Accessing content

Abstract

Various embodiments include a system for providing users access to audio/visual content, the system comprising means for storing content, means for broadcasting content on a scheduled basis, means for downloading the stored content from the storage means, means for enabling a user to access the downloaded content only within a specified time period, means for streaming content off the storage means, and means for receiving the content broadcast on a scheduled basis.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An electronic programme guide (EPG), which comprises means for outputting a selection of available audio/visual content to a user within a display area, a plurality of user selectable indicia, each corresponding to a characteristic associated with at least one content item, and means for filtering the content items output to the display area in accordance with the selection of one or more of the indicia by the user, thereby to display only those content items which match the selected (filtering) characteristic. 
     
     
         3 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the characteristic is selected from the following group of content item characteristics: the date and/or time on which content was broadcast; the date and/or time on which the content will be broadcast; the content broadcast channel: the type of content; and the title of the content. 
     
     
         4 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means is adapted to output default content items prior to the user selecting a particular characteristic. 
     
     
         5 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the default content items are editorially selected and/or are content items that a broadcaster wishes to promote. 
     
     
         6 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , further comprising means for displaying content items to the user in graphical format. 
     
     
         7 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the indicia are in the form of user selectable icons, preferably buttons or tabs. 
     
     
         8 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means is adapted to output a menu of parameters and/or options associated with each characteristic upon the selection of each of the respective indicia by the user; preferably wherein the menu is superimposed over the content items displayed in the display area. 
     
     
         9 . The EPG according to  claim 8 , wherein the output means is adapted to refine the selection of content items displayed in the display area in dependence on the particular parameters and/or options selected by the user. 
     
     
         10 . The EPG according to  claim 8 , wherein the output means is adapted to display a calendar window upon selection of an indicia related to a date on which the content was broadcast; preferably wherein the calendar window comprises a range of user selectable dates provided in a graphical format; more preferably wherein the calendar window comprises a range of dates in the past; yet more preferably wherein the calendar window outputs a sequential range of dates in the past, and preferably the current date and the previous six dates; most preferably wherein the current date and yesterday's date are shown using larger graphical icons on the calendar window than the other dates shown on the calendar. 
     
     
         11 . The EPG according to  claim 8 , wherein the output means is adapted to display a selection of possible categories, channels and/or titles upon selection of each of a respective category, channel and/or title icon. 
     
     
         12 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , further comprising means for enabling a user to select at least a further characteristic associated with at least one content item, and wherein the filtering means is adapted to output only those content items having both of the selected characteristics. 
     
     
         13 . The EPG according to  claim 12 , wherein the further characteristic is selectable once the output means has output content items which have already been filtered on the basis of a user's selection of an initial characteristic. 
     
     
         14 . The EPG according to  claim 12 , wherein certain further characteristics are selected by default. 
     
     
         15 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means comprises means for enabling the user to filter the output of content depending on a time slot during which the content was broadcast, and preferably depending on whether the content was broadcast in the morning, afternoon or evening. 
     
     
         16 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means further comprises means for displaying a graphical indication representative of the or each characteristic which has been used to filter the output of content items. 
     
     
         17 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means is adapted to output content items in the form of a matrix of graphical representations of the content items, and preferably each content item is represented by an image associated with a respective content item. 
     
     
         18 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , further comprising means for displaying information relating to each content item; preferably wherein the display means is adapted to display information relating to a particular content item when a particular content item is highlighted by a user, and more preferably upon roll-over by a cursor and/or pointer device; and/or preferably wherein the information relates to the status of the content item, and more preferably the amount of time remaining to download and/or play the particular content item. 
     
     
         19 . The EPG according to  claim 17 , wherein the output means is further adapted to open a content item window in response to the selection of a particular content item by a user; preferably wherein the content item window provides details relating to the content item, and more preferably, information selected from one or more of the items listed in the following group: parental guidance information; accessibility information (the availability of subtitles or sign language); a program summary; and version and/or repeat broadcast information. 
     
     
         20 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , further comprising means for enabling a user to download a content item. 
     
     
         21 . The EPG according to  claim 2 , wherein the output means is adapted to output a single graphic representation of a content item corresponding to multiple versions and/or repeat broadcasts of a content item.