METHODS AND APPARATUS THAT SUPPORT EASY ACCESS AND BROWSING OF PROGRAM AND CHANNEL LISTINGS IN A PROGRAM GUIDE

摘要

Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by presenting an automatically appearing and automatically scrolling program guide are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use with remote control devices with limited numbers of input buttons, e.g., under five buttons, but can be used with remote controls with more buttons. The program guide can be used to allow access to a grid guide to users of hospital remotes or other remotes with limited input keys, e.g., an up down arrow and/or a power button. The method in some embodiments uses time spent on a channel in combination with user selection of an input key to determine an action to be taken, e.g., enter or display the program grid guide and/or select a channel and/or corresponding program being displayed in the grid guide.

主权项

1. A method of operating a device to implement a program guide, comprising:
monitoring a dwell time on a channel; determining, in said user device, if the dwell time exceeds a predetermined dwell time threshold used to enable program guide presentation; and when the dwell time exceeds the predetermined dwell time threshold, automatically displaying a program guide in response to a user channel change selection.