Single access method for multiple media sources

摘要

Method and systems for searching for media instances of interest to a user are described. User input specifying criteria for content is received and parameters are defined based on the user input. A plurality of databases are searched for media instances meeting the defined parameters, wherein the plurality of databases includes at least one database containing broadcast television content information and at least one database containing non-broadcast television content information. Information about the media instances meeting the defined parameters is retrieved from the plurality of databases. The retrieved information is provided to the user.

主权项

1. A method for searching for media of interest to a user, comprising:
using a computer to perform a sequence comprising the steps of: retrieving a plurality of lists of media instances that are of interest to a plurality of users in a group; determining from the lists media instances that are of interest to all members of the group; displaying information about the media instances that are of interest to all the members of the group; finding groups of reviews of media instances where each media instance is assigned a review, wherein the media instances are grouped according to a reviewer who assigned the review to the media instance; selecting a group of reviews according to the reviews in the group and information known about the user's media interests; and selecting a media instance from the selected group that is potentially of interest to the user, wherein the selected media instance is assigned a favorable review by the reviewer.