Interactive program guide system and method

Abstract

An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.

1 - 81 . (canceled) 
     
     
         82 . An interactive program guide system comprising:
 an interactive program guide implemented on interactive program guide equipment having user equipment, the interactive program guide configured to
 auto-tune channels when a user indicates a desire to change channels; and 
 display at least a portion of the program listings with the interactive program guide on the user equipment in a program guide display screen. 
   
     
     
         83 . The system of  claim 82 , wherein the interactive program guide is further configured to:
 provide the user with an opportunity to enter a predefined number of digits corresponding to desired channel numbers.   
     
     
         84 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the interactive program guide is further configured to:
 auto-tune channels when the user enters channel numbers using at least the predefined number of digits.   
     
     
         85 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 1. 
     
     
         86 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 2. 
     
     
         87 . The system of  claim 82 , wherein the interactive program guide is further configured to:
 not auto-tune channels when the user indicates a desire to change channels.   
     
     
         88 . The system of  claim 87 , wherein the user indicates a desire to change channels by entering at least a predefined number of digits corresponding to desired channel numbers. 
     
     
         89 . The system of  claim 88 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 1. 
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 88 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 2. 
     
     
         91 . A method for use in an interactive program guide system comprising the steps of:
 receiving program guide data comprising program listings; and   configuring an interactive program guide implemented on interactive program guide equipment having user equipment to
 auto-tune channels when a user indicates a desire to change channels, and 
 display at least a portion of the program listings with the interactive program guide on the user equipment in a program guide display screen. 
   
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein configuring the interactive program guide includes:
 providing the user with an opportunity to enter a predefined number of digits corresponding to desired channel numbers.   
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein configuring the interactive program guide includes:
 auto-tuning channels when the user enters channel numbers using at least the predefined number of digits.   
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 1. 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 2. 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 91 , further comprising:
 configuring the interactive program guide to not auto-tune channels when the user indicates a desire to change channels.   
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the user indicates a desire to change channels by entering at least a predefined number of digits corresponding to desired channel numbers. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 97 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 1. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 97 , wherein the predefined number of digits is equal to 2.