SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING INTERACTIVE CONTENT VIA SYNTHETIC CHANNELS

摘要

Systems and methods for delivering interactive content to viewers via the utilization of synthetic channels mimicking traditional television "broadcast" cable channels. Interactive television viewers may access and interact with the variety of interactive content provided by selecting a synthetic channel that displays, on the screen of the viewer's television set (12) or other display device, the start or home page of particular application, Internet site, or other content page with which the user may interact. The synthetic channels may be administered by a cable provider, and communicated to the viewer via an electronic programming guide, which may also contain a traditional cable "channel lineup". The synthetic channels may be selected from the electronic programming guide in the same manner as if the viewer was selecting a broadcast cable channel.