In one embodiment, a method of generating an electronic program guide for a user of an entertainment system is disclosed. The method includes retrieving, by a user computer in communication with the entertainment system, preference criteria corresponding to one or more user preferences describing payment requirements. The user computer receives a plurality of content listings, each content listing comprising a content title, an indication of a content source, and a payment requirement, and a search query including a content title. The user computer also identifies a subset of the plurality of content listings based on content title and the search query, and ranks each content listing in the subset based on a comparison of the preference criteria and the payment requirement of each content listing in the subset. A content entry in the electronic program guide is created comprising each content listing in the subset in ranked order.

Embodiments are provided for replacing media items in a queue of a playback device. An example implementation involves receiving, at the playback device, first data indicating an addition of a first media item to a queue. The playback device determines that the first media item is no longer accessible to the playback device at a later second time. The playback device initiates a query for a media item similar to the first media item and receives second data indicating that a second media item has replaced the first media item in the queue, the second media item being similar to the first media item. In response, the playback device initiates playback of the second media item on the playback device.

Videos are to be displayed in parallel, without missing information or a decrease in efficiency in the usable display region.

The aspect ratio of the large screen of an information processing apparatus 100 is 16:9, which is compatible with a Hi-Vision video. In a case where the large screen is used in a portrait layout, if the large screen is divided into three small screens in the vertical direction, the aspect ratio of the small screens after the dividing is 9:16/3=16:9.48. With respect to the original video content at 16:9, the ratio in inches is 9/16=56.25% (the area ratio is (9/16).sup.2=31.64%). Accordingly, the usable display region can be efficiently used.

Program information is transmitted and received via a communication line, and a scheduling operation can be performed based on the program information via the communication line. For that purpose, a communication system includes a receiving apparatus, a server, and an information processing apparatus which are configured to transmit data to and receive data from one another via the communication line. The information processing apparatus includes an EPG requester and a display EPG receiver. The server includes an EPG request receiver, an EPG request transmitter, an EPG receiver, an EPG converter, and a display EPG transmitter. The receiving apparatus includes an EPG obtainer, an EPG request acceptor, an EPG extractor, and an EPG transmitter.

A client determines that a user is attempting to access media program recommendations. In response to the determination, the client attempts to collect media program recommendations to be presented to the user. Media program recommendations may be derived locally by the client, by the client and a multimedia device locally connected with the client, by the client and one or more additional devices, etc. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a query from the client, one or more recipient devices or servers identify media program recommendations in a plurality of trending categories. The media program recommendations may be selected based at least in part on EPG data and audience research and measurement data. The media program recommendations collected by the client are presented to the user for further exploration. The client may be one of mobile phones, tablet computers, etc.

An interactive user interface (AW) of an interactive application is provided simultaneously with a programme display (P) within a display area of a television receiver, wherein a proportion of the display area occupied by the interactive user interface (AW) increases in response to user interaction with the interactive user interface (AW).

An interactive user interface (AW) of an interactive application is provided simultaneously with a programme display (P) within a display area of a television receiver, wherein a proportion of the display area occupied by the interactive user interface (AW) increases in response to user interaction with the interactive user interface (AW).

Processes, systems and devices are described to enhance the television or other media viewing experience based upon excitement data that is associated with the program. Excitement data can be used to identify the most exciting portions of media programs, therefore allowing for improved identification of programs or portions of programs for viewing, streaming, recording or other purposes.

Methods, systems, and media for navigating a user interface are provided. In some embodiments, a method for navigating a user interface is provided, the method comprising: causing a user interface to be presented including a plurality of media identifier elements corresponding to media assets; causing the plurality of media identifier elements to be arranged along a first direction of the user interface; selecting a first media asset associated with a first media identifier element for presentation; identifying related media assets in response to selection of the first media asset; causing the first media asset to be presented in a first portion of the user interface; and causing related media identifier elements to be presented in a second portion of the user interface aligned with the first portion along the first direction.

Methods, systems, and media for navigating a user interface are provided. In some embodiments, a method for navigating a user interface is provided, the method comprising: causing a user interface to be presented including a plurality of media identifier elements corresponding to media assets; causing the plurality of media identifier elements to be arranged along a first direction of the user interface; selecting a first media asset associated with a first media identifier element for presentation; identifying related media assets in response to selection of the first media asset; causing the first media asset to be presented in a first portion of the user interface; and causing related media identifier elements to be presented in a second portion of the user interface aligned with the first portion along the first direction.