TRICK PLAY OF STREAMING MEDIA

摘要

Trick play modes for streaming media programs are facilitated using techniques in a data processor that enable simulated fast forward and rewind motion through a streaming media file without requiring the processor to download, buffer, and display all parts of the media file that exist between a user's current viewing position and another position that is earlier or later in the program. Instead, separate still images generated for the program are successively displayed. Further, the still images may be prepared and stored in advance of the time of playing the streaming media file, and delivered to the playback device at the time that a program is selected for viewing. Similar techniques are described for other aspects of a user interface in a video display, such as for selecting programs from among a library of audiovisual programs and selecting episodes of a series audiovisual program.