Patent ID: 7774384

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising: querying a database associated with a content provider based on a search query received at a set-top box device, wherein the database includes a plurality of entries, each entry corresponding to a content item and each entry having an associated field to indicate an availability of the content item from the content provider; providing a list of content items, wherein the list of content items includes a first entry associated with a first content item; when the first content item is unavailable from the content provider: providing a media preview of the first content item in response to a selection of the first entry; including a first user feedback control in the list of content items, wherein the first user feedback control is associated with the first content item and wherein the first user feedback control is configured to receive a request that the content provider make the first content item available; and prompting a user to submit the request via the first user feedback control; automatically determining to acquire rights to provide access to the first content item based at least in part on a frequency of inclusion of the first content item in search queries and feedback obtained from the first user feedback control and associated with the first content item; and automatically making the first content item available based on the determining.