing for a category of media content that is available for viewing. A user-selectable input is then received to select the category of the media content from the content menu. In response to the user-selectable input, a promotional image corresponding to the selected category of the media content is displayed and an updated content menu that includes listings of sub-categories of the media content is displayed. An additional user-selectable input is received to select a sub-category of the media content from the updated content menu, and an additional promotional image corresponding to the selected sub-category of the media content is displayed where the additional promotional image is associated with the promotional image by the user-selectable inputs. In an example, the media content is a televised special event, the promotional image is a logo corresponding to the televised special event, and the additional promotional image is an advertisement for a sponsor of the televised special event. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary television-based system in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary display in which a media content menu includes a listing for promoted content in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary display that includes a media content menu and a promotional image which corresponds to a listing for promoted content included in the media content menu in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary display in which an updated media content menu includes listings and/or sub-categories corresponding to promoted content in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary display of media content and corresponding sub-channel selections related to a media content menu selection in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates another exemplary display in which an updated media content menu includes listings and/or sub-categories corresponding to promoted content in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary display of a promotional image and an associated advertising image from a sponsor in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates exemplary method(s) for media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates additional exemplary method(s) for media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates additional exemplary method(s) for media content menu navigation and customization.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary IP-based television (IPTV) system in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented.  
       FIG. 12  illustrates various components of an exemplary client device in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates various devices and components in an exemplary entertainment and information system in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Media content menu navigation and customization provides for a special event and/or promoted content that is available for viewing for a limited period of time can be included in a media content menu that typically includes regularly available media content. The special event and/or the promoted content can be accompanied by promotional artwork, images, and/or brand identifiers to create a user experience that is customizable and event driven. The special event and/or promoted content can be any televised special and/or promoted event that is available for viewing for a limited period of time, and which is included in a content menu to promote and make a special event more noticeable and accessible to viewers.  
      Media content menu navigation and customization also provides an environment where a user can quickly navigate through a set of sub-channels to control which events or performances of a televised event to watch. A content menu can include a listing that collectively identifies a special event and/or promoted content that is available for viewing from multiple data streams. The multiple data streams can each provide a different event or performance related to the special event and/or promoted content.  
      Media content menu navigation and customization also provides that a promotional image, such as a logo, corresponding to a special event and/or promoted content can also correspond to an additional promotional image, such as an advertising image, based on user-selectable inputs. The display of a promotional image (e.g., a logo) and the subsequent display of an additional promotional image (e.g., an advertising image) can be a hierarchical presentation of product brands based on the user-selectable inputs to select the special event and/or the promoted content, and to select a sponsor of the special event.  
      While aspects of the described systems and methods for media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented in any number of different computing systems, television-based systems, gaming systems, environments, and/or configurations, embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization are described in the context of the following exemplary system architectures.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary television-based system  100  in which embodiment(s) of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented. The television-based system  100  includes a client device  102 , a display device  104 , content provider(s)  106 , and a television-based remote control device  108 . The display device  104  can be any type of television, monitor, or similar television-based display system that renders audio, video, and/or image data. The client device  102  and display device  104  together are but one example of a television-based client system, examples of which are described with reference to the exemplary IP-based television (IPTV) system  1100  shown in  FIG. 11 , and with reference to the exemplary entertainment and information system  1300  shown in  FIG. 13 .  
      Client device  102  can be implemented in any number of embodiments, such as a set-top box, a digital video recorder (DVR) and playback system, an appliance device, a gaming device, and as any other type of client device that may be implemented in an entertainment and/or information system. In this example, client device  102  includes media content  110 , one or more processor(s)  112 , a playback application  114 , and a navigation application  116  which can be implemented as computer executable instructions and executed by the processor(s)  112 . Additionally, client device  102  may be implemented with any number and combination of differing components as further described below with reference to the exemplary client device  1200  shown in  FIG. 12 . For example, the navigation application  116  may be implemented as a component of the program guide application included in the exemplary client device  1200 .  
      The media content  110  may be any form of on-demand and/or broadcast media content such as programs, movies, commercials, music, and similar audio, video, and/or image content that client device  102  receives and/or records. Further, client device  102  may access or receive additional recorded media content that is maintained with a remote data store (not shown), such as from a video-on-demand server, or media content that is maintained at a broadcast center or content provider that distributes the media content to subscriber sites and client devices.  
      The television-based client device  102  is configured for communication with the content provider(s)  106  via a communication network  118 , which in this example, is an IP-based network. The client device  102  receives program content, various forms of media content, program guide data, advertising content, and other media content from content server(s) of the content provider(s)  106  via the IP-based network  118 . In this example, the content provider(s)  106  map multiple data streams  120  of media content to a particular television channel and dynamically assign sub-channel identifiers to each data stream of media content which is then delivered to the client device  102  as the mapped streams of media content  122  and which is maintained as the media content  110 .  
      The playback application  108  is a video control application that, in this example, can be implemented to control the playback of the media content  110 , or other video on-demand media content, music, a slideshow, and any other audio, video, and/or image media content which can be rendered and/or displayed for viewing as video  124  on the display device  104 . The playback application  114  and the navigation application  116  can each be implemented to receive user-selectable input commands  126 , such as from the remote control device  108 . Further, the navigation application  116  implements embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization as further described herein.  
      The television-based remote control device  108  includes various configuration and television-specific input keys, an input keypad, and various user-selectable input controls  128 . The input controls  128  include directional media navigation controls  130 , an input control  132 , and a menu control  134  to initiate displaying a content menu having selectable listings of media content that is available for viewing. The remote control device  108  may include any number of other various user-selectable input controls.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary display  200  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  200  includes a content menu  202  (also referred to herein as a “media content menu”) which is displayed over media content  204  that is displayed for viewing, such as the video  124  shown displayed on the display device  104  in  FIG. 1 . The navigation application  116  initiates the display of the content menu  202  over the media content  204  when a user-selectable menu input is received from a viewer, such as with the menu control  134  on the television-based remote control device  108 . For example, when a viewer watching the television program  204  inputs a menu selection via the remote control device  108 , the content menu  202  is initiated with a “Live TV” option hi-lited in a focus  206  of the content menu  202 .  
      In this example, the content menu  202  also includes a listing for a special event which is identified as “Promoted Content”  208  in the content menu. The promoted content  208  may be any televised special and/or promoted event that is available for viewing for a limited period of time, and which is identified in the content menu  202  to promote and make a special event more noticeable and/or accessible to viewers to facilitate user ease in finding new and/or desired content.  
      A special event can be included in the content menu  202  by a content provider  106  and delivered to the television-based client device  102  to be displayed when initiated by a viewer. The promoted content  208  can include any type of various special events, such as the Olympics which are available for viewing for two weeks, Presidential elections and parties, or a music benefit concert which may only be available for viewing one evening, and sports association playoffs such as the World Series, football playoffs and bowl games, sports championships, and the like that are typically only available for viewing for a few days or weeks.  
      The exemplary display  200  also includes a graphic  210  that is displayed over the media content  204 , and which is related to the listing for the special event of promoted content  208  in the content menu  202 . In this example, the graphic  210  is an image, but could be text and/or a combination of text and an image to promote the special event listed in the content menu  202 .  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary display  300  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  300  includes the content menu  202  which is displayed over media content  204  that is displayed for viewing. This example illustrates that a viewer has scrolled vertically down the content menu  202  to hi-lite and select the promoted content  208 . In addition to the graphic  210  that is related to the listing for the special event of promoted content  208  in the content menu  202 , the navigation application  116  initiates a display of a promotional image  302  over the media content  204  when the promoted content  208  is selected in the content menu  202 . The promotional image  302  is also related to the special event listing for the promoted content  208  in the content menu  202 .  
      The graphic  210  and the promotional image  302  can be implemented as brand identifiers that correspond to a special event, such as the promoted content  208 , to promote the special event. For example, the promoted content  208  may be listed in the content menu  202  as the “Olympic Games” and the promotional image  302  displayed as the corresponding Olympic rings. The graphic  210  represents a cheering crowd that may be associated with an Olympic event. As such, the Olympic rings and the cheering crowd would serve to promote the special event, “Olympic Games”, when listed in the content menu  202 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary display  400  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  400  includes a content menu  402  which is displayed over a background image  404 . This example illustrates that the content menu  402  is a two-axis menu along an x-axis  406  and a y-axis  408 . The example also illustrates that a viewer has selected the special event listing for the promoted content  208  included in the content menu  202  shown in  FIG. 3 . When a user-selectable input is received to select the special event listing, the navigation application  116  initiates the display of the updated content menu  402  which includes selectable listings or sub-categories corresponding to the selected special event listing  208 .  
      In this example, the updated content menu  402  includes a listing for “Performances”  410  which is a sub-category of the promoted content  208 . The sub-category is also a listing that collectively identifies media content that is available for viewing from multiple streams, such as the mapped streams of media content  122  that is delivered from a content provider  106  to the television-based client device  102 . The multiple data streams  120  each provide different media content that is related, and that is collectively identified by the listing for performances  410 .  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary display  500  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  500  illustrates that a viewer has selected the sub-category listing for the performances  410  of the promoted content  208 , which in this example is a music charity benefit that includes several performances located throughout the World. Rather than showing the performances selections as text, the performances selections are sub-channel identifiers  502  displayed with text  504  (e.g., a location) and an image  506  (e.g., a map of the performance location). In this example, four such performances are displayed and are available for selection to view a musical performance. Optionally, a video of the media content corresponding to a performance can be displayed along with, or in addition to, the sub-channel identifiers  502 , text  504 , and/or images  506 .  
      A user-selectable input of a sub-channel identifier  502  can be received from a viewer via the television-based remote control device  108 , and the media content for the particular performance corresponding to the sub-channel identifier  502  can be displayed for viewing. The navigation application can initiate the display of the media content corresponding to the selected sub-channel identifier  502  by switching sub-channels without changing the television channel that the multiple data streams are mapped to. The television-based client system can receive the selected sub-channel identifier as a user-selectable input when the sub-channel identifier is displayed for viewing, or when the sub-channel identifier is not displayed for viewing. A user can quickly navigate between the mapped video streams that correspond to the different musical performances by simply entering the sub-channel number on the remote control device  108 .  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary display  600  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  600  includes a content menu  602  which illustrates that a viewer has selected the “Related Programs” listing included in the content menu  402  shown in  FIG. 4 . When a user-selectable input is received to select the content menu listing, the navigation application  116  initiates the display of the updated content menu  602  which includes selectable listings or sub-categories corresponding to the selected content menu listing.  
      The updated content menu  602  includes listings for program episodes  604  that are related to the promoted content  208  (from  FIG. 4 ). In this example, the promoted content  208  may be a subscription movie channel mini-series and the content menu  602  includes listings for the episodes  604  of the mini-series. As described with reference to  FIG. 5 , the related programs listing can be implemented as a listing that collectively identifies the episodes  604  as media content that is available for viewing from multiple streams, such as the mapped streams of media content  122  that is delivered from a content provider  106  to the television-based client device  102 . The multiple data streams  120  each provide different media content (e.g., different episodes  604 ) that is related (e.g., episodes of a mini-series).  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary display  700  in an embodiment of media content menu navigation and customization. The display  700  includes a content menu  702  that includes a “Sponsors” listing  704  which is a sub-category of the listing for the promoted content  208 . As described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the navigation application  116  initiates a display of the promotional image  302  when the promoted content  208  is selected in the content menu  202 . The promotional image  302  is also related to the special event listing for the promoted content  208  in the content menu  202 . The navigation application  116  also initiates display of an additional promotional image  706  when the sponsors listing  704  is selected in the related content menu  702 .  
      The promotional image  302  is displayed in response to the first user-selectable input to select the promoted content  208 , and the additional promotional image  706  is displayed in response to the second user-selectable input to select the sponsors sub-category  704 . The additional promotional image  706  can be an advertising image that is a targeted advertisement for a sponsor of the promoted content. For example, the promotional image may be a sports association logo corresponding to a promoted televised sporting event, and the additional promotional image may then be an advertisement for a sponsor of the promoted sporting event. As such, the display of the promotional image  302  and the subsequent display of the additional promotional image  706  is a hierarchical presentation of product brands based on the user-selectable inputs.  
      Methods for media content menu navigation and customization, such as exemplary methods  800 ,  900 , and  1000  described with reference to respective  FIGS. 8, 9 , and  10 , may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The methods may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary method  800  for media content menu navigation and customization and is described with reference to the exemplary television-based system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , and with reference to the displays  200 ,  300 , and  400  shown in respective  FIGS. 2, 3 , and  4 . The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.  
      At block  802 , media content is displayed for viewing. For example, media content  110  is displayed as a video  124  on display device  104  of the television-based client system. At block  804 , a menu input is received via a television-based remote control device to initiate a display of a content menu. For example, a user-selectable menu input  134  can be received via the remote control device  108 .  
      At block  806 , a listing for a special event and/or promoted content that is available for viewing for a limited period of time is incorporated into the content menu of regularly available media content. For example, a special event listing for promoted content  208  is incorporated into content menu  202 . At block  808 , the content menu is displayed over the media content. For example, the content menu  202  is displayed in the exemplary display  200  over the media content  204 . The content menu  202  includes the listing for the special event and/or promoted content  208  which can be selected for viewing during the limited period of time that the special event is available.  
      At block  810 , a user-selectable input is received to select the listing for the special event and/or promoted content that is included in the content menu. For example, the television-based client device  102  can receive a user-selectable input to select the special event listing for the promoted content  208  that is included in the content menu  202 . At block  812 , an updated content menu is displayed that includes listings corresponding to the selected listing for the special event and/or promoted content. For example, updated content menu  402  is displayed in the exemplary display  400  and includes selectable listings that correspond to the selected promoted content listing from content menu  202 .  
      At block  814 , a promotional image is displayed over the media content upon receiving the user-selectable input. For example, promotional image  302  is displayed over the media content  204  and the promotional image  302  is associated with the special event listing for the promoted content  208 . At block  816 , a graphic is displayed that is associated with the listing for the special event and/or promoted content. For example, the graphic  210  is associated with the promoted content  208 . The graphic  210  and the promotional image  302  can be brand identifiers corresponding to the special event and/or promoted content, and the brand identifiers are displayed to promote the special event and/or promoted content and to encourage viewer selection of the promoted content.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary method  900  for media content menu navigation and customization and is described with reference to the exemplary television-based system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , and with reference to the displays  400 ,  500 , and  600  shown in respective  FIGS. 4, 5 , and  6 . The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.  
      At block  902 , multiple data streams of media content are mapped to a television channel. At block  904 , sub-channel identifiers are dynamically assigned to each data stream of the media content. For example, a content provider  106  maps the multiple data streams  120  to a television channel and dynamically assigns the sub-channel identifiers to each data stream  120 .  
      At block  906 , a content menu is displayed that includes a listing which collectively identifies the media content that is available for viewing from the multiple data streams. For example, content menu  402  includes the performances listing  410  which collectively identifies the various concerts that are available for viewing. The multiple data streams each provide different media content (e.g., different concerts) that are related and collectively identified by the performances listing  410  included in the content menu  402 .  
      At block  908 , a user-selectable input is received to select the media content for viewing. At block  910 , the multiple data streams of the media content that are each mapped to the television channel are received. For example, the television-based client device  102  receives a user-selectable input via the remote control device  108  to select the performances  410  for viewing and the content provider(s)  106  deliver the multiple data streams  120  to the client device  102 .  
      At block  912 , at least some of the sub-channel identifiers and an associated image corresponding to the media content that is available for viewing via the associated sub-channel are displayed. For example, the display  500  illustrates sub-channel identifiers  502  displayed with text  504  (e.g., a location) and an image  506  (e.g., a map of the performance location). As an alternative to displaying an image  506 , the media content that is available for viewing via each sub-channel can be displayed where sub-channel identifiers are displayed as sub-channel numbers over the respective display of media content to indicate which display of media content is initiated by a sub-channel number.  
      At block  914 , an additional user-selectable input of a sub-channel identifier is received. For example, the television-based client device  102  can receive a user-selectable input via the remote control device  108  to select a sub-channel identifier  502 , where the user-selectable input of the sub-channel identifier is received when the sub-channel identifier is displayed for viewing (as in  FIG. 5 ), or when the sub-channel identifier is not displayed for viewing.  
      At block  916 , a display of the media content corresponding to the selected sub-channel identifier is initiated by switching sub-channels without changing the television channel, and at block  918 , the media content corresponding to the selected sub-channel identifier is displayed for viewing.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary method  1000  for media content menu navigation and customization and is described with reference to the exemplary television-based system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , and with reference to the displays  300  and  700  shown in respective  FIGS. 3 and 7 . The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.  
      At block  1002 , a content menu is displayed that includes a listing for a category of media content that is available for viewing. For example, content menu  202  in display  300  includes a special event listing for promoted content  208  which may be a category of media content for a televised special event. At block  1004 , a user-selectable input is received to select the category of the media content from the content menu. For example, the television-based client device  102  receives a user-selectable input to select the promoted content listing  208  in the content menu  202 .  
      At block  1006 , a promotional image corresponding to the selected category of the media content is displayed. For example, the promotional image  302  is displayed which corresponds to the selected promoted content listing  208 . The promotional image  302  can be a logo that corresponds to the selected category of the media content and/or to a televised special event, and may be a product brand associated with a televised event. At block  1008 , an updated content menu is displayed that includes listings of sub-categories of the media content. For example, content menu  702  in display  700  includes listings of sub-categories of the special event listing for the promoted content  208 .  
      At block  1010 , an additional user-selectable input is received to select a sub-category of the media content from the updated content menu. For example, a user-selectable input is received to select the sponsors listing  704  in the content menu  702 . At block  1012 , an additional promotional image corresponding to the selected sub-category of the media content is displayed. For example, the additional promotional image  706  is displayed which corresponds to the sub-category sponsors  704 . The additional promotional image  706  is also associated with the promotional image  302  by the user-selectable inputs, and the additional promotional image  706  can be an advertisement and/or a targeted advertisement for a sponsor of the selected category of the media content. The additional promotional image  706  may also be a product brand associated with a sponsor of a televised special event.  
      At block  1014 , a background image corresponding to the selected category of the media content is displayed. The promotional image  302  and the additional promotional image  706  can be displayed over the background image.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary IP-based television (IPTV) environment  1100  in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented. The IPTV environment  1100  includes a content provider  1102  and a viewing system  1104  that can include any number of television-based client systems  1106 . A client system  1106 ( 1 ) is configured for communication with the content provider  1102  via a communication network  1108  which, in this example, is an IP-based network. In addition to the client system  1106 ( 1 ), the viewing system  1104  includes television-based client systems  1106 ( 2 -N), and can represent a household viewing system that has several viewing areas, such as different rooms, for viewing television programming.  
      Television-based programs may include any form of programs, commercials, music, movies, video on-demand movies and other media content, recorded media content, interactive games, network-based applications, and any other similar audio, video, and/or image content. In addition, programming in general may include music streamed from a computing device to a client device, such as a television-based set-top box, and may also include video on-demand media content delivered from a server, a photo slideshow, and any other audio, video, and/or image content received from any type of media content source.  
      The television-based client systems  1106 ( 1 -N) may be implemented with any number and combination of differing components as further described below with reference to the exemplary client device  1200  shown in  FIG. 12 . Further, the IPTV environment  1100  may be implemented with any number and combination of differing components as described below with reference to the exemplary entertainment and information system  1300  shown in  FIG. 13 .  
      The television-based client system  1106 ( 1 ) includes a client device  1110 ( 1 ) and a display device  1112 ( 1 ), such as any type of television, monitor, or similar television-based display system that renders audio, video, and/or image data. Similarly, the television-based client systems  1106 ( 2 -N) each include a respective client device  1110 ( 2 -N) and a respective display device  1112 ( 2 -N). Each client device  1110  can be implemented in any number of embodiments, such as a set-top box, a digital video recorder (DVR) and playback system, a personal video recorder (PVR), an appliance device, and as any other type of client device that may be implemented in a television-based entertainment and information system.  
      Client device  1110 ( 1 ) receives program content from content provider  1102  via the communication network  1108 . In the example viewing system  1104 , client device  1110 ( 1 ) is a master client device that receives one or more data streams from content provider  1102  and then arbitrates stream allocation to distribute the data streams, one each, to one or more of the other satellite client devices  1110 ( 2 -N). The satellite client devices  1110 ( 2 -N) connect to the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) to receive a data stream for live television, delayed program viewing, and/or recorded DVR playback. The data streams are allocated by the content provider to the viewing system  1104  (e.g., a household), and the data streams can be any combination of high definition and/or standard definition television data streams. For example, the viewing system  1104  may receive one high definition data stream and three standard definition data streams depending upon available bandwidth to deliver the data streams. As more bandwidth becomes available, a viewing system may receive more high definition and/or standard definition data streams.  
      Although the data streams are not shown specifically, the arrowed communication links illustrate various data communication links which include the data streams. Additionally, the arrowed communication links are not intended to be interpreted as a one-way communication link from client device  1110 ( 1 ) to client device  1110 ( 2 ), for example. It is contemplated that any one or more of the arrowed communication links can facilitate two-way data communication, such as from client device  1110 ( 2 ) to client device  1110 ( 1 ) for example, and from client device  1110 ( 1 ) to content provider  1102 .  
      In this system, the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) receives four ( 4 ) data streams from the content provider  1102  via the communication network  1108 . A viewing selection from a first data stream is shown for viewing on display device  1112 ( 1 ) at the television-based client system  1106 ( 1 ). A second data stream is directed from the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) to the television-based client system  1106 ( 2 ) and a viewing selection from a second data stream is shown for viewing on display device  1112 ( 2 ). Similarly, a third data stream is directed from the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) to the television-based client system  1106 ( 3 ) and a viewing selection from the third data stream is shown for viewing on display device  1112 ( 3 ). Additionally, a fourth data stream is directed from the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) to the television-based client system  1106 ( 4 ) and a viewing selection from the fourth data stream is shown for viewing on display device  1112 ( 4 ).  
      The available bandwidth for a viewing system, or household as in this example, may not be able to accommodate as many data streams as there are client devices. It is not unusual for a household to have five (5) or more televisions in various rooms and at various locations throughout the house. In this system, the number of client devices exceeds the number of data streams allocated to the viewing system  1104  from the content provider  1102 . For example, the viewing system  1104  includes at least a fifth satellite client device  1110 (N) of the television-based client system  1106 (N). The corresponding display device  1112 (N) indicates that no video stream is available because the four (4) data streams allocated to the viewing system  1104  are already being directed to the other client devices  1110 ( 1 - 4 ).  
      The viewing system  1104  also includes recording media  1114  which can be implemented as a DVR system to record and maintain media content  1116 , such as any form of programs, movies, and similar audio, video, and/or image content that may be distributed or otherwise received from content provider  1102 . In one embodiment, the recording media can be implemented as an independent component of the viewing system  1104  and connected to the master client device  1110 ( 1 ). Alternatively, the recording media  1114  can be implemented as a component of the master client device  1110 ( 1 ) which manages recordings initiated from any of the other satellite client devices  1110 ( 2 -N). In yet another embodiment, the recording media  1114  may be a distributed recording system where any one or more of the client devices  1110 ( 1 -N) include recording media that is centrally managed by the master client device  1110 ( 1 ).  
       FIG. 12  illustrates various components of an exemplary client device  1200  which can be implemented as any form of a computing, electronic, gaming, and/or television-based client device, and in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented. For example, the client device  1200  can be implemented as the television-based client device  102  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      Client device  1200  includes one or more media content inputs  1202  which may include Internet Protocol (IP) inputs over which streams of media content are received via an IP-based network. Device  1200  further includes communication interface(s)  1204  which can be implemented as any one or more of a serial and/or parallel interface, a wireless interface, any type of network interface, a modem, and as any other type of communication interface. A wireless interface enables client device  1200  to receive control input commands  1206  and other information from an input device, such as from remote control device  1208 , PDA (personal digital assistant)  1210 , cellular phone  1212 , or from another infrared (IR), 802.11, Bluetooth, or similar RF input device.  
      A network interface provides a connection between the client device  1200  and a communication network by which other electronic and computing devices can communicate data with device  1200 . Similarly, a serial and/or parallel interface provides for data communication directly between client device  1200  and the other electronic or computing devices. A modem facilitates client device  1200  communication with other electronic and computing devices via a conventional telephone line, a DSL connection, cable, and/or other type of connection.  
      Client device  1200  also includes one or more processors  1214  (e.g., any of microprocessors, controllers, and the like) which process various computer executable instructions to control the operation of device  1200 , to communicate with other electronic and computing devices, and to implement embodiments of Sprite interface and code-based functions. Client device  1200  can be implemented with computer readable media  1216 , such as one or more memory components, examples of which include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., any one or more of a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and a disk storage device. A disk storage device can include any type of magnetic or optical storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a recordable and/or rewriteable compact disc (CD), a DVD, a DVD+RW, and the like.  
      Computer readable media  1216  provides data storage mechanisms to store various information and/or data such as software applications and any other types of information and data related to operational aspects of client device  1200 . For example, an operating system  1218  and/or other application programs  1220  can be maintained as software applications with the computer readable media  1216  and executed on processor(s)  1214  to implement embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization.  
      For example, client device  1200  can be implemented to include a program guide application  1222  that is implemented to process program guide data  1224  and generate program guides for display which enable a viewer to navigate through an onscreen display and locate broadcast programs, recorded programs, video on-demand programs and movies, interactive game selections, network-based applications, and other media access information or content of interest to the viewer. The application programs  1220  can include programmed application(s) to implement features and embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization as described herein, such as any one or more of the playback application  114  and the navigation application  116 . Alternatively, a programmed application can be implemented as an integrated module or component of the program guide application  1222 . The client device  1200  can also include a DVR system  1226  with playback application  1228 , and recording media  1230  to maintain recorded media content  1232 .  
      The client device  1200  also includes an audio and/or video output  1234  that provides audio and video to an audio rendering and/or display system  1236 , or to other devices that process, display, and/or otherwise render audio, video, and image data. Video signals and audio signals can be communicated from device  1200  to a television  1238  (or to other types of display devices) via an RF (radio frequency) link, S-video link, composite video link, component video link, analog audio connection, or other similar communication link.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary entertainment and information system  1300  in which an IP-based television environment can be implemented, and in which embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization can be implemented. System  1300  facilitates the distribution of program content, program guide data, and advertising content to multiple viewers and to multiple viewing systems. System  1300  includes a content provider  1302  and television-based client systems  1304 ( 1 -N) each configured for communication via an IP-based network  1306 . Each television-based client system  1304 ( 1 -N) is an example of the television-based client system  1106 ( 1 ) described with reference to  FIG. 11 . Each of the television-based client systems  1304 ( 1 -N) can receive one or more data streams from content provider  1302  and then arbitrate stream allocation to distribute the data streams, one each, to one or more other satellite client devices in a viewing system.  
      The network  1306  can be implemented as a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), an intranet, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network infrastructure, or as a point-to-point coupling infrastructure. Additionally, network  1306  can be implemented using any type of network topology and any network communication protocol, and can be represented or otherwise implemented as a combination of two or more networks. A digital network can include various hardwired and/or wireless links  1308 ( 1 -N), routers, gateways, and so on to facilitate communication between content provider  1302  and the client systems  1304 ( 1 -N). The television-based client systems  1304 ( 1 -N) receive program content, program guide data, advertising content, closed captions data, and the like from content server(s) of the content provider  1302  via the IP-based network  1306 .  
      System  1300  includes a media server  1310  that receives program content from a content source  1312 , program guide data from a program guide source  1314 , and advertising content from an advertisement source  1316 . In an embodiment, the media server  1310  represents an acquisition server that receives the audio and video program content from content source  1312 , an EPG server that receives the program guide data from program guide source  1314 , and/or an advertising management server that receives the advertising content from the advertisement source  1316 .  
      The content source  1312 , the program guide source  1314 , and the advertisement source  1316  control distribution of the program content, the program guide data, and the advertising content to the media server  1310  and/or to other television-based servers. The program content, program guide data, and advertising content is distributed via various transmission media  1318 , such as satellite transmission, radio frequency transmission, cable transmission, and/or via any number of other wired or wireless transmission media. In this example, media server  1310  is shown as an independent component of system  1300  that communicates the program content, program guide data, and advertising content to content provider  1302 . In an alternate implementation, media server  1310  can be implemented as a component of content provider  1302 .  
      Content provider  1302  is representative of a headend service in a television-based content distribution system, for example, that provides the program content, program guide data, and advertising content to multiple subscribers (e.g., the television-based client systems  1304 ( 1 -N)). The content provider  1302  can be implemented as a satellite operator, a network television operator, a cable operator, and the like to control distribution of program and advertising content, such as movies, television programs, commercials, music, and other audio, video, and/or image content to the client systems  1304 ( 1 -N).  
      Content provider  1302  includes various components to facilitate media data processing and content distribution, such as a subscriber manager  1320 , a device monitor  1322 , and a content server  1324 . The subscriber manager  1320  manages subscriber data, and the device monitor  1322  monitors the client systems  1304 ( 1 -N) (e.g., and the subscribers), and maintains monitored client state information.  
      Although the various managers, servers, and monitors of content provider  1302  (to include the media server  1310  in one embodiment) are illustrated and described as distributed, independent components of content provider  1302 , any one or more of the managers, servers, and monitors can be implemented together as a multi-functional component of content provider  1302 . Additionally, any one or more of the managers, servers, and monitors described with reference to system  1300  can implement features and embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization.  
      The television-based client systems  1304 ( 1 -N) can be implemented to include a client device  1326  and a display device  1328  (e.g., a television). A client device  1326  of a television-based client system  1304  can be implemented in any number of embodiments, such as a set-top box, a digital video recorder (DVR) and playback system, a personal video recorder (PVR), an appliance device, a gaming system, and as any other type of client device that may be implemented in a television-based entertainment and information system. In an alternate embodiment, client system  1304 (N) is implemented with a computing device  1330  as well as a client device  1326 . Additionally, any of the client devices  1326  of a client system  1304  can implement features and embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization as described herein.  
      Although embodiments of media content menu navigation and customization have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations of media content menu navigation and customization.