Zoomable user interfaces for television

Abstract

A navigation interface display system generates a navigation element that organizes television programming data in an easy-to-use manner. The navigation element employs a hierarchical display protocol for a plurality of selection items that represent the various television programs, channels, and/or networks. The hierarchical display scheme displays a limited number of active selection items at a first magnification level and additional active selection items at a second magnification level. In addition, the selection items are displayed on distinctive areas or features of the navigation element, where such features represent different content genres or categories. Subcategories can also be displayed in a hierarchical manner, thus providing additional information related to the content as the magnification level of the navigation element changes.

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
   
   
       27 . A method for providing a user interface on a television comprising the steps of: 
 displaying a plurality of objects at a first level of magnification on said television;    receiving a first selection input, said first selection input including a pointing input;    zooming in, based on said first selection input, on at least one of said plurality of objects by progressively scaling and displaying on said television said at least one of said plurality of objects associated with said selectable media items to provide a visual impression of movement of said at least one of said plurality of objects toward an observer; and    displaying on said television, after said zooming step, said at least one of said plurality of objects at a second level of magnification, wherein said second level of magnification is greater than said first level of magnification.