INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM THAT SERVES AS A PORTAL

摘要

A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program applicatio n interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications . Non-program-guide applications may be launched by the program guide application. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. The program guide application may run in the background while a non-program-guide application operates. While the non-program-guide application operates, the program guide may check for events that require immediate attention. When such an event is detected, operation of the non- program-guide application may be suspended and the user may be asked whether the detected event should take place or whether operation of the non-program - guide application should be resumed.