Methods and systems for constructing and editing electronic program guide lineups

Abstract

Various embodiments provide accurate EPG lineup construction and PVR scheduling for users, regardless of their geographic location. In accordance with the described embodiments, the guide retrieves and aggregates data from multiple available sources, particularly in-band scanning and EPG metadata download. Services are then identified and sorted into logically equivalent groups. Once the services are grouped, in accordance with one embodiment, an analysis is conducted the outcome of which is directed to selecting which services to use for tuning and which services to use for scheduling on a given channel / preset. In addition, various embodiments can, in an automated fashion, assign services to presets / channels, as well as provide a user interface and methods for editing a lineup, modifying tuning information and personalizing presets / channels.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for constructing sequences, such as television programs, such as those used in the context of entertainment systems that allow users to watch and record the programmes. Background technique [0002] A sequence can be thought of as a list of broadcast services and a total of tuning information that allows a user to tune to that service. A service references producers of broadcast program content distributed by service providers. Examples of services include HBO, CNN, and BBC, just to name a few. These services also include single audio and data services. Along with the services, cataloging information that references program titles, show times, and other data associated with individual programs can be associated to provide an electronic program guide (EPG), or simply a "guide," which typically begins with the line The form of a table with columns and columns is presented visually to the user. When...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For its part, where the guide provider does not have the appropriate tuning space information, the user cannot tune the program to the associated media or pre-scheduled recording

[0007] All of these special circumstances, like others, pose challenges not only to those who expect to provide viewing-related products and services to users, but also to those who expect to consume these products and services.

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