HTML electronic program guide for an MPEG digital TV system

Claim 2

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said step of formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 3

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 4

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 5

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said step of formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 6

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said step of formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 7

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 8

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 9

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 10

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 11

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel.

Claim 12

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said method comprising: retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel.

Claim 13

In a system receiver for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, said EPG manager retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station and composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, said broadcasting station storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages, formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format, and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; a receiving method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said receiving method comprising: receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 14

In a system receiver for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, said EPG manager retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station and composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, said broadcasting station storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages, formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format, and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; a receiving method for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said receiving method comprising: receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 15

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes means for formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and means for formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 16

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes means for formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and means for formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 17

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 18

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets including a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, at least one of said received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages in said HTML format for display, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 19

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes means for formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and means for formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 20

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page representing the current time EPG data and a second EPG Web page representing a future time EPG data, and said means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packet includes means for formatting said first EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network at a first data rate and means for formatting said second EPG Web page to be transmitted over said broadcast communications network a second data rate, wherein said first data rate is greater than said second data rate.

Claim 21

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 22

In a system for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels being formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, a transmitter apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said transmitter apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format from said basic EPG data, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages having a respective URL, each of said plurality of EPG Web pages being linked by a cross referenced URL to another of said plurality of EPG Web pages to form an EPG; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, wherein said plurality of EPG Web pages includes a first EPG Web page and a second EPG Web page both transmitted on one channel of said multiple channel digital television system, wherein said first EPG Web page is a broadcast EPG Web page also transmitted on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second EPG Web page is a simulcast EPG Web page transmitted on only said one channel of said multiple channel digital television signal.

Claim 23

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; means for caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; means for selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 24

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; means for caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; means for selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 25

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel.

Claim 26

In a system for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, an apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said apparatus comprising: means for retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station; means for composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels; means for storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format at said broadcasting station to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages; means for formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format; and means for transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel.

Claim 27

In a system receiver for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, said EPG manager retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station and composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, said broadcasting station storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages, formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format, and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; a receiving apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said receiving apparatus comprising: means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; means for caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; means for selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.

Claim 28

In a system receiver for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer over a broadcast communications network, said broadcast communications network including a broadcasting station for transmitting on a broadcast medium, and a settop decoder at said viewer's location coupled to said broadcast medium, said broadcasting station including an EPG manager coupled to an EPG database containing basic EPG data, said broadcast communications network further including a multiple channel digital television signal, each of said multiple channels comprising a plurality of multiplexed digital television channels formatted into a plurality of MPEG data packets, said EPG manager retrieving said basic EPG data from said EPG database at said broadcasting station and composing a plurality of EPG Web pages including a first channel guide EPG Web page and a second channel guide EPG Web page in HTML format from said basic EPG data, wherein said first channel guide EPG Web page is a broadcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to a predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, and said second channel guide EPG Web page is a simulcast channel guide EPG Web page relating to said predetermined channel of said plurality of multiplexed digital television channels, said broadcasting station storing said plurality of EPG Web pages in HTML format to form a plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages, formatting said plurality of stored HTML EPG Web pages into said plurality of MPEG data packets while retaining said HTML format, and transmitting said plurality of MPEG data packets in said multiple channel digital television signal over said broadcast communications network, including transmitting said first channel guide EPG web page on each channel of said multiple channel digital television signal and said second channel guide EPG Web page on only said predetermined channel of said multiple channel digital television signal containing said predetermined channel; a receiving apparatus for providing said EPG over said broadcast communications network, said receiving apparatus comprising: means for receiving said plurality of MPEG data packets at said settop decoder to form a received plurality of MPEG data packets and a received plurality of HTML EPG Web pages including a received first channel guide EPG web page and a received second channel guide EPG Web page; means for caching said received first channel guide EPG Web page in said settop decoder to form a cached first channel guide EPG Web page; means for selecting responsive to said viewer tuning said settop decoder to said predetermined channel, said cached first channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display at said settop decoder; and means for selecting at said settop decoder, said received second channel guide EPG Web page in said HTML format for display while said settop decoder is tuned to said predetermined channel.