Generating user-interactive displays using program content from multiple providers

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, the method comprising:
 selecting a subset of available media content from a plurality media providers for presentation to a user;   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 through a client device; and   subsequent to outputting the UI display, changing the associated subset of content of at least one of the MEs that comprise the UI display by selecting another subset of content from the available content based at least on the ME presentation criteria, and associating the other subset of content with at least one of the MEs, thereby changing the output of the UI display on the client device such that different MEs present different media content from the different media providers.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of the media providers is a cable television provider. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of the media providers is a direct broadcast satellite television provider. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of the media providers is an interactive television (iTV) service provider. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , including the step of building a merged channel map representative of the different media providers. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , including the steps of:
 building a merged channel map representative of the different media providers; and   enabling a user to customize the channel map in accordance with viewer preferences.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 39 , including the steps of:
 building a merged channel map representative of the different media providers; and   enabling a user to customize the channel map enabling the user to select a channel for viewing by channel name.