Patent ID: 8369498

Claim:
A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus coupled to the memory, network interface and video apparatus, and arranged to execute the communication client application; wherein the client application is configured so as when executed to allow a local user of the media appliance to participate in bidirectional communication sessions with other remote users via the network interface and packet-based network; the client application is further configured so as when executed: to receive an invitation signal from a remote user terminal over the packet-based network, the received invitation signal comprising a trigger condition specifying a future event for triggering participation of the media appliance in a proposed one of said communication sessions with said remote user terminal; to monitor the received trigger condition at said media appliance; and to join the proposed session in dependence on an occurrence of said event; and a control device configured to allow a user to control the output of signals from the video apparatus to the television screen, thereby selecting a viewing activity; and wherein said media appliance is configured to recognize a delineation event comprising a delineation in the viewing activity, and the client application is configured to detect an occurrence of the delineation in said viewing activity and to join a proposed session in dependence of said detection.