User-interactive displays including video-on-demand availability reminders

Abstract

The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

1 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of generating a user interface (UI) display comprising a plurality of mosaic elements (MEs), the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content in accordance with ME presentation criteria;   associating the selected subset of content with an ME comprising the UI display, wherein the ME outputs the subset of content that is associated therewith;   repeating the selecting and associating for other MEs that comprise the UI display;   outputting the UI display on an output device; and   subsequent to outputting the UI display, determining if the media content associated with one or more of the MEs is available as a video-on-demand (VOD) selection;   displaying a VOD indicator enabling a user to select that content for viewing on an immediate basis.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the VOD indicator is displayed within an ME. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the VOD indicator is displayed within a program description displayed subsequent to the selection of a ME.