| 摘要 |
A novel electronic program guide (EPG) and its associated method allows a viewer/user to navigate through a multitude of programs and locate a program or programs of interest using three contemporaneously available, distinct modes of operation which depend on the degree to which the viewer/user is decided regarding programs to view or reproduce. In the first mode of operation, ideal for completely undecided viewers/users, the EPG recommends programs based upon a compiled user profile, or based upon the desire of a service provider. In the second mode of operation, ideal for partially decided viewers/users, the viewer/user inputs criteria information such as the genre, program content rating, or program length, and the EPG makes program recommendations using the criteria information. In the third mode of operation, ideal for viewers/users who have a definite program in mind, the viewer/user inputs program identity information, and the EPG locates the identified programs and makes them available for viewing or reproduction. Separate areas of the display screen are devoted to (and appropriately highlighted) inputting or displaying program information associated with the modes of operation. Recommendations can be generated in exchange for monetary consideration ("sponsored recommendations") and the system can be configured to preferentially direct the viewer to particular programming, in an imperceptible manner ("imperceptible bias").
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