Interactive program guide system and method

Abstract

An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . An interactive television program guide system comprising: 
 a program guide data source for providing program guide data comprising program listings; and    an interactive television program guide implemented on interactive television program guide equipment having user television equipment, wherein the interactive television program guide is configured to: 
 display a FLIP overlay on the user television equipment after a user indicates a desire to change channels; and  
 to remove the FLIP overlay from display on the user television equipment after a predefined time by sliding the FLIP overlay toward the bottom of the display until the entire FLIP overlay is no longer displayed.  
   
     
     
         19 - 38 . (canceled)  
     
     
         39 . A method for use in an interactive television program guide system comprising the steps of: 
 providing program guide data comprising program listings;    displaying a FLIP overlay with an interactive television program guide implemented on interactive television program guide equipment having user television equipment on the user television equipment after a user indicates a desire to change channels; and    removing the FLIP overlay from display on the user television equipment with the interactive television program guide after a predefined time by sliding the FLIP overlay toward the bottom of the display until the entire FLIP overlay is no longer displayed.    
     
     
         40 - 59 . (canceled)  
     
     
         60 . An interactive television program guide system comprising: 
 means for providing program guide data comprising program listings;    means for displaying a FLIP overlay with an interactive television program guide implemented on interactive television program guide equipment having user television equipment on the user television equipment after a user indicates a desire to change channels; and    means for removing the FLIP overlay from display on the user television equipment with the interactive television program guide after a predefined time by sliding the FLIP overlay toward the bottom of the display until the entire FLIP overlay is no longer displayed.    
     
     
         61 - 81 . (canceled)