SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORGANIZING GROUP CONTENT PRESENTATIONS AND GROUP COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE SAME

摘要

A system and method are provided that allow the presentation of content to multiple users while some or all of the users communicate with one another through a network. In some embodiments, a content item such as a movie is viewed synchronously by multiple users while the users interact through, e.g., instant messaging. A viewing event may be arranged with users receiving invitations, responding to the invitations, and receiving reminders about the viewing event. The viewing event allows for contests to be conducted between the users. The users may be charged fees to participate in the viewing event. Items for sale may be offered to the users, such as a copy of the content item.

主权项

1. A method of conducting a viewing event of a content item for a prearranged group of participants and for providing communications therebetween, comprising:
a. receiving identification information about at least two potential participants of a group for a viewing event, each potential participant having a system for playing back the viewing event; b. transmitting an invitation to the at least two potential participants to join the group for the viewing event; c. receiving responses from one or more of the potential participants; and d. if the response is to accept the invitation to join the group, then enrolling the corresponding potential participant in the group of participants, and determining if the corresponding participant's system has a viewing event application disposed thereon, and if the corresponding participant's system does not have a viewing event application disposed thereon, then downloading a copy of the viewing event application to the participant's system; e. wherein the identification information includes at least information corresponding to the setup of a chat channel for the participant to the group.