TV Program Format Availability Notification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viewers are often unaware of alternative formats for television programming, such as high definition, and may miss segments of programs due to starting after they have begun, limiting their viewing options.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that automatically display messages on a user's television indicating availability of programs in different formats on other channels, allowing users to switch or purchase these formats, including converting programs to higher definitions on the same channel if requested.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If viewers watch television programming on a television channel, then they can view the program, but they may be unaware of alternative formats available on other channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to viewers by displaying messages on the television screen informing them that the program is available in alternative formats on other channels. This feedback mechanism increases viewer awareness without requiring active searching, resolving the contradiction between information loss and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the viewer and the alternative format programming. By automatically displaying information about available formats through the existing television interface, it mediates the connection between what the viewer is watching and what other options are available, making both awareness and access easier.
2Ease of operation
If viewers start watching a program after it has already begun, then they can still view the program, but they are unable to view the beginning segment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing viewers with advance information about program availability on other channels before they decide when to watch. This allows viewers to plan their viewing to capture the beginning segments they might otherwise miss, while still maintaining flexibility to start at any time.
3Loss of information
If the system automatically displays messages about alternative formats, then viewer awareness is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the existing television display and communication infrastructure to provide format information. Rather than adding separate complex hardware, the system leverages the universal television interface to deliver multiple functions (programming information, format options, and viewing guidance), thereby enhancing awareness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to the present disclosure comprises displaying a program in a first format on a first television channel to a user and automatically displaying a message to the user indicating that the program is available in a second format on a second television channel. The message may be displayed on the first television channel while the program in the first format is being displayed. Additionally, the automatic displaying of the message may be unprompted by the user. In certain embodiments, the user may be provided the option to purchase the program in the second format if the second format is not within the user's subscription.