Method and apparatus for automated bidding and advertisement placement on a set-top box

摘要

Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a plurality of values from a plurality of entities, each value of the plurality of values associated with a user-selectable portion of a menu including at least two menu options to be displayed in association with one or more program content items, and each value of the plurality of values further associated with a respective informational item specified by the entity from which the value is received; ranking the plurality of values to select a particular value for the user-selectable portion of the menu, the particular value associated with a particular informational item; in response to a multimedia device displaying the menu, causing the multimedia device to display information based on the particular informational item at the user-selectable portion of the menu; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.