Switching between an arm's length user interface and a distance user interface

Abstract

A new user interface, a distance user interface, in a computer system for operating a computer from a television-viewing distance is provided. A centralized display is provided enabling a user to access streaming video and sound as well as music files, video files, and picture files from a single screen. Collaborative sharing of media content is provided by enabling a computer's operations and feedback to be collectively observed from a distance.

1 . One or more computer readable media having computer-useable instructions embodied thereon for performing a method of switching between an arm's-length user interface and a distance user interface, the method comprising: 
 presenting a first user interface optimized to operate a computer from an arm's-length distance; and    presenting a distance user interface optimized for operating the computer from a television-viewing distance.    
   
   
       2 . The media of  claim 1 , wherein presenting a distance user interface includes presenting a first plurality of selectable links readable from a television-viewing distance.  
   
   
       3 . The media of  claim 2 , wherein presenting first a plurality of selectable links includes presenting corresponding functional identifiers discernable from said television viewing distance and correlated to a function to be performed by following each of said selectable links.  
   
   
       4 . The media of  claim 3 , wherein the first plurality of selectable links comprises at least one selected from the group of presenting a television program, playing an audio track, displaying a video recording, and displaying a picture.  
   
   
       5 . One or more computer readable media having computer-useable instructions embodied thereon for performing a method of switching between an arm's-length user interface and a distance user interface, the method comprising: 
 presenting a first user interface, said first user interface designed to facilitate operating a computer at an arm's-length distance;    receiving a command to transition from said first user interface to a second user interface; and    incident to receiving said command, presenting a second user interface, said second user interface designed facilitate operating the same computer from a television-viewing distance.    
   
   
       6 . The media of  claim 5 , wherein said receiving a command includes receiving a command from a remote-control device.