System and method to facilitate configuration of a controlling device

Abstract

A system and method wherein geographic data is used to configure a controlling device to control operations of a target device and/or to configure the controlling device to control tuning operations of a target device. The system additionally provides for the harmonization of controlling device configurations made on the controlling device and/or a remote computer.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A computer-implemented method for making a selection for a channel control system through a computing device comprising:
 receiving a request for a transmission code to perform a television function on the channel control system;   determining an internet protocol (“IP”) address associated with the computing device;   receiving a location identifier associated with the IP address;   receiving a television service provider identifier based on the location identifier;   receiving a television function identifier;   selecting the transmission code including instructions to perform the television function on the channel control system; and   transmitting the transmission code.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transmission code comprises a radio frequency (RF) protocol transmission code. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transmission code comprises a point-to-point protocol transmission code. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transmission code comprises a network protocol transmission code. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising: receiving configuration information, the configuration information including information associated with the channel control system. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the channel control system is configured on at least one of a television, a set-top box, and a digital video recorder. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the television function comprises selecting a television channel for the channel control system. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the television channel includes digitally-distributed television channels obtained through online streaming. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the television function identifier is based on the television service provider identifier. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the television service provider identifier is selected from a set of television service provider identifiers based on an association of the television service provider identifier with a television service provider operating at the location associated with the location identifier. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein receiving a television function identifier further comprises: transmitting a television service provider identifier; receiving electronic program guide information associated with the television service provider identifier; and wherein the television function identifier is based on the electronic program guide information.