Network and local content access system and method

Abstract

Unique content identifiers allow users to find and select desired network or locally stored content or applications, solving a problem of user content search and selection in systems that provide access to large libraries of content. A method of selecting digital media content according to the invention includes the steps of providing a database of content ID codes, wherein each code uniquely and permanently identifies different, specific digital media content. One or more of the content ID codes are entered using an input device, which causes the immediate or scheduled viewing of the content associated with the input ID code. The content ID code may be numerical, alphanumerical, or may comprise some form of uniform resource identifier. The digital media content is a broadcast video program, an on-demand video program, an on-demand application program, or a game. The database, or portions thereof, may be electronically stored at the location of the display or at a location remote from the display. Alternatively or in combination with an electronic database, printed catalogs or program guides may be used. The display may form part of a television receiver, media center, computer, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other portable telecommunications device. In the preferred embodiment, a set-top box interfaced to the display receives commands from a input device in the form of a hand-held remote control unit.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of selecting digital media content, comprising the steps of:
 providing a database of content ID codes, each code uniquely and permanently identifying different, specific digital media content;   selecting of one or more of the content ID codes; and   viewing, playing, executing or scheduling the digital media content associated with the input ID code.