Patent Publication Number: US-2015089371-A1

Title: Systems and methods for presenting video/audio content and metadata for a broadband television service

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional Application Ser. No. 61/882346, filed Sep. 25, 2013, entitled “Systems and Methods for Presenting Video/Audio Content and Metadata for a Broadband Television Service,” which is hereby specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention is directed to media consumption. Particularly, the invention is directed toward broadband television consumption. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Today, Broadband TV Service provides access to the multiple sources of content, including hundreds of Live TV (Linear) channels and tens of thousands movies and TV shows. It&#39;s very difficult for average user to find relevant a TV show or movie in such huge amount of content. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new tools and methods of finding media content to view. 
     One embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for displaying a user interface (UI) on a display device. The system comprises a computing device coupled to the display device, a controller adapted to provide instructions to the computing device and software executing on the computing device. The software is adapted to, as an overlay on a full screen video, display a main menu, the main menu comprising a first plurality of icons in a strip, one icon displaying a reference to a current user and at least one other icon displaying a reference to a category, receive a selection of one of the first plurality of icons, display a first submenu associated with the selected icon, the first submenu comprising a second plurality of icons in a strip, receive a selection of one of the second plurality of icons, and at least one of display a second submenu and change the full screen video based on the selection of one of the second plurality of icons. The first submenu replaces the main menu upon the selection of the icon. 
     Preferably, there are a plurality of other icons in the main menu, each displaying a reference to a different category. In a preferred embodiment, the category is at least one of live TV, movie library, show library, sports, celebrities, favorites, and extras. Preferably, each icon of the main menu is associated with a different first submenu. Preferably, there are additional submenus associated with each selection, each submenu comprising a plurality of icons in a strip and each icon displaying a different option for that submenu. At least one additional submenu preferably provides information about a selected icon. The information is preferably related to at least one of a selected show, a selected movie, and a selected celebrity. Preferably, each icon displays at least one of an image, video, or text. 
     Preferably, the software is further adapted to control playback of the full screen video. In a preferred embodiment, the software is further adapted to display information related to the full screen video during control of playback. Preferably, software is adapted to receive and store a selection of a favorite, a selection of a video to add to a watchlist, an indication that the user likes the currently displaying full screen video or selected icon, or a an indication that the user dislikes the currently displaying full screen video or selected icon. The full screen video is preferably one of a live TV show, a streaming TV show, a live movie, a streaming movie, information from the Internet, and an IPTV video. The software preferably displays options of viewing content from multiple sources simultaneously. Preferably, the software displays options of viewing content from multiple sources without indicating the source. 
     Preferably, the multiple sources are chosen from the list comprising live TV, streaming videos, the Internet, IPTV, cable systems, satellite systems, and DVR. Preferably, the software is further adapted to display an icon indicating that the full screen video contains an interactive feature. In a preferred embodiment, the software is further adapted to display the interactive feature and accept interaction from the user upon the user selecting to view the interactive feature. Preferably, the user is able to navigate through different submenus without returning to the main menu. Preferably, the user is able to search for content and information using key words. There are preferably a plurality of users and each user is able to customize the user interface. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for displaying a user interface (UI) as an overlay on a full screen video on a display device. The method comprising the steps of, on a computing device coupled to the display device, displaying a main menu, the main menu comprising a first plurality of icons in a strip, one icon displaying a reference to a current user and at least one other icon displaying a reference to a category, receiving a selection of one of the first plurality of icons, displaying a first submenu associated with the selected icon, the first submenu comprising a second plurality of icons in a strip, receiving a selection of one of the second plurality of icons, and at least one of displaying a second submenu and changing the full screen video based on the selection of one of the second plurality of icons. The first submenu replaces the main menu upon the selection of the icon; 
     In a preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of other icons in the main menu, each displaying a reference to a different category. Preferably, the category is at least one of live TV, movie library, show library, sports, celebrities, favorites, and extras. Each icon of the main menu is preferably associated with a different first submenu. Preferably, there are additional submenus associated with each selection, each submenu comprising a plurality of icons in a strip and each icon displaying a different option for that submenu. In a preferred embodiment, at least one additional submenu provides information about a selected icon. The information is preferably related to at least one of a selected show, a selected movie, and a selected celebrity. Preferably, each icon displays at least one of an image, video, or text. 
     The method preferably further comprises controlling playback of the full screen video. The method preferably further comprises displaying information related to the full screen video during control of playback. The method preferably further comprises receiving and storing a selection of a favorite, a selection of a video to add to a watchlist, an indication that the user likes the currently displaying full screen video or selected icon, or a an indication that the user dislikes the currently displaying full screen video or selected icon. Preferably, the full screen video is one of a live TV show, a streaming TV show, a live movie, a streaming movie, information from the Internet, and an IPTV video. 
     The method preferably further comprises displaying options of viewing content from multiple sources simultaneously. The method preferably further comprises options of viewing content from multiple sources without indicating the source. Preferably, the multiple sources are chosen from the list comprising live TV, streaming videos, the Internet, IPTV, cable systems, satellite systems, and DVR. The method preferably further comprises displaying an icon indicating that the full screen video contains an interactive feature. The method preferably further comprises displaying the interactive feature and accepting interaction from the user upon the user selecting to view the interactive feature. Preferably, the user is able to navigate through different submenus without returning to the main menu. The user is preferably able to search for content and information using key words. In a preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of users and each user is able to customize the user interface. 
     Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The invention is described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawing, in which: 
         FIG. 1  Shows an embodiment of a User Interface for a Main Menu. 
         FIG. 2   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the Main Menu. 
         FIG. 2-5  Show an embodiment of a User Interface and navigation from the Main Menu to a Live TV menu to a Channel Menu to a TV Program List. 
         FIG. 3   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the Main Menu, Live TV menu, Channel Menu, TV Program List. 
         FIGS. 6-9  Show an embodiment of User Interface and navigation from a TV Program List to a TV Program Extended View to a cast and crew list to the actor extended view screen. 
         FIG. 4   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the TV Program List, TV Program Extended View, Cast &amp; Crew List, and Actor Extended View Screen. 
         FIGS. 10-13  Show an embodiment of a User Interface and navigation from an Actor Extended View Screen to an Actor Show List to an Actor Show List Extended View to a Show Cast &amp; Crew Compact List. 
         FIG. 5   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the Actor Extended View Screen, Actor Show List, Actor Show List Extended View, Show Cast &amp; Crew Compact List. 
         FIGS. 14-17  Show an embodiment of main, movie, genre, and move library screens. 
         FIG. 6   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, movie, genre, move library screens. 
         FIGS. 18-21  Show an embodiment of movie library, movie library extended information, movie-celeb, and movie-celeb extended information screens. 
         FIG. 7   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the movie library, movie library extended information, movie-celeb, and movie-celeb extended information screens. 
         FIGS. 22-25  Show an embodiment of main, show, my show library, and show library extended information screens. 
         FIG. 8   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, show, my show library, and show library extended information screens. 
         FIGS. 26-29  Show an embodiment of show library extended information, season, episode, and episode extended information screens. 
         FIG. 9   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the show library extended information, season, episode, and episode extended information screens. 
         FIGS. 30-33  Show an embodiment of channel, play, stream control no thumb pause, and stream control no thumb fast forward (FF) screens. 
         FIG. 10   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the channel, play, stream control no thumb pause, and stream control no thumb FF screens. 
         FIGS. 34-37  Describes an embodiment of main, sports, main, and extras screens. 
         FIG. 11   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, sports, main, and extras screens. 
         FIGS. 38-41  Describes an embodiment of main, favorites, navigation to history, and history screens. 
         FIG. 12   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, favorites, navigation to history, and history screens. 
         FIGS. 42-45  Describes an embodiment of main, celebrities, search, and results screens. 
         FIG. 13   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, celebrities, search, results. 
         FIGS. 46-49  Describes an embodiment of movie library, movie library extended information, and movie library extended browsing screens, and a second view of the movie library extended browsing screen after a right button is pressed three times. 
         FIG. 14   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for movie library, movie library extended information, and movie library extended browsing screens. 
         FIGS. 50-53  Describes an embodiment of schedule, schedule extended watchlist, and watch toggle screens and the watch toggle screen after a right button is pressed once. 
         FIG. 15   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the schedule, schedule extended watchlist, and watch toggle screens. 
         FIGS. 54-56  Describes an embodiment of main, avatar, and main screens. 
         FIG. 16   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the main, avatar, and main screens. 
         FIGS. 57-60  Describes an embodiment of stream control thumbnails, buffer stream control, watch tv, and information screens. 
         FIG. 17   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the stream control thumbnails, buffer stream control, watch TV, information screens. 
         FIGS. 61-64  Describes an embodiment of favorites, watchlist, watch TV, and change channel screens. 
         FIG. 18   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the favorites, watchlist, watch TV, change channel screens. 
         FIGS. 65-68  Describes an embodiment of watch TV, ad prompt, ad offer, and ad confirmation screens. 
         FIG. 19   a  Describes an embodiment of User Interface Elements and Navigation flow for the watch TV, ad prompt, ad offer, and ad confirmation screens. 
         FIG. 69-71  Describes an embodiment of show library extended information, season extended information, and episode extended information screens. 
         FIG. 80  Depicts an embodiment of a diagram of the system of the invention. 
         FIG. 81  Depicts embodiments of a remote control and television adapters that can be used with the methods and systems of the invention. 
         FIGS. 82-83  Depict various embodiments of the components of the television adapter embodiments. 
         FIG. 84  Depicts an embodiment of software components of an aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. 
     Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention 
     Embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods for processing, compression, transmission, storage, decompression, rendering and user interaction with video/audio content and content metadata. This systems and methods simplify the way a user will find relevant content and interact with it. That system and method include, for example a Personalized User Interface, a Personalized Recommendation Processor/Engine, a Unified Search Service and User Interface (through Linear TV, Movies, TV Shows, and Celebrities), an Audience Measurement Platform, an Addressable Interactive Advertisement Platform and User Interface, and a TV Adapter and Remote. 
       FIGS. 1-71  depict various embodiments of screens shots of the user interface of the invention described herein. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts a preferred embodiment of a Main Menu screen shot,  FIG. 24  depicts a preferred embodiment of a Favorite Show List screen shot,  FIG. 35  depicts a preferred embodiment of a Sports Menu screen shot, and  FIG. 50  depicts a preferred embodiment of a Live TV Channel Schedule screen shot. Additionally,  FIGS. 1-71  show various preferred embodiments of the changes in screens as a user navigates the user interface. The “a” figures define the elements depicted in  FIGS. 1-71 . 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a home screen or main menu of the inventive user interface (UI). Preferably, the user interface is semi-transparent and overlaid  113  on the full screen playing video  101 . Parts of the UI described as semi-transparent may alternatively be opaque, transparent, solid, or another translucency. Preferably each menu and submenu is overlaid on a full screen playing video without blocking the view of the whole video. Video  101  can be a streaming video (e.g. from an Internet service), IPTV (internet protocol TV), a previously recorded (DVR) video, a currently broadcasted video (e.g. over terrestrial signals, cable networks, or satellite networks), from a set-top-box (STB), from a BluRay player, or another video source. Preferably the UI is displayed as a strip of boxes, icons, or mosaic elements along a lower portion of the device displaying the UI. However the UI can be located at a different location, in a different configuration, or have different elements. 
     Preferably each user of the UI has an avatar. The avatar can be chosen by the user, assigned by the system, or otherwise obtained. Preferably, during use of the UI, the user&#39;s avatar is depicted  102  on the UI to provide a reference to the user that the user is using the correct UI. For example, as described herein, each user can customize the UI to their tastes. Preferably, the viewers can change which user the UI is providing content for. For example,  FIG. 54-56  depict an embodiment of the navigation of switching from User 4 to User 2. Preferably, each box is related to a different category of available media. For example box  103  may be related to live TV, box  104  may be related to a movie library, box  105  may be related to sports programs, box  107  may be related to celebrities, and box  108  may be related to the user&#39;s favorites. Preferably the UI may extend further than can be shown on the display device at once. For example box  109  is only partially shown. Additional boxes (related to different categories of media content) may be viewable by scrolling the UI. Preferably, the number of boxes shown at one time on the display device are at least one of chosen by the user, automatically chosen based on the display device&#39;s characteristics (e.g. size, resolution, and orientation), fixed by the system. Each screen of the UI may have the same number of boxes displayed at a time or a different number of boxes displayed at a time from another screen of the UI. Each box may display video, a picture, text, or a combination thereof related to the category thereof. Preferably, the UI seamlessly integrates multiple content sources into the program guide. For example, if a user is looking for a movie, the UI may provide options from live TV, on-demand, a streaming service (e.g. Netflix or Amazon), DVR, and/or other sources without the user being aware of the source of the content. 
     Preferably, the UI also displays the current time  110  and date  111  in a semi-transparent layer  112 . Additional information may also be displayed in semi-transparent layer  112 , for example a company&#39;s logo, weather reports, stock reports, news headlines, or other information. 
       FIGS. 2-4  depict an embodiment of the navigation or flow through the UI. Upon initiating the UI, the user is presented with the home screen shown in  FIG. 2 . Upon selecting a box (in this example Live TV  203 ), for example with a remote control, the UI changes to a first submenu associated with the chosen box (in this example a live TV submenu  310 ), as shown in  FIG. 3 . Preferably the first box of first submenu  310  indicates the chosen category (in this example live TV box  302 ). The user is preferably presented with a number of subcategory options (in this example, my channels (e.g. the user&#39;s preferred channels)  303 , my shows (e.g. the user&#39;s preferred shows)  304 , now on TV (e.g. the shows currently available)  305 , top shows (e.g. the highest rated shows)  306 , genres  307 , critics choice  308 , and/or other options  309 ). Other options may include channel categories, TV history (e.g. the channels the user has viewed in the past), and TV searches (e.g. searches the user has conducted). Preferably each box of the second submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. Once the user chooses an option from the first submenu, the UI changes to a second submenu associated with the chosen option from the first submenu (in this example a channel line-up submenu  413 ), as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Preferably the second submenu presents the user with another set of options. In the example depicted in  FIG. 4 , each option is associated with a different channel (e.g. channels 128-135 are respectively associated with boxes  402 - 409 ). Preferably as the user scrolls to the right or left more options appear and currently visible options disappear from view. Preferably each box of the second submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. For example, each box may display the logo of the associated channel. Preferably, the second submenu also displays information related to a highlighted or focused box  415 . The information may be displayed in a semi-transparent information line  412  and include, for example, the channel number  410 , the channel call-sign  411 , and the title of the program currently playing on the channel  414 . Once the user chooses an option from the second submenu, the UI changes to a third submenu associated with the chosen option from the second submenu (in this example a live TV channel schedule submenu  513 ), as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Preferably the third submenu presents the user with another set of options. In the example depicted in  FIG. 5 , each option (e.g. boxes  502 - 508 ) is associated with a different show available on the selected channel. Preferably as the user scrolls to the right or left more options appear and currently visible options disappear from view. Preferably each box of the third submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. For example, each box may display a poster of the associated show. Preferably, the third submenu also displays information related to a highlighted or focused box  516 . The information may be displayed in a semi-transparent information line  511  and include, for example, the star rating  509 , air time  510 , episode title  512 , show duration  514 , and parental rating  515 . Once the user chooses an option from the third submenu, chosen show is displayed in full screen  501 . 
     Alternatively, the user may choose to find out more information about the highlighted live TV program.  FIGS. 6-8  depict an embodiment of additional navigation through the UI. Note  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict the same submenu. Upon selecting to receive more information about an option, the UI may change to an extended information menu as depicted in  FIG. 7 . The extended information menu may have a semi-transparent information line  712  that includes, for example, the star rating  710 , air time  711 , episode title  713 , show duration  714 , and parental rating  715 . The extended information menu may additionally have a semi-transparent description layer  721  that includes the show&#39;s description  716 , genre  717 , and the actors/actresses in the show  718 . Additionally, extended information menu may have a semi-transparent button bar that has buttons the user can select to, for example, obtain more information about the cast and crew  719 , play the show  720 , find out more information  721 , add the show to the user&#39;s watchlist  724 , add the show to the user&#39;s favorites  725 , and/or indicate that the user likes the show  726  or dislikes the show  727  (e.g. for social media purposes or recommendation purposes). 
     If the user, for example selects the cast and crew button  719 , the UI may change to a celebrity extended information menu as depicted in  FIG. 8 . The celebrity extended information menu may provide a list of cast and crew in the selected program (indicated by box  802 ) for which more information is available (e.g. boxes  803 - 808 ). Preferably each box displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the actor, actress, or other person associated therewith. Upon selecting, for example, the actress associated with box  804 , the UI preferably provides information related to that actress as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The UI may display an information line  912  that may include, for example, the person&#39;s birthday  911 , name  913 , and birthplace  914 . The UI may also display another button bar  915  that includes buttons for the user to, for example, add the person as a favorite  916 , display the shows the person is in  917 , and/or display the movies the person is in  918 . 
       FIGS. 10-12  depict an embodiment of the UI navigation of a user continuing to obtain more information. For example, in  FIG. 10 , the user may choose to see what shows the actor selected in box  1009  is in by pressing the shows button  1017 . The UI preferably changes to depict the actor in box  1102  and the shows the actor is in (e.g. boxes  1103 - 1108 ), as depicted in  FIG. 11 . The user can then choose a show, for example  1109 , to find more information about and the UI will preferably change to the show information display as depicted in  FIG. 12 . From there, the user can choose to view the cast and crew of the show by selecting the cast and crew button  1216 , upon which, the UI will preferably change to the cast and crew display as depicted in  FIG. 13 . If the user selects a person, the UI will preferably change back to the actor information page depicted in  FIG. 10 . Preferably, the user can continue to find out more information about shows and people, as desired. The information may be stored locally in a database, be available over a network (e.g. the Internet), or be stored remotely in a database. 
       FIGS. 14-17  depict an embodiment of a user selecting the movie library option from the main menu. As depicted in  FIG. 14 , the user may select the movie library box  1404 . Once selected, the UI preferably changes to a first submenu associated with the movie library, as shown in  FIG. 15 . The user is preferably presented with a number of subcategory options (in this example, top movies (e.g. the highest rated movies)  1502 , my movies (e.g. the user&#39;s preferred movies)  1504 , genres  1504 , critic&#39;s choice  1505 , movies available on TV  1506 , movies available in theaters  1507 , a movie search option  1508 , and/or other options  309 ). Other options may include movie history (e.g. the channels the user has viewed in the past). Preferably each box of the second submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. Once the user chooses an option from the first submenu, the UI changes to a second submenu associated with the chosen option from the first submenu (in this example a genre submenu  1610 ), as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     Preferably the second submenu presents the user with another set of options. In the example depicted in  FIG. 16 , each option is associated with a different genre (e.g. action/adventure  1602 , animated  1603 , comedy  1604 , drama  1605 , documentary  1606 , horror  1607 , kids  1608 , and others  1609 ). Preferably as the user scrolls to the right or left more options appear and currently visible options disappear from view. Preferably each box of the second submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. Once the user chooses an option from the second submenu, the UI changes to a third submenu associated with the chosen option from the second submenu (in this example a comedy movie submenu  1714 ), as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Preferably the third submenu presents the user with another set of options. In the example depicted in  FIG. 17 , each option (e.g. boxes  1702 - 1709 ) is associated with a different movie available in the selected genre. Preferably as the user scrolls to the right or left more options appear and currently visible options disappear from view. Preferably each box of the third submenu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the option associated therewith. For example, each box may display a poster of the associated movie. Preferably, the third submenu also displays information related to a highlighted or focused box  1710 . The information may be displayed in a semi-transparent information line  1712  and include, for example, the star rating  1711 , title  1713 , duration  1715 , and parental rating  1716 . Once the user chooses an option from the third submenu, chosen movie is displayed in full screen  1701 . Preferably, the movies are available from multiple sources for example, on live TV, on demand, recorded movies, a database of movies, streaming movies, and/or other sources. 
       FIGS. 18-20  depict an embodiment of the UI navigation of a user obtaining more information about a movie. Preferably, the UI for viewing more information about a movie is similar to viewing more information about a live TV show depicted in  FIGS. 6-9 .  FIGS. 46-49  also depict an embodiment of the UI navigation of a user obtaining more information about movies. For example, in  FIG. 46 , a user may select a movie  4610  the user wants to find more information about. The UI preferably changes to a movie information screen shown in  FIG. 47 . If the user desires to find out information about another movie, the user can from, for example the play button (as depicted in  FIG. 47 ) to the list of boxes providing movie options (as depicted in  FIG. 48 ). The user can then scroll left or right to choose another movie to find out information about. For example, the user can choose the movie in highlighted box  4909  in  FIG. 49  to view information about. 
       FIGS. 22-25  depict an embodiment of a user selecting the show library option from the main menu. Preferably, the UI for viewing the show library is similar to viewing movie library depicted in  FIGS. 14-17 . Additionally, in the button bar, for example depicted in  FIG. 25 , there may also be a season option  2618  to find out information about a show&#39;s various seasons. While the show library may include live TV options, preferably it also includes options for streaming shows, recorded shows, on-demand shows, and shows from other sources. 
       FIGS. 26-29  depict an embodiment of the navigation of a user obtaining more information about a show.  FIG. 26  depicts an embodiment of a show information screen of the UI. The user may choose to view more information about the various seasons of a selected show (e.g. highlighted box  2609 ) by selecting the season button  2618 . Preferably upon selecting season button  2618 , the UI changes to the season menu  2710  depicted in  FIG. 27 . Season menu  2710  preferably has a first box  2702  indicating the chosen show and a plurality of additional boxes  2703 - 2708  for each season. While the example shown has at least six seasons, more or less seasons can be indicated. Preferably each box of the season menu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the season associated therewith. Additionally, there may be an information line  2712  that includes, for example, the season&#39;s star rating  2711 , the show&#39;s title  2713 , and the parental rating  2714 . Preferably, the user can choose a season to find out more information about.  FIGS. 69-71  depict another embodiment of navigation through the UI to obtain more information about a show. 
     Upon selecting a season from the season menu  2710 , preferably, the UI changes to an episode menu  2810 , for example, depicted in  FIG. 28 . Episode menu  2810  preferably has a first box  2802  indicating the chosen show and a plurality of additional boxes  2803 - 2808  for each episode. While the example shown has at least six episodes, more or less episodes can be indicated. Preferably each box of the episode menu displays a picture, video, and/or words related to the episode associated therewith. Additionally, there may be an information line  2712  that includes, for example, the episode&#39;s star rating  2711 , the show&#39;s title  2713 , the episode&#39;s duration  2815 , and the parental rating  2714 . Preferably, the user can choose an episode to find out more information about. Upon selecting an episode from the episode menu  2810 , preferably, the UI changes to an episode information menu, for example, depicted in  FIG. 29 , which is the similar UI page shown in  FIG. 25  but specific to the chosen episode. 
       FIGS. 30-33  depict an embodiment of the UI used to control a video. In  FIG. 30 , a user is able to choose a live TV show to watch, for example channel 131 in highlighted box  3015 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 30-33  show live TV the same controls are available for other types of media content. Once chosen, the currently broadcasted show is shown full screen  3101 , as depicted in  FIG. 31 , without any overlays. The user may be able to pause (as shown in  FIG. 32 ), fast forward (as shown in  FIG. 33 ), rewind, or otherwise control the play of the video. Preferably, when paused, a pause menu appears as an overlay on the full screen video. The pause menu may include, for example, an information line  3207  with the show&#39;s title  3208 ; a button layer with buttons, for example, for choosing audio controls  3209 , subtitles  3210 , to resume the show  3211 , to add the show to a watch list  3213 , to add the show to the user&#39;s favorites  3214 , and/or to like  3215  and dislike  3216  the show; and a progress bar line that may include a pause icon  3202 , the progress bar  3204  with the current position in the show indicated  3203 , and the time remaining in the show  3206 . For streaming videos, as depicted in  FIG. 58 , the progress bar may additionally show a buffer of available video  5817 . For example the system may continue to download the video stream while the video is paused. 
     Preferably, when the video playback is fast forwarded (or rewound), a fast forward menu appears as an overlay on the full screen video. The fast forward menu is similar to the pause menu with the icon  3302  indicating fast forward and the addition of a current time bar  3318  indicating the current time  3317  of the fast forwarding. Alternatively, the UI may depict thumbnails of the video during fast forwarding and rewinding, as depicted in  FIG. 57 . Frames  5702 - 5709  are preferably thumbnails of points in the video that can be fast forwarded or rewound to. Preferably, as the user continues to fast forward or rewind, frames that are off the screen come into view and frames on the screen disappear from view. 
       FIGS. 34 and 35  depict an embodiment of the navigation through the sports  3406  submenus. Once a user chooses to view the sports options from the main menu, as depicted in  FIG. 34 , the UI preferably changes to a sports submenu  3508 , as depicted in  FIG. 35 . The sports submenu preferably has one box  3502  indicating that the submenu is for sports programming and then a number of boxes ( 3503 - 3507 ) depicting the various types of sports available for viewing. Preferably, once a user chooses a type of sport, the UI will change to another submenu that shows the available games for viewing for the chosen sport. 
       FIGS. 36 and 37  depict an embodiment of the navigation through an extras  3709  submenu. Once a user chooses to view the extras options from the main menu, as depicted in  FIG. 37 , the UI preferably changes to an extras submenu  3610 , as depicted in  FIG. 36 . The extras submenu preferably has a number of boxes ( 3503 - 3509 ) depicting the various extras available for viewing. Extras may include, but are not limited to, various information provided from the Internet (e.g. weather  3602  and news), video on demand  3604 , music applications (e.g. internet radio  3605  and music videos  3606 ), other content  3607 , user history  3608 , settings  3609 , web browsing, games, and other applications. Preferably, once a user chooses an extra, the UI will change to another submenu that shows what is available for viewing for the chosen extra or will show the chosen extra full screen  3601 . 
       FIGS. 38-41  depict an embodiment of the navigation through the favorites  3808  submenus. Once a user chooses to view the favorites  3808  options from the main menu, as depicted in  FIG. 38 , the UI preferably changes to an favorites submenu  3910 , as depicted in  FIGS. 39 and 40 . The favorites submenu  3910  preferably has a first box  3902  that indicates the current user and several additional favorites options. For example, the favorites options may include, but are not limited to, the user&#39;s channels  3903 , the user&#39;s movies  3904  and  4003 , the user&#39;s shows  3905  and  4004 , the user&#39;s celebrities  3906  and  4005 , the user&#39;s watchlist  3907  and  4006 , recommendations from the user&#39;s friends or other people  3908  and  4007 , the user&#39;s DVR recorded shows  3909  and  4008 , and the user&#39;s history  4009 . Preferably the favorites are populated by selections made by the user while browsing the available media content. For example from selections of the favorite (as depicted in  FIG. 51 ) or watchlist (as depicted in  FIG. 53 ) buttons in the UI. Preferably the favorite and watchlist buttons can be found on the extended information pages of the UI, however the buttons may be on other pages, on the remote control, or otherwise located. Preferably, once a user chooses a favorite option, the UI will change to another submenu that shows what is available for viewing for the chosen favorite, for example the user&#39;s history as shown in  FIG. 41 . The history submenu preferably includes a history header that includes the “History” title  4111  and the user&#39;s name  4113 . The user may preferably be able to select various buttons in a button bar  4114 . For example, the user may select to see the schedule history  4155 , the shows history  4166 , the movies history  4117 , the celebrities history  4118 , or to clear the user&#39;s history  4119 . Depending on the button selected the UI preferably depicts boxes related to the user&#39;s history of the option chosen (shows in the example depicted in  FIG. 41 ). The UI may additionally include information about the history (e.g. a show&#39;s title  4121 ). Similarly, as depicted in  FIGS. 63 and 64 , if a user chooses to view their watchlist, a watchlist submenu will appear. Preferably, the user can view the various shows (via button  6416 ) and movies (via button  6417 ) that the user has saved to watch later, which preferably appear in boxes on the UI. Additionally, the user can choose to clear their watchlist via button  6418 . 
       FIGS. 42-45  depict an embodiment of navigation through the celebrities  4207  menus. Once a user chooses to view the celebrities  4207  options from the main menu, as depicted in  FIG. 42 , the UI preferably changes to a celebrities submenu  4308 , as depicted in  FIG. 43 . The celebrities submenu  4308  preferably has a number of celebrities related options. For example, the favorites options may include, but are not limited to, top celebrities  4302 , the user&#39;s favorite celebrities  4303 , award winners  4304 , celebrities in the news  4305 , a search option  4306 , and the user&#39;s history  4307 . Preferably, once a user chooses a celebrities option, the UI will change to another submenu that shows what is available for viewing for the chosen celebrities option, for example the a search option as shown in  FIG. 44 . The search submenu preferably includes a search bar  4405  that contains a search query  4402 , a search filed  4403  and a results number  4404 . Preferably, as a user enters search terms, the system automatically guesses the search that the user wishes to perform, as shown in  FIG. 45 . The system may offer options to select as the user types or provide search results based on the letters entered. For example, as shown in  FIG. 45 , the UI may display a number of boxes  4502 - 4508  that have the same letters (“JULIA” as depicted in the figure) as the search terms. The boxes may show pictures, videos, and/or text related to celebrities that match the search terms. There may also be a bar  4511  that displays the celebrity&#39;s name  4512  of the highlighted search result  4509 . The user may preferably be able to select various buttons in a button bar  4411 . For example, the user may select to search the schedule of shows  4406 , shows  4407 , movies  4408 , celebrities  4409 , and the user&#39;s history  4410 . 
     Preferably, from the full screen viewing, as depicted in  FIG. 59 , the user can choose to obtain information about the currently showing video, for example, by pressing a button on the remote control. Upon selecting to see information about the video, the UI preferably presents the information as an overlay on the video as shown in  FIG. 60 , for example. Additionally, from the full screen view, the user can choose to change a channel (e.g. by pressing a button on the remote control). As the user changes channels, the UI preferably presents the user with information about the new channel as depicted in  FIGS. 61 and 62 . 
       FIGS. 65-68  depict an embodiment of the navigation of using an interactive option of the system. From the full screen video displayed in  FIG. 65 , the video may have an interactive icon  6602  as depicted in  FIG. 66  alerting the viewer that the show, advertisement, or other video has an interactive aspect to it. The user can choose to interact with the video, for example by pressing an associated button on the remote control. Once the user chooses to interact with the video, an interactive layer  6703  may appear over the video as depicted, for example, in  FIG. 67 . The interactive layer  6703  may, for example, have an offer  6702 , a coupon button  6704 , and a buy button  6705 . If the user chooses to get the offer, the UI may display a confirmation  6802 , as depicted in  FIG. 68 . 
       FIG. 80  depict an embodiment of the system. Preferably, the system comprises a content processing platform  8000 , a user experience platform  8001 , an audience measurement platform  8002 , an advertisement processing platform  8003 , and an operation support system (OSS) and business support system (BSS) platform  8004 . The content processing platform  8000  preferably includes live TV encoding and transcoding  8010 , VOD transcoding  8011 , a catch-up cloud recording  8012 , a cloud video recording  8013 , a content management  8014 , a DRM (digital rights management) processors  8015 , a cloud resource manager  8016 , and a CDN (content delivery network) resource manager  8017 . The experience platform  8001  preferably includes a live TV schedule processor  8020 , a VOD metadata processor  8021 , a recommendation processor  8022 , a content search processor  8023 , a personalization processor  8024 . The audience measurement platform  8002  preferably includes an audience panels manager  8031 , an audience data aggregation module  8032 , an AMS (audience measurement system) data reporting module  8033 , a data mining and refinement module  8034 , a 3 rd  parties data importer  8035 , and an audience profile manager  8036 . The advertisement processing platform  8003  preferably includes a VOD campaign manager  8041 , a live TV campaign manager  8042 , an UX (user experience) ad campaign designer  8043 , an ad asset transcoding module  8044 , an ad inserter (ADS)  8045 , a fulfillment processor  8046 , and a measurement and reporting module  8047 . Preferably the OSS/BSS platform  8004  includes a user activation manager  8051 , a billing processor  8052 , a CRM (consumer relationship management) module  8053 , a diagnostics module  8054 , a QoE (quality of experience) monitoring module  8055 , a hardware management and provisioning module  8056 , and a customers (SMS) module  8057 . 
     Each of the content processing platform  800 , user experience platform  8062 , audience measurement platform  8002 , advertisement processing platform  8064 , and OSS/BSS platform are in two way communication with a CDN and cloud service module  8066 . Preferably the UI  8077  receives secure downloads  8071  from the CDN and cloud services module  8066  and is in two way communication with the CDN and cloud services module  8066  for ABR (adaptive bit rate) streaming  8072 , DRM keys  8073 , UX platform metadata  8074 , audience measurement data  8075 , and CPE (consumer premises equipment) provisioning data  8076 . 
       FIG. 81  depicts preferred embodiments of a computing device ( 8102  or  8103 ) of the current invention and a corresponding input device  8100  and  8101 . In the preferred embodiment the computing device is a streaming media device. Embodiments of the basic hardware components of the computing device can be found in  FIGS. 82 and 83  and an embodiment of the basic software components of the computing device can be found in  FIG. 84 . The device preferably includes a power converter. For example, the power converter may convert from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Preferably, the power converter accepts  120  volts at  60  hertz; however the power converter may be adapted to another standard international voltage. The power converter preferably includes blades to mate with an electrical outlet. Additionally, as described herein, the blades may provide for heat dissipation. The power converter is preferably polarized and may include a grounding blade. Additionally, the power converter may be adapted to be used in another standard international outlet. 
     The power converter is used to supply power to the remaining components of the streaming media device. The streaming media device further includes an integrated circuit (i.e. a system on a chip (SoC)). The SoC integrates multiple components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency functions all on a single chip substrate. The SoC preferably incorporates a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory, dynamic random access memory (RAM) and flash memory, to the SoC. The system bus may be one of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using one of a variety of bus architectures. A basic input/output (BIOS) stored in flash memory or the like, may provide the basic routine that helps to transfer information between elements within the computing device, such as during start-up. The drives and the associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computing device. The basic components are known to those of skill in the art and appropriate variations are contemplated. 
     Although the exemplary environment described herein employs flash memory, it is appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, hard drives, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM), a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment. 
     The computing device preferably further includes a networking device. The networking device is able to connect to, for example, the Internet, one or more Local Area Networks (“LANs”), one or more Metropolitan Area Networks (“MANs”), one or more Wide Area Networks (“WANs”), one or more Intranets, etc. Preferably the networking device is a Bluetooth device, other networking devices can be used. The networking device may be capable of connecting to wireless Bluetooth devices (e.g. a keyboard or a mouse). A second networking device may be a wireless networking device (e.g. Wi-Fi), however hard wired networks can be coupled to networking device  106  (e.g. eathernet). The networking device may also connect to distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     To enable user interaction with computing device  8102  or  8103 , there is an input receiving device  8100  and  8101 . Input receiving device  8100  and  8101  can receive input from a number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, RJ- 45 , USB, and so forth. In some instances, multimodal systems enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device. There is no restriction on the invention operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed. 
     The computing device further preferably includes at least one output port. The output port connects the computing device to a TV, speaker, projector, or other audio visual device. Preferably, the output port is a HDMI port, optical audio port, serial port, USB port, networking port, s-video port, coaxial cable port, composite video, composite audio, and/or VGA port. In preferred embodiments, the computing device may also include additional auxiliary components (e.g. power management devices or digital audio convertors). 
     This invention offers systems and methods for effective ad targeting and content recommending enabled by increased accuracy, speed, and number of viewer identifications. This invention identifies viewers by combining and processing passively obtained viewer behaviometrics measurement data with data from an Audience Measurement System (AMS). 
     Passively obtained behaviometrics measurement data is preferably collected by a remote control. The passively obtained behaviometrics measurement data can include, but is not limited to, changes in spatial positioning of the remote control, motion of the remote control, force with which the viewer pressed keys (such force can be collected by force sensors embedded into the remote control buttons), viewer&#39;s fingerprint recognition (e.g. from an optical, ultrasonic, or capacitance sensor embedded into one or more of the remote control buttons), or a viewer&#39;s spatial positioning and motion (e.g. obtained by one or more proximity sensors or a low resolution optical sensor embedded into a television, set top box, or other viewer facing device). The behaviometrics measurement data is obtained passively, without a viewer actively providing the behaviometrics measurement data or entering information. For example, the viewer does not have to actively and consciously swipe their finger over a fingerprint reader, type in a user identifier, or provide a voice sample. 
     The behaviometrics measurement data is preferably combined with a viewer&#39;s AMS data which comprises content, ad, and product consumption data as well as any product ordering data. For example, the AMS can collect data on what viewer consumed or ordered the content (e.g. correlated to content, ad, or product unique identifier), when the viewer consumed or ordered the content (e.g. by logging a timestamp of a beginning of the content consumption, the content&#39;s duration, and logging a timestamp and duration of an ordered product), actions taken by the viewer (e.g. volume up or down, mute, fast forward, pause, or other key presses related to product placement, product promotions, or product purchases). 
     Combining the behaviometrics measurement data with data from the AMS via known data mining and data processing algorithms provides substantially improved accuracy, speed, and number of positive viewer identifications over existing systems. The instant system is preferably able to more effectively generate ad revenue from targeted ad placement, affiliated fees received from product related transactions, and sales of premium content over existing systems. 
     While the examples provided herein are for TV viewing systems, the invention is also applicable to other video and audio applications, including, but not limited to, video viewing on PCs, tablets, smart phones, game consoles, radio receivers, MP 3  players, and other streaming and linear programming devices. 
     Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk database, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM), a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment. 
     For clarity of explanation, the illustrative system embodiment is presented as comprising individual functional blocks (including functional blocks labeled as a “processor”). The functions these blocks represent may be provided through the use of either shared or dedicated hardware, including, but not limited to, hardware capable of executing software. For example the functions of one or more processors may be provided by a single shared processor or multiple processors. (Use of the term “processor” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software.) Illustrative embodiments may comprise microprocessor and/or digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software performing the operations discussed below, and random access memory (RAM) for storing results. Very large scale integration (VLSI) hardware embodiments, as well as custom VLSI circuitry in combination with a general purpose DSP circuit, may also be provided. 
     Embodiments within the scope of the present invention may also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the computer-readable media. 
     Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions also include program modules that are executed by computers in stand-alone or network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Networks may include the Internet, one or more Local Area Networks (“LANs”), one or more Metropolitan Area Networks (“MANs”), one or more Wide Area Networks (“WANs”), one or more Intranets, etc. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”