Menuing system for controlling content delivery within a video distribution system

Abstract

A menuing system for a video distribution system provides an interactive display to allow a user to select and control the delivery of program material. A central host computer processes initial request for service from users and maintains a database of currently available program materials and other system resources. In response to a user's request for service, the central host computer assigns one of a plurality of assignable computing devices (ACDs) to communicate with the user. The ACD reads the database and presents an interactive menu to the user on the user's audiovisual display monitor. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) the user may then respond to the menu by selecting an item for viewing. The menuing system may have a number of levels that the user may parse through to allow the user to select desired program material. Upon selection by the user, the ACD passes the request on for further programming.

1 . A method of presenting an audiovisual signal to a user's audiovisual display monitor comprising:
 receiving a command from the user;   responding to the command by assigning an assignable computing device (ACD) to the user;   establishing a communications link between the user's audiovisual display monitor and the ACD;   presenting a menu containing a selection of video programs to the user's audiovisual display monitor with the ACD;   selecting one of the video programs for display; and   routing said selected video program to the user's audiovisual display monitor.