Internet television program guide system

Abstract

An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for displaying program information using an Internet guidance application, comprising:
 receiving an indication of a user's interest in a program; and   displaying a screen that comprises information exclusively related to the program, wherein the information comprises title, actor, and program description information.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the information comprises at least one of director, content, genre, and year of release information. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving an e-mail address provided by the user via a registration web page of the Internet guidance application. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the screen is a web page accessed over the Internet. 
     
     
         6 . A system for displaying program information using an Internet guidance application, comprising a processor and a display, the processor operative to:
 receive an indication of a user's interest in a program; and   direct the display to display a screen that comprises information exclusively related to the program, wherein the information comprises title, actor, and program description information.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the information comprises at least one of director, content, genre, and year of release information. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the processor is further operative to receive an e-mail address provided by the user via a registration web page of the Internet guidance application. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the screen is a web page accessed over the Internet.