Patent ID: 8438147

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for searching for media content, comprising: receiving, by a processor and from a user, a user profile which identifies preferred media distribution sources which are of a plurality of media distribution source types; receiving, by the processor, a search request from a user including at least one search criteria; searching, by a processor, the preferred media distribution sources for media content based on the at least one search criteria and the user profile, wherein the searching includes searching based on the identification of the preferred media distribution sources of the user profile; if the searching returns results: generating, by the processor and from the results of the searching, a schedule including scheduling information regarding the media content of the returned results; and displaying the schedule to the user; and if the searching does not return any results: periodically searching, by the processor, the plurality of media distribution source types for media content, the periodic searching being unconstrained by at least one of the at least one search criteria, the user profile, and the identification of the preferred media distribution sources of the user profile; and responsive to a return of results by the periodic searching: generating, by the processor and from the results of the periodic searching, the schedule; and displaying the schedule to the user.