Patent Publication Number: US-9411434-B2

Title: User interface for operating a computer from a distance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,619, filed Jun. 19, 2002, entitled “User Interface For Operating A Computer From A Distance,”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to user interfaces for operating computers. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling the operation of a personal computer from a distance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Today&#39;s personal computer user interfaces (UI), such as that implemented in the “Windows 95” Operating System produced by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., are designed for optimum interaction with the user (end-user) operating in close proximity to the computer and monitor. One might refer to this as a “two-foot user interface” (2′UI) since the user interacts approximately within two feet of the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This design makes it impractical to interact with the computer from a longer distance. 
     In contrast, a television (TV) is often viewed at a distance, or from across a room. But a typical 2′UI, with its small text and small icons, could not be used to operate a computer from a commensurate distance. A computer equipped with a Distance User Interface (DUI) could be so operated. Accordingly, one practical application in the technical arts of the present invention is providing for the operation of a computer at a television-viewing distance by providing a DUI. 
     Interaction with Personal Computers (PCs) can be extended into entertainment centerpieces. Although the PC can be the center of productivity in most homes, no longer are computers being used to merely write a letter or create a spreadsheet. As important as such functions are, there is a growing demand to move the computer from the office to the living room because of its entertainment-providing potential. To share media content such as digital photographs and digitized videos, people must huddle around a computer running a 2′UI operated by a user in close proximity. There exists a problem with easily accessing media content stored on a computer. Such a problem can be solved by providing a DUI, which can be comfortably viewed and easily used to operate the computer from a distance, approximately equal to a television-viewing distance. With a new, easy-to-navigate user interface and a simple remote control, users will have a more relaxed way to enjoy their music, videos and photos with friends and family from their PC. 
     Previous attempts have been made to create a computer distance-viewing experience. For instance, couplings and adapters exist whereby the output from a computer can be displayed on a conventional, large television or large plasma display device. This attempt, however, does not address the operability of the user interface. Rather, it merely makes a 2′UI bigger. A larger 2′UI does not offer the advantages of the DUI disclosed by the present invention, such as the ease of operation from a distance with a remote control device. 
     There exists a need for a distance user interface, which can provide the ability to operate a computer from across a room, or at a distance commensurate with a television-viewing distance for a TV similar in size to a chosen display. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides several useful, concrete and tangible results, including a new user interface, enabling a computer user to operate a computer from a television-viewing distance. The present invention enables users to access their favorite digital media content on their PC from a distance and share the media experience with others in a room. Several operative functions, including controlling television viewing from a distance, playing music stored on the computer and receiving visual confirmation of what is being played from a distance, accessing digital photographs stored in the computer system, and controlling the playback of videos stored on a computer from a distance are made available by the present invention. For example, users will be able to easily find and play their favorite music from across the room in a variety of formats like CDs, WINDOWS Media Audio and MP3 format. From a television-viewing distance, they will be able to browse music cover artwork from a PC music collection, share family photos with automatic slideshows that combine music and photos, watch DVDs, streaming programming, and recorded video, and enjoy Internet-delivered content such as game playing and web-casts. 
     The present invention includes a system, method, and article for operating a computer from a television-viewing distance. In one aspect of the present invention, one or more memory storage devices have embodied thereon computer-useable instructions for switching between an arm&#39;s length user interface and a distance user interface. The arm&#39;s length that is optimized to operate a computer from an arm&#39;s-length distance is presented. The display device is toggled from the arm&#39;s length user interface to the distance user interface. The distance user interface is optimized for operating the computer from a television-viewing distance. The television-viewing distance measured in feet is approximately half of a diagonal measure of the image displayed on the display device measured in inches. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, one or more memory storage devices have embodied thereon computer-useable instructions for switching between an arm&#39;s length user interface and a distance user interface. The arm&#39;s length user interface that is optimized to operate a computer from an arm&#39;s-length distance is presented on a display. A command is received. In response to the command, the display is toggled from the arm&#39;s length user interface to the distance user interface. The distance interface is optimized for operating the computer from a television-viewing distance. The television-viewing distance measured in feet is approximately half of a diagonal measure of the image displayed on the display device measured in inches. 
     In a third aspect of the present invention, one or more memory storage devices have embodied thereon computer-useable instructions for switching between an arm&#39;s length user interface and a distance user interface. The arm&#39;s length user interface that is optimized to operate a computer from an arm&#39;s-length distance is presented on a display. A command is received. It is determined whether the command is from a wired device or a wirelessly-connected device. When the command is from a wired device, then the arm&#39;s length user interface continues to be presented. When the command is from a wirelessly-connected device, then the display is toggled from the first user interface to the distance user interface. The distance user interface is optimized for operating the computer from a television-viewing distance. The television-viewing distance measured in feet is approximately half of a diagonal measure of the image displayed on the display device measured in inches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computing system environment suitable for use in implementing the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of an exemplary operating environment for practicing the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a functional diagram of an exemplary specialized remote control for practicing the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an illustrative site map of a distance user interface; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of an exemplary menu display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary menu display of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an exemplary television-viewing display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary television-viewing display of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is an illustrative screen shot of an exemplary television programming guide display; 
         FIG. 4C  is an illustrative screen shot of an exemplary television recording display; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of an exemplary music listening display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary music listening display of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of an exemplary pictures display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary pictures display of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an exemplary videos display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary videos display of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an exemplary settings display of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8A  is an illustrative screen shot of the exemplary settings display of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a new user interface, a distance user interface, to enable PC operation from a television-viewing distance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a user displays the distance user interface by issuing a command from a remote control that is received by the computer. The distance user interface is displayed with a menu of available selectable options, or links. The distance user interface is optimized to be viewed from a television-viewing distance. When followed, these selectable links take a user to other displays topically related to functional identifiers on the menu display. A more in-depth description of the present invention will be provided below. 
     Having briefly described an embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary operating environment for the present invention is described below. 
     Exemplary Operating Environment 
     Referring to the drawings in general and initially to  FIG. 1  in particular, wherein like reference numerals identify like components in the various figures, an exemplary operating environment for implementing the present invention is shown and designated generally as operating environment  100 . The computing system environment  100  is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the computing environment  100  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment  100 . 
     The invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary system  100  for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer  110  including a processing unit  120 , a system memory  130 , and a system bus  121  that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit  120 . 
     Computer  110  typically includes a variety of computer readable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical or holographic disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computer  110 . The system memory  130  includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)  131  and random access memory (RAM)  132 . A basic input/output system  133  (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer  110 , such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM  131 . RAM  132  typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit  120 . By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 1  illustrates operating system  134 , application programs  135 , other program modules  136 , and program data  137 . 
     The computer  110  may also include other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,  FIG. 1  illustrates a hard disk drive  141  that reads from or writes to nonremovable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive  151  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk  152 , and an optical disk drive  155  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk  156  such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive  141  is typically connected to the system bus  121  through a nonremovable memory interface such as interface  140 , and magnetic disk drive  151  and optical disk drive  155  are typically connected to the system bus  121  by a removable memory interface, such as interface  150 . 
     The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 , provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer  110 . In  FIG. 1 , for example, hard disk drive  141  is illustrated as storing operating system  144 , application programs  145 , other program modules  146 , and program data  147 . Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system  134 , application programs  135 , other program modules  136 , and program data  137 . Typically, the operating system, application programs and the like that are stored in RAM are portions of the corresponding systems, programs, or data read from hard disk drive  141 , the portions varying in size and scope depending on the functions desired. Operating system  144 , application programs  145 , other program modules  146 , and program data  147  are given different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer  110  through input devices such as a keyboard  162 ; pointing device  161 , commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad; and an infrared transceiver  163 . Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit  120  through a user input interface  160  that is coupled to the system bus  121 , but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A display device  191  is also connected to the system bus  121  via an interface, such as a video interface  190 . Video interface  190  could also accept in incoming video signal  189 . Display device  191  can be any device to display the output of computer  110  not limited to a monitor, an LCD screen, a TFT screen, a flat panel display, a conventional television, or screen projector. In addition to the display device  191 , computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers  197  and printer  196 , which may be connected through an output peripheral interface  195 . 
     The computer  110  in the present invention will operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer  180 . The remote computer  180  may be a personal computer, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer  110 , although only a memory storage device  181  has been illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The logical connections depicted in  FIG. 1  include a local area network (LAN)  171  and a wide area network (WAN)  173  but may also include other networks. 
     When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer  110  is connected to the LAN  171  through a network interface or adapter  170 . When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer  110  typically includes a modem  172  or other means for establishing communications over the WAN  173 , such as the Internet. The modem  172 , which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus  121  via the user input interface  160 , or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer  110 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 1  illustrates remote application programs  185  as residing on memory device  181 . It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. 
     Although many other internal components of the computer  110  are not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such components and the interconnection are well known. For example, including various expansion cards such as television tuner cards and network interface cards within a computer  110  is conventional. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of the computer  110  need not be disclosed in connection with the present invention. 
     When the computer  110  is turned on or reset, the BIOS  133 , which is stored in the ROM  131  instructs the processing unit  120  to load the operating system, or necessary portion thereof, from the hard disk drive  141  into the RAM  132 . Once the copied portion of the operating system, designated as operating system  144 , is loaded in RAM  132 , the processing unit  120  executes the operating system code and causes the visual elements associated with the user interface of the operating system  134  to be displayed on the monitor  191 . Typically, when an application program  145  is opened by a user, the program code and relevant data are read from the hard disk drive  141  and the necessary portions are copied into RAM  132 , the copied portion represented herein by reference numeral  135 . 
     System and Method for Providing a Distance User Interface 
     As previously mentioned, the present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. 
     Throughout this document, the term “TV” or “television” is used. “TV,” although technically short for “television,” has come to be associated with cable television, satellite television, and high-definition television. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary system environment for practicing the present invention is referenced generally by the numeral  200 . A distance user interface (DUI)  210  is displayed on display device  191 . DUI  210  can also be displayed on other display devices coupled to computer  110 . DUI  210  is a graphical user interface designed to be operated by an end-user  214  from a television-viewing distance. In a preferred embodiment, DUI  210  is displayed on a display device  191  with a resolution of 1,024×768 pixels and a visual screen area  212  of approximately sixteen inches, which is consistent with a 17″ monitor. Visual screen area  212  is a measure of the diagonal of the actual image displayed on display device  191 . The actual image display area has a display perimeter  222 , which is the perimeter of the outermost viewable pixels. 
     DUI  210  is operated by end-user  214  using a remote control  216  capable of transmitting a wireless signal  218  from a television-viewing distance  220 . Television-viewing distance  220  is an estimate of a distance end-user  214  would observe a television having a display area approximately the same size as visible screen area  212 . Television-viewing distance  220  can vary based on the visual screen area  212  available for a particular display device  191 . Television-viewing distance measured in feet is approximately half a viewable screen area of said display device measured in inches. For example, a television-viewing distance may be approximately eight to twelve feet for a display device  191  having a visible screen area  212  of approximately sixteen inches at a resolution of 1,024×768. This means that the DUI  210  can be comfortably viewed from a distance of about eight feet on a 17-inch CRT monitor. 
     The wireless signal  218  is received by a wireless signal receiver  163  coupled to computer  110 . The wireless signal receiver  163  could be adapted to receive a variety of signals; for example infrared, radio, or wireless LAN signals. 
     DUI  210  is designed to provide a centralized display where an end-user  214  can easily access a variety of media content stored on computer  110 . In a preferred embodiment, a single screen provides links to such content as digital pictures, digital videos, digital music, and streaming video including television programming, satellite programming, Internet programming, time-delayed recordings, and other recordings embodied on a computer readable medium. A music repository  223  stores audio content and is not limited to musical recordings. Any form of audio such as dictations can also be stored in music repository  223 . Similarly, a photograph repository  224  and video repository  226  are in connection with computer  110  to store and retrieve photographs and videos. A repository for storing other media  228  is also included for storing an array of content and media formats. Each repository  223 ,  224 ,  226 , and  228  preferably reside on hard drive  141 . 
     Conventional video cards can typically include inputs to receive a composite video signal or a signal delivered via coaxial wire. Accordingly, any signal that can be inputted at least via the aforementioned inputs can be displayed on display device  191 . Alternatively, the DUI  210  can be displayed on a device other than display device  191  such as auxiliary display device  230 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2A , an exemplary specialized remote control  216  is shown. The remote control  216  depicted in  FIG. 2A  is shown for functional purposes only. It is not meant to imply any physical design restraints or limitations. The specialized remote control  216  can operate the computer  110  from at least a television-viewing distance. The remote control has circuitry built into it such that by pressing a button, such as a DUI Switching Button  232 , the DUI  210  is toggled on and off. When turned on, the DUI  210  enables remote operation from a television-viewing distance  220 . When turned off, DUI  210  is not shown and computer  110  displays a conventional 2′UI, an arm&#39;s-length user interface. DUI  210  can be toggled on and off in a variety of ways. In a preferred embodiment, DUI  210  responds to the source of input. DUI  210  can be configured to be displayed when input from a wirelessly connected device is sensed. For example, when a button on the remote control  216  is pressed, DUI  210  senses the source of input as being the remote control  216  and consequently activates itself. In a preferred embodiment, the DUI  210  acts as an overlay user interface which works in tandem with various I/O devices to either display the DUI  210  or a 2′UI. For instance, when input from a wired keyboard  162  or mouse  161  is received, the 2′UI is displayed to end-user  214 . Conversely, if the keyboard  162  were a wireless keyboard, DUI  210  could be displayed instead. 
     Also included on remote control  216  is a set of navigation buttons  234  to control the focus of the DUI  210 . An item on the DUI  210  has the focus when it is ready to receive input from an input device such as the keyboard or mouse, but in this case the remote control  216 . A group of functional buttons  236 , for example On/Off, Pause, Frame Advance and Back, Fast Forward, Rewind, Skip Ahead, Instant Replay, Slow Motion, Advance to End/Beginning, Jump/Live TV, Record, and Stop can also be provided on remote control  216 . 
     An exemplary site map of DUI  210  is provided in  FIG. 2B  and is referenced generally by the numeral  240 . The exemplary site map  240  of DUI  210  is not meant to be limiting, but rather to convey an illustrative view of a DUI  210 . Although the details of the screens and selectable links of site map  240  will be explained in greater detail, site map  240  illustrates that DUI  210  is comprised of a main menu, which has a first level of options such as TV, MUSIC, PICTURES, VIDEO, and SETTINGS. Each of these options from the first level has at least a second level of options that can lead to still other screens. For instance, MAIN MENU TV GUIDE brings up a guide. Site map  240  does not depict all levels available in DUI  210 , but rather depicts a simplified overview of a possible hierarchical structure of DUI  210 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a main menu display is referenced generally by numeral  300 . Main menu display  300  is an exemplary display that is first shown to end-user  214  when engaging the DUI  210 . Main menu display  300  has a DUI perimeter  222  that consumes the viewable area of a display device in a preferred embodiment. Main menu display  300  includes a first group of selectable links  310  including a first selectable link  312 . First selectable link  312  includes a functional identifier  312 A. As shown, one function of first selectable link  312  is to view streaming media, such as television. An exemplary functional identifier  312 A is shown as “My TV.” This link could also be used to view a video, a DVD, satellite television, an Internet web-cast, CATV, a surveillance camera image, or to play a game, conduct instant messaging, browse the internet, listen to music, display photographs, or to present a host of other services via the interface optimized to be viewed and operated from a television-viewing distance  220 . Functional identifier  312 A is not limited to a textual description. For example, an icon representing a television could also be a functional identifier. The functional identifier  312 A could be any text or symbol that identifies the function associating with following first selectable link  312 . 
     Also included on main menu display  300  is a selectable-link marker  314 . Selectable-link marker  314  denotes a tentative selection, or the focus, by end-user  214 . Using remote control  216 , an end-user  214  can control the focus of different items using navigation buttons  234 . An item has the focus when it is tentatively selected such that selecting a link will follow that link. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the “My TV” link  312  currently has the focus. The selectable link marker  314  can take on a variety of forms. In a preferred embodiment, the selectable link marker  314  is provided in color, a background color different from the other colors of the other selectable links. For instance, each of the links in selectable link group  310  could have a background color of blue except for the link that has the focus, e.g., the “My TV” link  312 , which has a background color of green. Main menu display  300  could also include second, third, fourth and fifth selectable links  316 ,  318 ,  320  and  322 , respectively. 
     Second selectable link  316  provides a link to play music or other audio on the computer system  100  and includes a music functional identifier  316 A such as “My Music,” discernable from the television-viewing distance  220 . Again, and as with all functional identifiers, music functional identifier  316 A is not limited to a textual display but could be an icon or symbol that conveys to end-user  214  that following the link will permit the playing of digital music. Third selectable link  318  allows end-user  214  to view pictures stored on computer system  100  and includes a third functional identifier  318 A such as “My Pictures” discernable from the television-viewing distance. Fourth selectable link  320  permits end-user  214  to display previously recorded material on the computer  110  and includes a fourth functional identifier  320 A such as “My Videos,” discernable from television-viewing distance  220 . Main menu display  300  can also include a fifth selectable link  322  for manipulating the settings of the DUI  210  having a fifth functional identifier  322 A such as “Settings,” discernable from television-viewing distance  220 . 
     Main menu display  300  also preferably includes a “now-playing” area  324  permitting an end-user  214  to persistently view currently playing media while navigating the various displays of DUI  210 . This feature intelligently reduces currently playing media to a thumbnail size while an end-user  214  navigates the DUI  210 . For example, if a user were to follow the “My TV” selectable link  312 , choose a program to watch, and then navigate back to the menu display  300 , the program is reduced to play in the now-playing area  324 . This feature enables an end-user  214  to continue to enjoy currently playing content while linking to other displays. Although it could, the now-playing area  324  does not appear while viewing video full screen nor while playing a slide show in the preferred embodiment. An exemplary screen shot of menu display  300  is depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , following the “My TV” selectable link  312  presents the end-user  214  with a second display, a display for viewing television or other streaming media, and is referenced generally by the numeral  400 . Television display  400  has DUI perimeter  222  that consumes the viewable area in a preferred embodiment. A television-viewing display area  410  is included on television display  400 . Television display area  410  provides the ability for users to watch streaming video such as television programming, cable programming, satellite programming, web-casts, and stored video such as home videos, time-delayed recordings, and DVD movies. Any other type of programming provided by a content provider capable of being inputted into computer system  100  can be viewed in television display area  410 , which can be maximized to occupy all of DUI perimeter  222 . Television display area  410  is shown by illustration as consuming only a portion of television display  400  to more easily describe other functions available. 
     Also included on television display  400  is a group of selectable links  412  with corresponding functional identifiers discernable from television viewing-distance  220 . Exemplary selectable links include a “Guide” link  414 , a “Recorded TV” link  416 , a TV “Search” link  418  and a TV “Settings” link  420 . Following the “Recorded TV” link  416  allows a user to view previously recorded media content. Television is not the only form of media content that can be recorded by “Recorded TV” link  416 . Rather, any media provided by a content provider such as CATV, satellite, web-casts, or pay-per-view programming is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. 
     “Guide” link  414  includes a guide link identifier  414 A such as “Guide.” A TV guide selectable link marker  415  denotes which link has the focus on television display  400 . As with all selectable link markers, TV selectable link marker  415  could take on a variety of forms. As shown, TV selectable link marker  415  has a background color different from those links which do not have the focus. For example, TV selectable link marker  415  could have a background color of green while the other selectable links are blue. 
     The “Recorded TV” link  416  includes a recorded television link identifier  416 A such as “Recorded TV.” Television search link  418  includes a television search link identifier  418 A such as “Search.” Television “Settings” link  420  includes a television link identifier  420 A such as “Settings.” As depicted in  FIG. 4 , each of the functional identifiers are text, however the identifiers need not be text. Rather, the functional identifiers could be icons or symbols associated with the functions performed by each selectable link. To help end-user  214  know what program is being viewed, a programming data area  422  is provided below television-viewing area  410 . Programming data area  422  could provide many levels and types of data regarding the currently viewed program as well as a description of programming available on different channels. For example, programming data area  422  includes the title of the current program, its run-time, and the channel being viewed. A screen shot  424  of an exemplary television display  400  is provided in  FIG. 4A . 
     Following the “Guide” link  414  presents the end-user  214  with a listing of television programming, discernable from television-viewing distance  220 . A screen shot of an exemplary listing is depicted in  FIG. 4B  and is referenced generally by numeral  426 . The “Guide” could include show times and channels as well a description of programming shows, or paid advertisements. Depending on the remote control  216  button pressed, selecting a program from the “Guide”  426  allows the user to view the program or takes a user to a screen where an option is presented to record the program. 
     An exemplary recording display is depicted in  FIG. 4C  and is referenced generally by numeral  428 . A variety of recording options are preferably made available via the recording display  428  such as recording a series, only first runs, a certain number of episodes, and/or on certain channels. Administrative settings can also be adjusted, for example duration to retain, recording quality, start time and stop time. Recordings are retained in video repository  226  for later playback, and are accessed via the “Recorded TV” link  416 . Live TV can be routed through a buffer to permit pausing and instant replaying of live television in a computer system. 
     Following TV “Search” link  418 , the present invention presents a prompt whereby end-user  214  can enter search criteria to find programs of choice. End-user  214  can search for any item found in the television “Guide”  426 . End-user  214  is preferably presented with various search options such as Categories, Title, and Keyword. By providing the ability for users to search available programming, the present invention provides a fast method of locating features of interest. 
     Returning briefly to  FIG. 3 , second selectable link on menu display  300  is shown as the “My Music” selectable link  316 . This link can be any link that permits users to peruse various music files stored on computer  110  from a distance. Turning now to  FIG. 5 , following the music selectable link  316  takes a user to a music listening display referenced generally by numeral  500 . Music listening display  500  has DUI perimeter  222  that consumes the viewable area in a preferred embodiment. Music listening display  500  includes a music selectable link  510  for accepting a request to play a recording of music stored in music repository  223  on computer  110 . A music selection identifier  512  is also included on music display area  500  and is discernable from the television viewing-distance  220 . The music selection identifier  512  indicates a tentative selection and indicates what song, album, play-list, etc., is currently playing. The music selection identifier  512  can take on many forms, such as an icon or marker next to the currently playing song or, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , a highlighted selectable link. A picture of album art  514  can also be displayed to a user on the music display  500 , as well as a track title identifier  515 , and artist identifier  516 . 
     Also included on music display area  500  is a group of music selectable links  518  enabling end-user  214  to easily navigate through the music stored in music repository  223  from television-viewing distance  220 . Exemplary music selectable links include an “Albums” selectable link  520 , an “Artists” selectable link  522 , a “Playlists” selectable link  524 , a “Singles” selectable link  526 , a “Genres” selectable link  528  and a “Find” selectable link  530 . Each music selectable link includes a music selectable link identifier similar to the aforementioned link identifiers and is referred to generally by numeral  531 . The music selectable link identifiers  531  are discernable from television-viewing distance  220 . 
     When the find music selectable link  530  is followed, the present invention presents a search form used to locate music stored on the computer system in the music repository  223 . Although many methods are possible, in a preferred embodiment music searches are conducted based on a keyword search. An exemplary screen shot of a music listening area  500  is provided in  FIG. 5A . 
     Returning briefly to  FIG. 3 , following the “My Pictures” display link  318  presents a user with a pictures display area as shown in  FIG. 6  and referenced generally by the numeral  600 . Pictures display area has DUI perimeter  222  representing the preferred, maximized screen area. Pictures stored in the photograph repository  224  can be accessed via the pictures display  600 . Photograph repository  224  can be a collection of digital photographs stored on computer  110 . Photograph repository  224  could simply be the hard drive of computer  110 . Included on picture display  600  are thumbnail previews of various pictures stored in photograph repository  224 . These thumbnails are discernable from television-viewing distance  220 , at least enough to generally recognize the content of the picture. A single picture thumbnail  610  is a small display of a larger picture. Each thumbnail picture  610  includes a picture identifier  612  such as “Favorite Pictures” or “Crew.” Picture identifiers  612  need not be purely textual, but could be symbols or icons as well. A picture marker  613  denotes which item has the focus on picture display  600 . The picture marker  613  can be an outline around a picture, as shown, but could also be any symbol or mark to denote which picture has the focus. 
     Using remote control  216 , an end-user  214  can select an available thumbnail  610  to view the picture full-screen. Also available on pictures display  600  are thumbnails of picture folders  614 . A picture folder thumbnail  614  depicts a small sampling preview of pictures  614 A available within a specific folder. When an end-user  214  clicks on a folder thumbnail  614 , the various pictures  614 A within that folder  614  are displayed as individual picture thumbnails  610 . Also included on picture display  600  is a group of pictures selectable links  615  for controlling the viewing of various pictures in photograph repository  224 . Exemplary pictures selectable links include a “Play Slide Show” selectable link  616 , a “Settings” selectable link  618 , a “Sort by Name” selectable link  620 , a “Sort by Date” selectable link  622 , a “My Pictures” selectable link  624  and a “Shared Pictures” selectable link  626 . 
     The “Play Slide Show” selectable link  616  can be navigated to by end-user  214  and, when followed, presents an automatic display of a group of pictures stored on the computer system  100 . Following pictures “Settings” link  618  allows a user to modify certain display options of pictures display area  600 . Selecting the “Sort by Name” selectable link  620  sorts the various thumbnails  610  and  614  in alphabetical order. Selecting the “Sort by Date” selectable link  622  sorts the thumbnails  610  and  614  by date. The “My Pictures” selectable link  624  is a link that can display a certain folder&#39;s contents, such as the “My Pictures” folder found within the WINDOWS Operating System. Similarly, the “Shared Pictures” link  626  can be used to display thumbnail previews of pictures within a certain directory such as a “My Pictures” directory. It is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that various folders could be preconfigured in addition to the “My Pictures” folder. Also included on the pictures display area  600  is the now playing area  324  with the now playing identifier  324 A. A screen shot of an exemplary pictures display area  600  is provided in  FIG. 6A . 
     Again, returning briefly to  FIG. 3 , following the “My Videos” selectable link  320  from menu display  300 , a user is presented with a videos display referenced generally by the numeral  700  in  FIG. 7 . Videos display  700  includes a video thumbnail preview  710  of an available video stored in video repository  226 , which can be hard drive  141 . As the user shifts focus from various thumbnails of videos in display area  700 , a video marker  712  can be presented to the end-user  214  indicating which item has the focus. The video marker  712  is provided to indicate which item has the focus of video display  700 . Videos display  700  also includes a title bar  716  for displaying a title of a video observable from television-viewing distance  220 . Also included in videos display  700  are a group of videos selectable links including a videos “Sort by Name” link  718 , a videos “Sort by Date” link  720 , a “My Videos” link  722 , and a “Shared Videos” selectable link  726 . Each of the aforementioned selectable links includes selectable link identifiers referenced generally by the numeral  728 . The selectable link identifiers  728  need not be text but could be icons or symbols. Also depicted, for the first time, in  FIG. 7  are two status bars including a now playing status bar  730  and a general status bar  734 . The now playing status bar  730  includes a group of now playing buttons  732  to control what is being played in the now playing window  324 . This now playing status bar  730  could be displayed only when a user presses a certain button on remote control  216  or directs a cursor to the lower left-hand portion of whichever screen the user is on. The second bar displayed on  FIG. 7  (but which can be displayed on any of the aforementioned screens) is the general status bar  734 . The general status bar  734  can also be displayed pressing a certain button on remote control  216  or can be displayed in response to moving the cursor to the top of DUI perimeter  222 . Specialty buttons can be included on status bar  734  including a help button  736 , a back button  738  or a Windows specialty button  740 . An exemplary screen shot of videos display  700  is shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     Following the “Settings” selectable link  322 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , leads a user to a “Settings” display referenced generally by the numeral  800  in  FIG. 8 . Included on “Settings” display  800  is a group of settings selectable links  816 . A “Global” selectable link  810  modifies global settings, a “TV” selectable link  812  modifies TV settings and a “Pictures” selectable link  814  modifies settings related to displaying digital photographs. Each of these selectable links has a selectable link identifier referenced generally by the numeral  816 . A “Settings” selectable link marker  818  denotes which selectable link has the focus. As with almost every other screen of the DUI, the now playing thumbnail  324  and corresponding identifier  324 A can be displayed on “Settings” display  800 . An exemplary screen shot of “Settings” display  800  is provided in  FIG. 8A . 
     As can be understood, the method and system allow a user view and operate a computer from a television-viewing distance. In addition, a centralized display for enjoying media content on a computer is made possible by the present invention. 
     The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated and with the scope of the claims.