Method, Medium, and System of Presenting Assets Related to Media Content

Abstract

A method includes sending video content from a server system to a mobile device and receiving first data from the mobile device. The first data includes an identifier of the video content. The method also includes, in response to receiving the first data, identifying the video content based at least in part on the identifier and sending second data to the mobile device regarding an asset. The asset is related to the video content, downloadable at a second device that is distinct from the mobile device, and associated with a subscriber account of the mobile device. The method further includes receiving an indication of a purchase of the asset from the mobile device and in response to receiving the indication, automatically sending a grant message authorizing downloading of the asset by the second device.

1 . A method comprising:
 sending video content from a server system to a mobile device;   receiving first data from the mobile device via a communication network, wherein the first data includes an identifier of the video content;   in response to receiving the first data:
 identifying, using a processor of the server system, the video content based at least in part on the identifier of the video content; and 
 sending second data to the mobile device regarding an asset that is related to the video content, downloadable at a second device that is distinct from the mobile device, and associated with a subscriber account of the mobile device; 
   after sending the second data regarding the asset, receiving from the mobile device an indication of a purchase of the asset; and   in response to receiving the indication, automatically sending a grant message authorizing downloading of the asset by the second device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 sending, from the server system to the mobile device, a recommendation of a particular payment method of purchasing the asset, wherein the recommendation is based on an expiration date associated with the particular payment method.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving at the server system a selection of one of a plurality of different purchase options from the mobile device. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of assets includes a physical asset. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying the mobile device at the server system based on the received first data from the mobile device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, in response to receiving the indication, sending the grant message to a remote content provider to cause the remote content provider to send the asset to the second device. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 generating a billing event at the server system; and   adding the billing event to a subscriber bill of the subscriber account, the subscriber bill including charges incurred for communication services provided via the communication network.   
     
     
         8 . A system comprising:
 a processor; and   memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
 send video content to a mobile device; 
 receive first data from the mobile device, wherein the first data includes an identifier of the video content; 
 in response to receiving the first data:
 identify the video content based at least in part on the identifier of the video content; and 
 send, to the mobile device, second data regarding an asset that is related to the video content and downloadable at a second device that is distinct from the mobile device and that is associated with a subscriber account of the mobile device; 
 
 after sending the second data regarding the asset, receive from the mobile device an indication of a purchase of the asset; and 
 in response to receiving the indication, automatically send a grant message authorizing sending the asset to the second device. 
   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to send a recommendation of a particular payment method of purchasing the asset to the mobile device, wherein the recommendation is based on an expiration date associated with the particular payment method. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a mobile portal interface to a network, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to provide an electronic storefront to the mobile device via the mobile portal interface; and   an interface to a private access network of an internet protocol television system, wherein the second device is configured to access assets via the private access network of the internet protocol television system.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first data includes a request for an electronic storefront. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic storefront includes a plurality of different purchase options related to the asset and wherein the plurality of different purchase options includes a first option to purchase the asset for a one-time viewing, a second option to purchase the asset for a period of time, and a third option to purchase the asset at a discounted rate. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic storefront includes a plurality of different payment options related to the asset, and wherein the plurality of different payment options includes a first option that is selectable to pay for the asset by debiting the subscriber account, a second option that is selectable to pay for the asset by charging a credit card, and a third option that is selectable to pay for the asset using a coupon code. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic storefront includes a plurality of assets related to the video content and the plurality of assets includes a physical asset. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the physical asset comprises an article of clothing. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein each of the plurality of different purchase options is associated with a purchase price and wherein at least one purchase price is selected based on information associated with the subscriber account and based on offer management rules. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the information associated with the subscriber account that is used to select the at least one purchase price includes at least one of a length of service of the subscriber account, a time of day, and a type of the subscriber account. 
     
     
         18 . A computer-readable storage device comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:
 send video content to a first device;   receive, via a communication network, first data from the first device, wherein the first data includes an identifier of the video content;   in response to receiving the first data:
 identify the video content based at least in part on the identifier of the video content; and 
 send, to the first device, second data regarding an asset that is related to the video content, downloadable at a second device that is distinct from the first device, and associated with a subscriber account of the first device; 
   after sending the second data regarding the asset, receive from the first device an indication of a purchase of the asset; and   in response to receiving the indication, automatically send a grant message authorizing sending the asset to the second device.   
     
     
         19 . The computer-readable storage device of  claim 18 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to send, to the first device, a recommendation of a particular payment method of purchasing the asset, the recommendation based on an expiration date associated with the particular payment method. 
     
     
         20 . The computer-readable storage device of  claim 18 , wherein the first data includes a request for an electronic storefront including a plurality of different purchase options related to a plurality of assets, wherein at least one of the plurality of different purchase options includes an option to charge the subscriber account, and wherein the subscriber account is associated with a private access network of an internet protocol television system and is associated with a mobile communication network.