Dynamic Initial Program Display Table for Set-Top Box Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing television reception systems automatically tune to the last viewed or default channel upon power-up, limiting service providers' ability to influence subscribers' initial viewing habits and miss opportunities for revenue and promotion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a service provider broadcasts and selects an initial program for display on a subscriber's device, using an Initial Program Display Table to rank programs by priority, ensuring the highest ranked program is displayed upon power-up, allowing service providers to promote specific content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receiver automatically tunes to the last viewed or default channel upon power-up, then the ease of operation is improved, but the service provider's ability to influence viewing habits and generate revenue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the initial channel based on time of day, day of week, and programmed promotions rather than using a static default channel. The service provider can update promotion schedules and channel selections remotely, making the system adaptable to different viewing patterns and marketing campaigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The service provider pre-programs promotion schedules and initial channel selections in advance, so that when the receiver powers up, it automatically displays the predetermined promotional content without requiring real-time user input or provider intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the receiver always returns to the same default channel upon power-up, then the stability of the system is improved, but the service provider's promotional opportunities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The default channel is transformed from a static setting to a dynamic value that changes based on programmed promotions, time, and day. This allows the system to maintain stability in its automatic tuning behavior while changing the actual channel content to maximize promotional visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the channel parameter dynamically based on time-of-day, day-of-week, and promotion schedules. This allows the same receiver to display different promotional content at different times while maintaining consistent automatic tuning behavior.
3Productivity
If the service provider wants to influence subscribers' initial viewing habits, then the promotional opportunities are improved, but the subscriber's自主选择权 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies promotional channel selection only during specific time periods and for specific promotions, rather than forcing a single default channel at all times. This partial application of provider-controlled channel selection balances promotional effectiveness with subscriber freedom during other periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The promotional channel display occurs periodically according to programmed schedules rather than continuously. This allows subscribers to experience provider-influenced content during promotion windows while maintaining full channel selection freedom during non-promotion periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel electronic program guide (EPG) based method and system for the distribution and display of programs enables the system service provider to determine which program a subscriber will initially see upon power-up of the subscriber's television receiver. The service provider maintains one or more Initial Program Display Tables that list information about programs to be displayed upon power-up of subscribers' receivers, from highest to least priority. The Initial Program Display Table or Tables are periodically transmitted to all subscribers and stored by the subscribers' set-top boxes. Upon power-up of a subscriber's receiver, the set-top box will attempt to cause the receiver to immediately display the highest ranked program from the Initial Program Display Table. The service provider controls which programs are displayed upon initial power-up and the ranking of programs in the case where there is difficulty displaying the highest ranked program.