Series recording options using an interactive television program guide

Abstract

An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders / recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders / recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders / recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders / recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 088,888 filed Jun. 11, 1998.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to interactive television program guides, and more particularly, to interactive television program guides with program series reminder and recording capabilities. [0003] Cable, satellite, and broadcast television systems provide viewers with a large number of television channels. Viewers have traditionally consulted printed television program schedules to determine the programs being broadcast at a particular time. More recently, interactive television program guides have been developed that allow television program information to be displayed on a viewer's television. [0004] Interactive program guides are typically implemented on set-top boxes. Such program guides allow users to view television program listings in different display formats. For example, a user may instruct the program guide to display a grid or table...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an interactive television program guide with series reminder and recording capabilities. The program guide data is transmitted from a main facility to multiple television distribution facilities through communication links. The user television equipment includes a set-top box and a videocassette recorder. The program guide data includes television program listings data, which includes information about television programs such as program times, channels, and ratings. The user can interact with the program guide by entering commands using a remote control. The system sends a reminder message to the user before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of a program series or initiates recording of the program. The user can also view a list of all currently requested program reminders and recordings. The system automatically updates the lists when broadcast schedule information changes. The technical effects of the invention include improved user experience, efficient data transmission, and effective advertising."

Problems solved by technology

If the program airs at a different channel or time, or if the user wishes to change the scheduled time or channel of recording, the programs in the series may not be recorded properly.

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