Method and apparatus for real-time IPTV channel searching and switching

摘要

With regard to the exemplary method, a first communication is received from an IPTV subscriber at an IPTV application server via the subscriber's Web-accessible device. The server accesses level of service data for the subscriber and displays a new Web page based on the level of service data. The Web page includes a list of applicable channels. The server also determines whether the subscriber has a set-top box that is powered on. Where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered off, data received from the subscriber is saved in the database. Where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered on, the subscriber is allowed to perform a switching function for each applicable and currently viewable channel on a search result list. Finally, a signal to the set-top box to change the channel.

主权项

1. A method of providing real-time channel searching and switching for IPTV, the method comprising:
receiving a first communication from an IPTV subscriber at an IPTV application server upon the subscriber logging in to the server via the subscriber's Web-accessible device; communicating with a subscriber database to access level of service data for the subscriber; displaying a new Web page for the subscriber based on the level of service data, wherein the Web page includes a list of applicable channels based on a keyword search typed by the subscriber via the subscriber's web-accessible device; determining whether the subscriber has a set-top box that is powered on; where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered off, saving data received from the subscriber in the database; where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered on, allowing the subscriber to perform a switching function for each applicable and currently viewable channel on a search result list; and sending a signal to the set-top box to change the channel.