Method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences

Abstract

A method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences includes accessing a user-definable preferences list that identifies a plurality of channels from a plurality of different sources. One of the plurality of identified channels is selected for provision to a user.

1 .- 33 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . A method of selecting a list of favorite channels at an entertainment system comprising:
 receiving a user request for selecting a list at the entertainment system;   searching a set of stored lists, the lists identifying a plurality of favorite channels from among a service provider's available channels;   displaying a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user;   receiving a selection of a displayed list from the user at the entertainment system;   displaying the selected list; and   navigating through the favorite channels of the selected list by tuning to subsequent channels in response to interaction with a button on a remote control.   
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein displaying a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user comprises displaying a descriptor identifying a list associated with the identity of the user. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising receiving a request to modify the selected list. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising displaying prompts to add and remove favorite channels from the selected list. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the favorite channels comprise digital cable channels. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the favorite channels comprise satellite television channels. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the favorite channels comprise digital broadcast channels. 
   
   
       41 . An entertainment system comprising:
 a display;   a remote control; and   a set-top box, the set-top box to:
 receive a user request for selecting a list at the entertainment system, 
 search a set of stored lists, the lists identifying a plurality of favorite channels from among a service provider's available channels, 
 display a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user, 
 receive a selection of a displayed list from the user at the entertainment system, 
 display the selected list, and 
 navigate through the favorite channels of the selected list by tuning to subsequent channels in response to interaction with a button on the remote control. 
   
   
   
       42 . The entertainment system of  claim 41 , wherein the set-top box to display a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user comprises the set-top box to display a descriptor identifying a list associated with the identity of the user. 
   
   
       43 . The entertainment system of  claim 41 , further comprising the set-top box to receive a request to modify the selected list. 
   
   
       44 . The entertainment system of  claim 43 , further comprising the set-top box to display prompts to add and remove favorite channels from the selected list. 
   
   
       45 . The entertainment system of  claim 41 , wherein the favorite channels comprise digital cable channels. 
   
   
       46 . The entertainment system of  claim 41 , wherein the favorite channels comprise satellite television channels. 
   
   
       47 . The entertainment system of  claim 41 , wherein the favorite channels comprise digital broadcast channels. 
   
   
       48 . A machine-readable medium having stored thereon a series of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
 receiving a user request for selecting a list at an entertainment system;   searching a set of stored lists, the lists identifying a plurality of favorite channels from among a service provider's available channels;   displaying a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user;   receiving a selection of a displayed list from the user at the entertainment system;   displaying the selected list; and   navigating through the favorite channels of the selected list by tuning to subsequent channels in response to interaction with a button on a remote control.   
   
   
       49 . The medium of  claim 48 , wherein the instructions for displaying a descriptor identifying one or more of the lists to the user comprise instructions for displaying a descriptor identifying a list associated with the identity of the user. 
   
   
       50 . The medium of  claim 48 , further comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising receiving a request to modify the selected list. 
   
   
       51 . The medium of  claim 50 , further comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising displaying prompts to add and remove favorite channels from the selected list. 
   
   
       52 . The medium of  claim 48 , wherein the favorite channels comprise digital cable channels. 
   
   
       53 . The medium of  claim 48 , wherein the favorite channels comprise satellite television channels.