WO2008020426A1

WO2008020426A1 - Method and apparatus for personalizing an electronic program guide

Info

Publication number: WO2008020426A1
Application number: PCT/IL2006/000965
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elliott Lansdown-Bridge; Oliver Moore; Aharon Mazor; Tom Harris
Original assignee: Nds Limited
Priority date: 2006-08-17
Filing date: 2006-08-17
Publication date: 2008-02-21

Abstract

A method of personalizing a layout presentation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is disclosed. The EPG includes EPG data presented using a first layout presentation. The method includes receiving, via broadcast transmission, a second layout presentation of the EPG, the second layout presentation being different from the first layout presentation, loading the second layout presentation to a memory in a set-top box (STB), and using the second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERSONALIZING AN ELECTRONIC

PROGRAM GUIDE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to television systems, and more particularly to Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) which are used in television systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In mobile telephone communications and in personal computer (PC) applications, themes are known to be popular with various age-groups. Users have customization options which enable them to download and present various ringtones, screensavers, and wallpaper themes for customizing their mobile telephones and PCs.

However, similar customization options do not exist today in television systems and in Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) that are normally in use today in television systems. Additionally, customization options available in mobile telephone communications and PC applications have drawbacks in that the ringtones, screensavers, and wallpaper themes are often created using "creation suites" that are built by third parties and are "unauthorized" by system operators, thus potentially causing unexpected results in target systems.

Some aspects of technologies and related material that may be useful in understanding the present invention are described in the following publications:

US Patent 6,637,029 to Maissel et al, which describes an intelligent electronic program guide;

US Patent 6,496,981 to Wistendahl et al, which describes system for converting media content for interactive TV use;

US Patents 5,539,450 and 5,592,212 to Handelman, which describe methods and systems for providing additional service applications and non- program applications in pay television; Published European Patent Application EP 1458194 of Microsoft Corporation, which describes dynamic adjustment of EPG level of detail based on user behavior;

Published US Patent Application US 2004/0078807 of Fries et al, which describes a technology for electronic program guides and multimedia presentation devices;

Published US Patent Application US 2005/0235311 of Knespel et al, which describes reception device for receiving data and skin in a markup language; Published US Patent Application US 2005/0144638 of Allison et al, which describes an interactive program guide navigator;

Published US Patent Application US 2002/0053084 of Escobar et al, which describes a customized electronic program guide;

Published European Patent Application EP 1028551 of Hughes Electronics Corporation, which describes a system and method for displaying a user interface in the form of a program guide that assists users in determining and selecting television viewing options and related services;

A press release dated 5 January 2006, of NDS Limited, titled "NDS Unveils New XSPACE Solution at CES, Featuring Content from Akimbo, Fox Sports, and IGN Entertainment"; a publication at the web site http ://j ava. sun. com/docs/books/tutorial/i 18n/resbundle/concept.html, which describes a concept of a resource bundle and the ResourceBundle Class; and a description at the web site http://struts.apache.org of an open source framework for creating Java™ web applications that implements a concept of resource bundle, and at http://struts.apache.Org/l. x/userGuide/preface.html#resources which describes use of Properties Files.

The disclosures of all references mentioned above and throughout the specification, as well as the disclosures of all references mentioned in those references, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in preferred embodiments thereof, seeks to provide a method and apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG used in television systems, and customization options for personalizing such a layout presentation.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a user is enabled to personalize and customize a layout presentation of an EPG, which EPG comprises EPG data presented using a first layout presentation. The EPG data is typically presented in a plurality of EPG screens using the first layout presentation. In order to personalize the layout presentation, a second layout presentation of the EPG which is different from the first layout presentation is preferably received via broadcast transmission and loaded to a memory in a set-top box (STB), which memory may include a hard-disk drive. The second layout presentation may then be used for presenting the EPG data instead of the first layout presentation.

The second layout presentation may differ from the first layout presentation in presentation of one or more EPG screens. For example, the first layout presentation and the second layout presentation may differ in presentation of only one EPG screen and identically present all other EPG screens, or the first and second layout presentations may differ in presentation of some of the EPG screens or every one of the EPG screens.

The layout presentation may alternatively or additionally be personalized and customized by using personal digital objects and personal themes, or digital objects and themes that may be obtained from various sources. Such digital objects and the themes may be inserted in a layout presentation in order to personalize and customize the layout presentation. Any layout presentation, theme and / or digital object enabled for use in presenting the EPG data is preferably subject to checking and authorization by a broadcaster / EPG provider to verify that it does not cause any unexpected results in target systems, and that it does not introduce content that is typically offending to viewers.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment, of the present invention a method of personalizing a layout presentation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), which EPG includes EPG data presented using a first layout presentation, the method including receiving, via broadcast transmission, a second layout presentation of the EPG, the second layout presentation being different from the first layout presentation, loading the second layout presentation to a memory in a set-top box (STB), and using the second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data.

The memory preferably includes a non-volatile memory or a hard disk.

Preferably, the using includes selecting the second layout presentation from a plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG which are offered by an EPG provider.

The receiving preferably includes receiving an authorization to perform at least one of the following: load the second layout presentation of the EPG, and access the second layout presentation of the EPG. Additionally, the method may also include, prior to the using, inserting a digital object that is not included in the second layout presentation into the second layout presentation to produce a modified second layout presentation, and wherein the using includes using the modified second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data. Alternatively, the method may include, prior to the using, changing

EPG behavior to create a hidden EPG accessible based on meta-data information associated with a broadcast program, thereby producing a modified second layout presentation, and wherein the using includes using the modified second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data. Further alternatively, the method may include, prior to the using, inserting a digital object that is not included in the second layout presentation into the second layout presentation, and changing EPG behavior to create a hidden EPG accessible based on meta-data information associated with a broadcast program, and wherein the using includes using a modified second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data, the modified second layout presentation resulting from both the inserting and the changing. Preferably, the loading includes loading the second layout presentation in response to receipt of. an advertisement together with an indication indicating that the second layout presentation is included in the EPG.

Preferably, the second layout presentation includes a visual theme presentation or an audio theme presentation. The visual theme presentation may be accompanied by an audio theme presentation.

Each of the visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation preferably includes at least one of the following: a feature related to an event, a feature related to a broadcast program, a feature related to a service, a feature related to an advertisement, and a feature related to an item.

The visual theme presentation is preferably associated with a time- stamp determining removal of the visual theme presentation after a preset time period.

The audio theme presentation is preferably associated with a time- stamp determining removal of the audio theme presentation after a preset time period.

■ The visual theme presentation preferably includes at least one of the following: a static theme, and a dynamic theme.

The method may additionally include employing a mechanism which ensures that the second layout presentation is functional in its intended form and that all components that are necessary for the intended form are available before performing the using.

Preferably, the employing includes defaulting to using a component from a default layout presentation of the EPG upon occurrence of at least one of the following: the second layout presentation is not functional in its intended form, and not all the components that are necessary for the intended form are available.

The default layout presentation may include the first layout presentation.

Preferably, the component includes at least one of the following: an audio theme component, and a visual theme component.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred. embodiment .. of the present invention a method of personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG₅ the method including providing a plurality of layout presentations of the EPG, transmitting a user input which indicates a selection of a layout presentation from the plurality of layout presentations, and enabling loading of the selected layout presentation to a memory in an STB. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG, which EPG includes EPG data presented using a first layout presentation, the apparatus including a receiving unit receiving, via broadcast transmission, a second layout presentation of the EPG, the second layout presentation being different from the first layout presentation, and a processor loading the second layout presentation to a memory in a set-top box (STB), and using the second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG, the apparatus including a receiving unit receiving a list of layout presentations of the EPG, a transmitter transmitting a user input which indicates a selection of a layout presentation from the list of layout presentations, and a processor enabling loading of the selected layout presentation to a memory in an STB.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more folly from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a simplified partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a preferred implementation of apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), the apparatus being constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an illustration of an example of an EPG screen employing a layout presentation used for presenting EPG data;

Figs. 3A and 3B are illustrations of examples of different layout presentations used for presenting EPG data;

Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrations of additional examples of different layout presentations used for presenting EPG data;

Figs. 5A and 5B are illustrations of further additional examples of different layout presentations used for presenting EPG data;

Fig. 6 is an illustration of an example of a skin selection menu usable in selecting a layout presentation from a plurality of stored layout presentations;

Fig. 7 is an illustration of an example of a graphical button implementation for use in a layout presentation of an EPG;

Fig. 8 is an illustration of another example of a graphical button implementation for use in a layout presentation of an EPG; Fig. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of loading a new layout presentation using the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of selecting and applying a new layout presentation from an STB memory;

Fig. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of performing editing operations on a layout presentation;

Fig. 12 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of pushing a layout presentation to a set-top box (STB); Fig. 13 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 14 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another preferred method of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a simplified partly pictorial, partly block diagram illustration of a preferred implementation of apparatus 100 for personalizing a layout presentation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), the apparatus 100 being constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus 100 is preferably used in a television system 110 in which a headend 120 preferably transmits to a user unit 130 or to a multiplicity of user units 130 television program transmissions and an EPG. By way of example, which is not meant to be limiting, the headend 120 is shown in Fig. 1 transmitting the television program transmissions and the EPG via a satellite 140. Alternatively, the headend 120 may transmit the television program transmissions and the EPG to the user unit 130 or to the multiplicity of user units 130 via at least one of the following: the Internet; a cable based communication network; a conventional terrestrial broadcast television network; a telephony based television delivery network; a mobile-telephony based television delivery network; and an Internet Protocol (IP) based television delivery network.

One non-limiting example of a system solution for secure IP -based television and video delivery is Synamedia™, commercially available from NDS Limited, One Heathrow Boulevard, 286 Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 ODQ₅ United Kingdom.

The television program transmissions transmitted by the headend 120 preferably include at least one of the following: pay and / or non-pay television programs; multimedia information; audio programs; data; games; and information from computer based networks such as the Internet. Online access to information and web content from the Internet is, by way of a non-limiting example, provided by the XSPACE software solution, commercially available from NDS Limited, One Heathrow Boulevard, 286 Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 ODQ, United Kingdom. Preferably, the headend 120 uses conventional transmission equipment (not shown) for transmitting the television program transmissions and the EPG to the user units 130, and the conventional transmission equipment preferably uses an antenna 150 for transmitting the television program transmissions and the EPG to the user units 130 via the satellite 140.

For simplicity of depiction and description, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, only one user unit 130 is illustrated in Fig. 1 and referred to below. The user unit 130 preferably includes a set-top box (STB) 160, and a display 170. The STB 160 preferably receives and processes the television program transmissions and the EPG transmitted from the headend 120. By way of example, which is not meant to be limiting, the STB 160 receives the television program transmissions and the EPG via a user-premises antenna (not shown). The display 170 is preferably operatively associated with the STB

160 and is operative to display the television program transmissions and the EPG that are processed by the STB 160. The display 170 may comprise any appropriate display such as a television or a computer monitor comprising speakers.

The apparatus 100 is preferably comprised in and / or associated with the STB 160. For simplicity of depiction and description, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the apparatus 100 in Fig. 1 is comprised in the STB 160.

The apparatus 100 preferably comprises the following elements: a receiving unit 180; a processor 190; a memory 200; and a transmitter 210 which transmits information via a return path 220. The apparatus 100 may also comprise an Interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface 225, via which information may, for example, be pushed to and / or downloaded to the apparatus 100.

The receiving unit 180 preferably comprises conventional components (not shown) for receiving and decoding transmissions transmitted from the headend 120. The memory 200 may preferably comprise a non-volatile memory or a hard disk. The transmitter 210 may preferably transmit the information via the return path 220 to the headend 120. The return path 220 may be provided, for example, as one of the following: a telephone link; a mobile telephone link; a cable link; and a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) link.

Preferably, operation of the STB 160 is controlled by a user 230 via, for example, a conventional remote control (RC) 240. In operation, the headend 120 transmits the television program transmissions and the EPG to the user unit 130, and the EPG and the television program transmissions are processed as necessary in the STB 160 and displayed on the display 170. The EPG preferably comprises EPG data related to the television program transmissions. The EPG data is typically displayed on the display 170 in one or more linked EPG screens, each of which being accessed in response to a user selection or presented, for example for a predefined time period, as part of a default arrangement. Typically, one EPG screen is displayed at a time, and a displayed EPG screen is switched to another EPG screen in response to a user selection or according to the default arrangement. It is appreciated that upon switching from a first EPG screen to a second EPG screen, the second EPG screen may be overlaid over the first EPG screen, or the second EPG screen may be presented and the first EPG screen may cease to be presented.

The EPG transmitted by the headend 120 is preferably associated with a first layout presentation and the apparatus 100 uses the first layout presentation for presenting the EPG data on the display 170. The first layout presentation preferably includes a "Look-and-Feel" configuration of the EPG which is provided for many users and is not personalized for the user 230. Such Look-and-Feel configuration is often referred to as a "skin". Throughout the present specification and claims the terms "layout presentation", "Look-and-Feel configuration", and "skin" are used interchangeably to refer to a configuration of EPG components used in presentation of an EPG as well as to EPG behavior associated with the EPG components and the configuration of EPG components, where the configuration of EPG components may refer to the entire EPG or to only one or some EPG screen presentations of the EPG, and the EPG components comprise at least one of the following: a picture; a video clip; graphics; text; a hotspot; a graphical button; a digital object; and audio. A layout presentation does not include EPG data which relates to television program transmissions and changes in accordance with television program transmissions; rather, a layout presentation refers to presentation aspects and presentation properties of an EPG which affect EPG user experience. In. terms of elements of the EPG components which are visible in an on-screen EPG presentation, a layout presentation may, by way of a non-limiting example, refer to at least one of the following: a type of fonts used for text presentation; a size of fonts used for text presentation; a color of fonts used for text presentation; screen background and figure animations used as a background; grid arrangement; on- screen insertion and arrangement of information elements, such as a current date and time; graphics elements associated with text; placement of a small image screen which represents a designated program; borders of the small image screen which represents the designated program; use of a static image or dynamic moving images in the small image screen; animation characteristics of hotspots and icons; graphical buttons and EPG behaviors associated therewith; and on-screen location of the hotspots and the icons. In terms of elements of the EPG components which are audible in the on-screen EPG presentation, a layout presentation may, by way of a non-limiting example, refer to at least one of the following: background music or sounds; sounds generated upon switching between EPG screens; introductory speech provided upon switching to a channel which comprises the EPG; sounds produced upon generating a reminder or a message; and sounds generated upon activation of a hotspot or execution of an EPG command such as a command to switch to a selected program or to a selected EPG screen.

The term "EPG behavior" is used throughout the specification and claims to refer to a way in which an EPG responds to instructions and presents performance of instructions, such as a way in which a channel change is presented, a way in which EPG screen switching is presented, or a way in which the EPG handles hierarchical EPG screens.

The term "hotspot" is used throughout the specification and claims to refer to an area of a display screen in which video of a program or of an advertisement is playing, where the area can be toggled between visible and invisible and / or between outline and semi-transparent, and when the area is selected, such as by pressing a remote-control key or otherwise pointing at the area, an operation is performed according to a predefined condition and on at least one of the following: the video of the program or the advertisement displayed on the display screen; other video linked with the video of the program or the advertisement, such as a video clip; a picture; graphics; and text. When the operation is performed on the video of the program or the advertisement, the operation may, for example, result in a change in display characteristics of the program or the advertisement, such as a change which causes the program or the advertisement to be displayed in only a screen portion. When the operation is performed on any one of the other video, the picture, the graphics, and the text, the operation may, for example, result in display of the corresponding one of the other video, the picture, the graphics, and the text as an on-screen overlay. For example, a text or graphics pop-up may appear when the area is selected. The predefined condition may, for example, be a condition related to time or position, and performing the operation according to a condition related to time may, for example, include performing the operation only within a time period when an event, such a sports game, occurs, and performing the operation according to a condition related to position may, for example, include performing the operation only when a specific visual element within the area is selected. The term "graphical button" is used throughout the specification and claims to refer to an area of graphics which, when pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation specific to the area is performed. The area is typically a small part of the graphics, and it may be of any shape, even an irregular shape. The graphics may include more than one graphical button and operations performed when such graphical buttons are pointed at or otherwise selected are different. For example, in a graphics which shows a forest and a bear, the forest may be associated with one graphical button and the bear may be associated with another graphical button. When the forest graphical button is pointed at or otherwise selected, a listing of programs related to forests may be displayed, and when the bear graphical button is pointed at or otherwise selected, a listing of programs related to bears may be displayed.

It is appreciated that different layout presentations may differ by at least one of the above-mentioned visible and / or audible elements of the EPG components. Fig. 2 is an illustration of an example of an EPG screen employing a layout presentation 300.. used for presenting EPG data. The EPG. screen of Fig. 2 comprises, by way of a non-limiting example, the following EPG components: a text field 310 for title data; an image 320; a grid 330; and icons 340. By way of a non-limiting example, the layout presentation 300 comprises a configuration of the EPG components 310 - 340 in which the image 320 is at the top right part of the EPG screen, the text field 310 is at the left of the image 320, the grid 330 is below the text field 310 and the image 320, the icons are below the grid 330, and text printed throughout the text field 310, in the grid 330, and adjacent to the icons 340 is printed in specific fonts, font colors and font sizes.

In many cases television service providers provide interactive features and seek to cause users to feel and experience the interactive features. A non-personalized Look-and-Feel configuration leaves users "disconnected" from interactive television experience and thus personalization of the Look-and-Feel configuration may be appealing to the users. If the layout presentation 300 of Fig. 2 is, by way of a non-limiting example, used as a default layout configuration which is provided to many users, enabling users to personalize the layout presentation 300 or to use a different layout presentation, may be appealing to the users. The users may personalize the layout presentation 300, for example, by changing placement of any one of the EPG components 310 - 340 on the EPG screen, entering specific text such as a nickname, adding pictures of family members, or using different fonts, font colors and font sizes in the text. Referring now back to Fig. 1, a second layout presentation of the

EPG is preferably offered to the user 230 for personalizing a layout presentation of the EPG. Preferably, the second layout presentation of the EPG is received via broadcast transmission from the headend 120. The headend 120 may, for example, use a broadcast carousel 250, such as a DSM-CC (DSM-CC - Digital Storage Media - Command Control) broadcast carousel, for transmitting the second layout presentation of the EPG to the user unit 130. It is appreciated that the conventional transmission equipment at the headend 120 and the broadcast carousel 250 may preferably share the antenna 150 for transmitting the television program transmissions, the EPG, and the second layout presentation of the EPG, as well as additional layout presentations, to the user unit 130 via the satellite 140.

The ..second. layout presentation is preferably different from, the first layout presentation in at least one EPG component and / or in arrangement of at least one EPG component. Some non-limiting examples of differences between layout presentations are shown in Figs. 3A - 4B.

Reference is now additionally made to Figs. 3A and 3B₅ which are illustrations of examples of different layout presentations used for presenting EPG data.

In Fig. 3A, EPG program schedule data is presented using a layout presentation 400 and in Fig. 3B the same EPG program schedule data is presented using a layout presentation 500. It is appreciated that both the layout presentation 400 and the layout presentation 500 may be used to present the same EPG data as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, or alternatively different EPG data. The layout presentation 400 may, by way of a non-limiting example, represent the first layout presentation, and the layout presentation 500 may, by way of a non-limiting example, represent the second layout presentation.

As noted from Figs. 3A and 3B, the layout presentation 400 is different from the layout presentation 500 in the following EPG components: types of fonts used for text presentation; sizes of fonts used for text presentation; and onscreen insertion and arrangement of information elements. With respect to onscreen insertion and arrangement of information elements, the layout presentation 400 presents a current date and time in the top left part of the layout presentation 400 as well as times of program events whereas the layout presentation 500 does not present the current date and time and the times of the program events.

Reference is now additionally made to Figs. 4 A and 4B, which are illustrations of additional examples of different layout presentations used for presenting EPG data. In Fig. 4A, EPG data including a listing of five program categories is presented using a layout presentation 600 and in Fig. 4B a listing of four program categories is presented using a layout presentation 700. By way of a non- limiting example, four of the five program categories in the layout presentation 600 are identical to the four program categories in the layout presentation 700. The layout presentation 600 may, by way of a non-limiting example, represent the first layout presentation, and the layout presentation 700 may, by way of a non-limiting example, represent the second layout presentation. In addition to the number of program categories, the layout presentation 600 is different from the layout presentation 700 in the following EPG components: screen background and figure animations used as a background; types of fonts used for text presentation; sizes of fonts used for text presentation; and on-screen arrangement of information elements. As noted from Figs. 4A and 4B, in the layout presentation 600 there is a clear background, which may, for example, be colored, such as in blue (the blue color is not shown in Fig. 4A), and the program categories are presented in a single column format whereas in the layout presentation 700 a background is provided with an image of a dog, and the program categories are presented in a two-column format.

Referring now back to Fig. 1, the second layout presentation is preferably received by the receiving unit 180 in the STB 160 and loaded by the processor 190 to the memory 200. The second layout presentation is then preferably used by the processor 190 for presenting the EPG data on the display 170 instead of the first layout presentation. The processor 190 preferably uses the second layout presentation in an EPG engine (not shown) that is preferably operated for presenting the EPG data on the display 170, typically in a plurality of EPG screens.

Preferably, the second layout presentation may comprise, in addition to EPG components as mentioned above, at least one of the following: a visual theme presentation; and an audio theme presentation. The visual theme presentation may, for example which is not meant to be limiting, be accompanied by the audio theme presentation. Each of the visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation preferably comprises at least one of the following: a feature related to an event, such as a holiday festival event, a religious event or a political event; a feature related to a broadcast program, such as a highlight of a sports program or a music program; a feature related to a service, such as an invitation to participate in a television gaming service; a feature related to an advertisement, such as a movie promotion; and a feature related to an item, such as a promoted product. Each of the features of visual theme presentation comprises a visual feature, such as a picture. Each of the features of the audio., theme . presentation comprises an audio feature, such as a vocal message. The visual theme presentation preferably comprises at least one of the following: a static theme, that is, a still image; and a dynamic theme, that is, moving pictures. Each of the static theme and the dynamic theme may be presented on the display 170 as a small picture on a portion of a screen of the display 170, for example while a television program is displayed on the entire screen, or in a picture-in-picture (PIP) display mode.

The visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation of the second layout presentation differ from the above-mentioned EPG components in that the EPG components may, typically, be constantly available and selected, whereas since the visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation comprise features which are related to one of an event, a broadcast program, a service, an advertisement, and an item, the visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation may be available and selected only at time periods in which the related features are available. For example, a visual theme presentation comprising a picture of a religious event is typically made available a short period of time before a date in which the religious event occurs and during the religious event, but after the religious event ends such a picture is typically not available any more. Further for example, a highlight of a music program is typically made available only a short period of time before the music program is broadcasted. The second layout presentation may therefore differ from the first layout presentation, for example, both in EPG components and in theme presentations. An example of such a case is shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B where the first layout presentation is, by way of a non-limiting example, represented by a layout presentation 800 depicted in Fig. 5A, and the second layout presentation is, by way of a non-limiting example, represented by a layout presentation 900 depicted in Fig. 5B.

The layout presentation 800 does not include a theme presentation. The layout presentation 900, however, includes a theme presentation 910 which comprises a picture of dancing couples and an announcement of an upcoming party event for a new year's celebration. The layout presentations 800 and 900 also differ in two EPG components comprising type and size of fonts used for text presentation of program categories. Each of the visual theme presentation and the audio theme presentation is preferably associated with a time-stamp determining removal of the corresponding theme presentation after a preset time period. After the preset time period the corresponding theme presentation expires in which case the corresponding theme presentation may automatically be removed or the user 230 may have to, for example, re-purchase / re-select the theme presentation, select an alternative theme presentation, or simply return to a standard broadcaster layout presentation.

Automatic removal of the corresponding theme presentation may depend on the nature of the theme presentation. For example, the time stamp of the theme presentation 910 in Fig. 5B may determine automatic removal of the theme presentation 910 a day after a new year's evening without an option for repurchase / re-select.

The time-stamp may alternatively indicate that the corresponding theme presentation is never to expire in which case the corresponding theme presentation is maintained without having to re-purchase / re-select the theme presentation.

The second layout presentation may, for example, be offered together with additional layout presentations by a broadcaster or by an EPG provider which may also, for example, be a television service provider. In a case where the EPG is provided via the Internet or via a network that is associated with the Internet rather then transmitted by the headend 120, the EPG provider may comprise an Internet service provider (ISP) or a web site. Such a broadcaster / EPG provider may, for example, tailor the second layout presentation to specific areas, regions and target audiences. For example, the broadcaster / EPG provider may include in the second layout presentation a theme which is of interest on a local basis, such as a video clip of a rock band that tours a specific region, or a picture of a local politician in a specific city. Since selection of themes for offering to the user 230 and theme production are performed at a broadcaster / EPG provider level, the broadcaster / EPG provider may maintain its corporate image and logo while allowing, the user 230 some control over. Look-and-Feel experience. By way of a non-limiting example, the broadcaster / EPG provider transmits a list of offered layout presentations of the EPG via the headend 120. The list of offered layout presentations is preferably received by the receiving unit 180. The processor 190 preferably processes the list and displays a menu (not shown) showing the list on the display 170. The user 230 may then preferably use the menu to select the second layout presentation from a plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG which appear in the list.

Preferably, the user 230 employs the RC 240 for browsing through the plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG and for entering a user input including a selection instruction for selecting, for example, the second layout presentation from the plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG. The available layout presentations of the EPG are preferably browsed via an interactive application (iapp) (not shown), or via a portal (not shown) of the broadcaster / EPG provider that offers themes and layout presentations for loading. After the user 230 selects the second layout presentation, the user

230 may be prompted to confirm selection of the second layout presentation. If the user 230 confirms the selection of the second layout presentation, the processor 190 preferably processes the user input of the user 230 and provides the user input which indicates the selection of the second layout presentation to the transmitter 210. The transmitter 210 preferably transmits the user input which indicates the selection of the second layout presentation to the headend 120 via the return path 220.

Upon receipt of the user input which indicates the selection of the second layout presentation, the headend 120 preferably permits the second layout presentation to be loaded to the memory 200, for example, by transmitting an authorization signal which authorizes loading of the second layout presentation. The second layout presentation may preferably be transmitted constantly and so when the authorization signal is received at the STB 160 the processor 190 preferably processes the authorization signal and enables loading of the second layout presentation. Then, the processor 190 also loads the second layout presentation to the memory 200 either automatically or upon the user 230 instructing the processor 190 to actually load the second layout presentation. Alternatively, the second layout presentation, being transmitted constantly, may be automatically loaded to the memory 200 upon receipt at the STB 160. In such a case, the second layout presentation is preferably loaded to the memory 200 in a protected form which does not allow the user 230 to access the second layout presentation before the authorization signal is received. For example, the second layout presentation may be loaded to a part of the memory 200 to which only the broadcaster / EPG provider has access (remotely), in which case the authorization signal may include or be associated with a signal which permits and instructs the processor 190 to access that part of the memory 200 for copying the second layout presentation to another part of the memory 200 which is accessible by the user 230. Further for example, the broadcaster / EPG provider may transmit the second layout presentation in an encrypted form in which case the second layout presentation is preferably loaded to the memory 200 in an encrypted form. In such a case, the authorization signal may include or be associated with a decryption key which is employed by the processor 190 to decrypt the second layout presentation thus enabling access of the user 230 to the second layout presentation.

It is appreciated that the second layout presentation as well as the plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG may include items that are unrestricted and / or items that are restricted, for example, for adults only. In a case where the second layout presentation, or any other available layout presentation selected by the user 230, includes restricted items, the user 230 may be prompted to enter a personal identification number (PIN), and only after entering such a PIN, the second layout presentation may be loaded to the memory 200 and / or accessed. Use of the PIN enables parental control over loading and use of layout presentations because a parent who does not supply the PIN can prevent a child from accessing restricted layout presentations which may have an undesired effect on the child.

Preferably, after the authorization signal is received at the STB 160 and the second layout presentation is made ready for use, any presentation of EPG data on the display 17.0 is preferably performed by the processor 190 using the second layout presentation retrieved from the memory 200. It is appreciated that the broadcaster / EPG provider may offer the second layout presentation, as well as the other layout presentations, for a fee or in association with an advertisement. In a case where the broadcaster / EPG provider offers the second layout presentation and the other layout presentations for a fee, the second layout presentation and the other layout presentations may preferably be offered as part of a pay service provided by the broadcaster / EPG provider, and purchased using conventional purchase procedures as used, for example, in pay television applications. Such conventional purchase procedures preferably enable purchase of the second layout presentation and of the other layout presentations similarly to purchase of pay television programs. Thus, the second layout presentation and the other layout presentations may be purchased as a pay-per- view (PPV) item or as an impulse PPV (IPPV) item.

Some conventional purchase procedures that are in use in pay television today make use of removable secure devices, such as smart cards. As is well known in the art, the smart cards may be loaded with credits which users may expend. When such smart cards are used, transmissions to the headend 120 of user inputs which indicate layout presentation selections and transmission of authorization signals by the headend 120 are unnecessary because appropriate authorization signals may be provided by the smart cards. For example, in a case where the broadcaster / EPG provider transmits the second layout presentation in an encrypted form, the user 230 may be prompted to confirm selection of the second layout presentation of the EPG. The STB 160 may be operatively associated with a smart card (not shown), and if the user 230 confirms selection of the second layout presentation of the EPG, the smart card preferably registers a purchase of the second layout presentation of the EPG and debits a credit of the user 230 which is registered in the smart card. The smart card then provides a decryption key without requiring instant communication with the headend 120 via the return path 220. It is appreciated that the smart card may be programmed to transmit accounting data related to expenditures and purchases of layout presentations to the headend 120 via the return path 220 once in a predefined period of the time, such as once a week, or in . response to an interrogation signal generated by the headend 120 once in the predefined time period as is well known in the art.

It is further appreciated that a confirmation of selection of the second layout presentation may be associated with a requirement to enter a PIN thus enabling the parent to control expenditures of the child on purchases of layout presentations.

The pay service may alternatively offer a possibility of loading the second layout presentation for a monthly fee payable to the broadcaster / EPG provider. In such a case, the user 230 may also purchase the second layout presentation as a PPV or an IPPV purchase. The monthly fee may, for example, be added to a regular monthly fee normally paid by the user 230 for conventional television services.

Further alternatively, the pay service may offer a possibility of loading the second layout presentation as part of a package in which the user 230 may load a fixed number of layout presentations for a fixed price. In such a case, after the user 230 purchases such a package, the user 230 is enabled to load, at the user's discretion and at times selected by the user 230, various layout presentations up to the number of layout presentations in the package.

It is appreciated that accounting operations related to such a pay service including operations related to purchase of the second layout presentation or other layout presentations, payment for such a purchase, and crediting the user 230 may, for example, be handled as described in US Patents 5,539,450 and 5,592,212 to Handelman, the disclosures of which have been incorporated herein by reference. The second layout presentation is preferably associated with a time- stamp determining removal or expiration of the second layout presentation after a preset time period. The user 230 may thus be required to pay a maintenance fee in order to maintain the second layout presentation active. The maintenance fee may, for example, be payable every billing period and payment of the maintenance fee may, for example, be handled as the payment for the purchase of the second layout presentation. Alternatively, the time-stamp may indicate that the second layout presentation is never to expire in which case there is no need to pay a maintenance fee in order to maintain the second layout presentation active.

In a case where the second layout presentation is offered in association with an advertisement, an advertiser of the advertisement may pay the broadcaster / EPG provider for providing the second layout presentation in association with the advertisement. The user 230 may preferably receive the advertisement together with an indication indicating that the second layout presentation is comprised in the EPG. The indication may be comprised in the advertisement or associated with the advertisement.

In such a case, the user 230 may preferably load the second layout presentation in response to receipt and viewing of the advertisement. Such an option may appeal both to broadcasters and to users because the users may be enabled to personalize EPG layout presentations in response to viewing advertisements, and the broadcasters may receive payments for the advertisements from advertisers.

It is appreciated that in the case where the second layout presentation is offered in association with the advertisement the broadcaster / EPG provider may alternatively enable an option in which the second layout presentation is automatically loaded when the advertisement is viewed.

The advertisement may alternatively be part of a specific promotion by the broadcaster / EPG provider, such as a promotion for a service or for a series of programs such as sports programs, in which case the broadcaster / EPG provider is also the advertiser. In such a case, the second layout presentation may refer to the specific promotion and act as an added-value item which may encourage purchase of the promoted service or series of programs.

It is appreciated that the second layout presentation, as well as the other layout presentations, may be offered in a combination which requires both payment of a fee and viewing of an advertisement. The user 230 may alternatively or additionally personalize the layout presentation of the EPG by inserting a digital object that is not comprised in the second layout presentation into the second layout presentation to produce a modified second layout presentation. The modified second layout presentation may then preferably be used for presenting EPG data instead of the second layout presentation.

The term "digital object" is used throughout the specification and claims to refer to an information item that may, or may not, be associated with an action or effect occurring when the information item is pointed at or selected, where the information item comprises one or more of the following: a picture; a video clip; graphics; text; and audio. The action with which the digital object may be associated may, for example, include redirection to another information item, switching to a screen or an embedded window, displaying a video message, or playing an audio message, etc. The effect with which the digital object may be associated may, for example, include displaying the information item for a predefined time period, displaying the information item in an emphasized mode, etc. The digital object used for personalizing the layout presentation of the EPG may, for example, comprise personal material which may be received from another person, such as a friend or a family member, or personally created by the user 230, or obtained by the user 230, for example, via electronic-mail or via the Internet. The personal material may include any one or more of the following: a personal picture; a personal video clip; personal graphics; personal text; and personal audio.

If the digital object is obtained from a website of the broadcaster / EPG provider or from an authorized provider, the digital object preferably includes a verified signature which enables use of the digital object and inserting of the digital object into the second layout presentation. If the digital object is created by the user 230 or obtained from an unauthorized source or provider such as a friend of the user 230, the digital object must be transmitted to the headend 120 or to a website of the broadcaster / EPG provider where the digital object is preferably checked in order to determine and verify the following: a quality of the digital object; that the digital object does not introduce malicious software or cause negative effects in performance of the STB 160; that the digital object does not introduce content which is typically offending to viewers; and compatibility of the digital object to layout presentations used by the broadcaster / EPG provider. If any deficiencies are found in the digital object, the user 230 will receive a notification of such deficiencies from the broadcaster / EPG provider, for example via the headend 120 or via e-mail. The broadcaster / EPG provider may also, if possible, make modifications to the digital object and repair deficiencies in the digital object. If the deficiencies cannot be repaired, use of the digital object will not be enabled.

It is appreciated that before being enabled to insert the digital object the user 230 may be required to positively accept a disclaimer that deficient or malicious digital objects may result in undesired STB behavior and also to positively accept a user agreement which exempts the broadcaster / EPG provider from any liability in case of malicious digital objects or deficiencies in digital objects.

The digital object is preferably checked separately and also when integrated with the second layout presentation to .verify that there are no deficiencies in the digital object and that integration of the digital object with the second layout presentation does not result in undesired STB behavior. It is appreciated that any layout presentation and any digital object offered for loading is subject to checking in order to verify that there are no deficiencies that may result in undesired STB behavior.

After the digital object is checked separately and in combination with the second layout presentation, and, if necessary, the digital object is repaired, the broadcaster / EPG provider preferably associates a signature with the digital object thus producing a verified digital object. The broadcaster / EPG provider then preferably transmits the verified digital object to the user unit 130 together with an authorization signal authorizing use of the verified digital object. It is appreciated that the user 230 may be required to pay for such verification of the digital object, in which case payments associated with producing and transmission of the verified digital object may, for example, be handled as the payment for the purchase of the second layout presentation.

It is further appreciated that the EPG has an interface which is...not openly accessible and is not an open-API (API - Application Programming Interface), and thus an unauthorized and / or unverified digital object is not permitted to be used with the EPG. In order to further verify that unauthorized and / or unverified digital objects will not be used, the broadcaster / EPG provider may also provide templates for creating layout presentations, which templates are preferably designed so as to use digital objects having verified signatures only. In such a case, the user 230 may insert a verified digital object into a template to produce a new layout presentation, where the digital object may be created by the user 230 or received, for example from a friend, and verified as mentioned above.

The verified digital object may alternatively be inserted into the first layout presentation or used independently of the first and the second layout presentations to create a new personalized EPG layout presentation. Once the user 230 obtains the verified digital object, the user 230 may preferably use the digital object as a building block for building the new personalized EPG layout presentation. In such a case, the user 230 may, for example, use simple software tools which may be provided, for example, in an "Edit EPG" menu (not shown) for performing various operations which personalize the EPG layout presentation. For example, the user 230 may choose an "insert" option to insert the digital object as a background image for the EPG. Further for example, the user 230 may edit text comprised in the digital object, move the digital object throughout a screen of the display 170 and dock / undock the digital object at a specific location on the screen, and remove some existing layout presentation components unless such removal is prohibited.

The user 230 may thus personalize and customize an EPG layout presentation at the user's discretion, for example, for choosing a previous EPG layout presentation to which the user 230 is accustomed, for modifying a current EPG layout presentation with components from previous EPG layout presentations, for inserting background pictures of family members or beloved figures, such as a rock star, and for inserting background music desired by the user 230. The user 230 may alternatively or additionally personalize and customize the EPG layout presentation by creating hotspots, graphical buttons or other indications based on video and / or audio or based on meta-data content related to video and / or audio, provided that the EPG supports such hotspots, graphical buttons and other indications. The hotspots are preferably activated according to corresponding predefined conditions.

The indications based on video and / or audio may preferably be hotspots activated whenever a video and / or audio item played is associated with information that may be displayed whenever the item is indicated. For example, in a football game, each football player may be associated with a hotspot so that when a specific player appears on the screen of the display 170 and is pointed at or otherwise indicated, statistics information related to previous goals of the specific player is displayed.

The indications based on meta-data content related to video and / or audio may preferably be hotspots activated whenever the related video and / or audio is played. The meta-data content is typically pre-prepared and associated with corresponding video and / or audio by the broadcaster / EPG provider. A non- limiting example of an indication based on meta-data content related to video and / or audio is display of a grid showing upcoming events whenever a related event is mentioned during playing of the video and / or audio. For example, whenever a football game is mentioned during a television program, a grid of upcoming football games may be displayed at a corner of the screen of the display 170. The term "meta-data" is used throughout the present specification and claims to include information descriptive of or otherwise referring to a content stream or a portion thereof. Meta-data may include, for example, pointers, tags, codes, flags, editorial information, and indexing information. At least part of the meta-data may be used to enable or disable interactive operations, such as EPG related operations, depending, for example, on values assigned to the tags or the . flags. In a case where the content stream is associated with at least one television program, the pointers, tags, codes, flags, editorial information and indexing information may point to, describe, and / or index segments of the at least one television program as well as portions of the content stream. It is appreciated that the contents of the meta-data may preferably pertain to either a plurality of users or an individual user. The meta-data.may.be used. to enable operations on the at least one television program, if associated with the content stream, and / or on content in the content stream. The meta-data may be available from one or many broadcast sources at one or more times when the at least one television program is broadcasted or at times before the at least one television program is broadcasted.

It is appreciated that the hotspots, the indications based on video and / or audio or based on meta-data content, and the graphical buttons may be used to reveal and activate existing EPG layout functionality which, in the absence of the hotspots, the indications and the graphical buttons, is typically not presented to the user 230.

In an example of EPG and video / audio hotspot creation, the user 230 may enter the "Edit EPG" menu and choose a "design EPG hotspot" option (not shown) to get access to selected video and audio information and to meta-data information for any program for which such information is currently available. Then, the user 230 may change EPG behavior by laying out EPG hotspots on the video screen or by both laying out EPG hotspots on the video screen and inserting a new digital object, such as a new picture. Such an arrangement creates a "hidden" EPG which is not accessed via an EPG button (not shown) on the RC 240. Rather, the user 230 may access the hidden EPG by navigating to a hotspot and opening an EPG menu or opening up the hotspot based on meta-data information associated with a displayed broadcast program. Opening of the hotspot may, for example, create a pop-up on a portion of the screen of the display 170, in which pop-up a listing of programs on selected channels is displayed.

Such changes in EPG behavior, when applied, for example, to the second layout presentation, produce a modified second layout presentation. The modified second layout presentation is then preferably used to present the EPG data instead of the second layout presentation.

The menu showing the list of offered layout presentations may also show, for each available layout presentation of the EPG, status information indicating, inter alia: whether the layout presentation is already available for loading or a time at which the layout presentation will be available for loading; whether loading of the layout presentation is associated with a fee and the fee for loading; and a mechanism .for loading the layout presentation, such as over the air or through a website of the broadcaster / EPG provider. In a case where layout presentations are made available for loading over the air (OTA)₅ the broadcaster / EPG provider may preferably broadcast the layout presentations via the DSM-CC broadcast carousel 250. In such a case, the layout presentations are broadcast continuously on a hidden channel. When the user 230 accesses the menu showing the list of offered layout presentations, the STB 160 preferably tunes to a predefined channel associated with a Packet Identification (PID) stream which carries the list and the layout presentations, and downloads the list. If some layout presentations are already stored in the memory 200, the processor 190 preferably compares the downloaded list to a list of already stored layout presentations and designates duplicates for removal. It is appreciated that the downloaded list may preferably include one image per layout presentation to give the user 230 a visual indication of the content of the layout presentation. The downloaded list may also include a title of each layout presentation and / or a short text describing each layout presentation. Preferably, when the user 230 accesses the menu showing the list of offered layout presentations, the processor 190 presents the list of offered layout presentations without duplicates on the display 170. The user 230 then browses the list and selects a layout presentation from the list. If the selected layout presentation is offered for a fee, the user 230 may confirm selection of the layout presentation, in which case an account of the user 230, that may be managed by the smart card associated with the STB 160, is debited by an appropriate amount and the selected layout presentation is preferably loaded to the memory 200.

It is appreciated that some of the layout presentations may be delivered over the air as part of content pushed to the memory 200 by the broadcaster / EPG provider either in response to an initiative of the broadcaster / EPG provider or in response to opt-in by the user 230. In such a case, the user 230 preferably launches the pushed content and, for example as part of a recorded interactive application, the user 230 may choose to set a layout presentation included in the pushed content. In a case where the layout presentations are made available for loading through a. website of. the broadcaster / EPG provider, the user 230. may, for example, access the website of the broadcaster / EPG provider and load a selected layout presentation to an external memory (not shown) having an appropriate interface, such as a USB interface. The user 230 may then preferably connect the external memory to the STB 160 via the USB interface 225 and add / copy the selected layout presentation to the memory 200. In a case where the STB 160 has a network connection via the USB interface 225, some of the layout presentations may be pushed to the processor 190 in the STB 160 via the USB interface 225. The processor 190 may then preferably store such pushed layout presentations in the memory 200.

It is appreciated that over the air delivery of layout presentations is advantageous in many cases because there is no need to connect the STB 160 to an external device, such as an external memory, and the user 230 may use existing STB facilities in order to take advantage of EPG layout presentation personalization. Additionally, over the air delivery of layout presentations does not require the user 230 to have much technical knowledge in order to be able to obtain a new layout presentation.

Preferably, once a selected layout presentation is stored in the memory 200 the selected layout presentation does not need to be re-acquired on a power-down of the STB 160 or on a channel change operation. Additionally, the STB 160 does not need to tune to a given channel in order to access the selected layout presentation once the selected layout presentation is stored in the memory 200 in its entirety. An example of a skin selection menu usable in selecting a layout presentation from a plurality of layout presentations stored in the memory 200 is shown in Fig. 6.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the processor 190 employs a mechanism which ensures that any newly loaded layout presentation, such as the second layout presentation, is functional in its intended form and that all components that are necessary for the intended form are • indeed available before using the newly loaded layout presentation. The mechanism preferably enables defaulting to using a component from a default layout presentation of the EPG upon occurrence of at least one of the following: the newly loaded layout, presentation is not functional in its intended form;, and not all the components that are necessary for the intended form are available. It is appreciated that functionality in the intended form may include less than full EPG functionality and the second layout presentation may, for example, inherit properties from the default layout presentation or from other stored layout presentations. Preferably, the mechanism is equally employed on any other layout presentation that is stored in the memory 200.

Referring, by way of example which is not meant to be limiting, to the mechanism as being employed on the second layout presentation, if the second layout presentation is not functional in its intended form or if not all the components of the second layout presentation that are necessary for the intended form are available, the mechanism preferably defaults to using a component from a default layout presentation of the EPG₅ which default layout presentation may, by way of a non-limiting example, comprise the first layout presentation. The. component from the default layout presentation of the EPG may, for example, include at least one of the following: an audio theme component; and a visual theme component.

It is appreciated that if the mechanism cannot use the component from the default layout presentation of the EPG, the mechanism may simply switch to using the entire default layout presentation.

If, on the other hand, integrity of the second layout presentation is affirmed, the processor 190 preferably notifies the EPG engine that an additional layout presentation, that is, the second layout presentation, exists and passes the relevant details of where the second layout presentation is stored. The processor 190 then preferably provides an indication on the display 170 that the second layout presentation is available for use, and prompts the user 230 for confirmation that the first layout presentation is to be replaced. If the user 230 declines, the user 230 may again be presented with the menu showing the list of offered layout presentations.

If the user 230 confirms that the first layout presentation is to be replaced, the EPG engine closes the EPG and then rebuilds the EPG using the second layout presentation.

It is appreciated that each layout presentation . is . preferably, associated with an EPG Properties File which defines properties of the layout presentation. An EPG Properties File associated with the default layout presentation, that is, for example, the first layout presentation, is preferably marked as a master file. The master file contains a list of all components comprised in the default layout presentation and provides mappings between programmatic references in the EPG and EPG skin components to be presented in given areas of EPG screens. Before rebuilding the EPG, the EPG engine preferably checks the master file and an appropriate EPG Properties File which is associated with the second layout presentation, and creates a Differences File with changes in mappings of programmatic references to EPG skin components between the master file and the EPG Properties File which is associated with the second layout presentation. The EPG Properties File and the Differences File may, by way of a non-limiting example, be provided in Extensible Markup Language (XML).

Preferably, in order to determine whether the second layout presentation is functional in its intended form and whether all the components that are necessary for operation of the second layout presentation in the intended form are available, the EPG engine checks the Differences File and the EPG Properties File which is associated with the second layout presentation. If the EPG engine finds that some EPG components that are necessary for operation of the second layout presentation in the intended form are corrupt or missing, the EPG engine preferably determines which components to use from the default layout presentation to compensate for non-functionality of the second layout presentation or for the missing components of the second layout presentation.

The following are examples of EPG Properties Files which pertain to Figs. 4A and 4B. The EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 4A is as follows:

:

text="ADULT" font_type="Arial" font_color="black" font_size="18^M /> </ELEMENTS>

- <ELEMENTS element_type="icon">

^"<ICON coordinates="541,022:599,042" text="EPG" font_type="Arial" font_color="black" font_size="18" /> </ELEMENTS> </TV_GUIDE>

The EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 4B is as follows:

= <TV_GUIDE buttons_num="4" background="ffie:dog.jpg"> z <ELEMENTS element Jyρe="program_filters">

<ICON coordinates="544,019:622,048" text="EPG" font_type="Times

New Roman" font_color="black" font_size="26" /> </ELEMENTS> </TVJJU1DE>

The above examples of EPG Properties Files are given, by way of a non-limiting example, assuming that the layout presentations of Figs. 4 A and 4B are presented on a display screen having a screen resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, but it appreciated that other screen resolutions may alternatively be used. For each button and icon the given coordinates refer to horizontal (X-axis) and vertical (Y- axis) coordinates of the top left vertex and of the bottom right vertex of a rectangle defining a respective button or icon. The coordinates refer to approximate pixel numbers in the display screen having the screen resolution of 640 by 480 pixels.

In the example of EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 4A the background is in blue., (the blue color is not shown in Fig. 4A), whereas in the example of EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 4B the background is a JPEG (JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group) picture of a dog. The differences in font types and font sizes between the layout presentations of Figs. 4A and 4B are also evident from the EPG Properties Files.

It is appreciated that each of the EPG Properties Files which pertain to Figs. 4A and 4B may define different font types and font sizes, and particularly in each of Figs. 4A and 4B more than one font size and font type may be used by defining proper font types and font sizes in the respective EPG Properties File.

The following are non-limiting examples of a master EPG Properties File and a new EPG Properties File which differs from the master file: epg.properties.master.txt

//Parameters on the left hand side of the symbol '=' in the master file below are included in an EPG code. The EPG would then use

//the image/sound files referenced on the right hand side of the '=' symbol.

//This master file is loaded by the EPG when it is in a default skin mode.

epg.background.grid=main.background.grid_back.jpg epg.background.sysmenu=main.background.sysmenu.jpg epg.background.textbox.default^z=main.background.textbox_default.jpg epg.button. sysmenu. option.setup .base=main. sy smenu. option. setup_bas e.jpg epg.button. sysmenu. option, setup . selected=main. sysmenu. option. setup_ selected.jpg epg.border.main=⁼main.border.main.jpg epg.sound.selected^:=main.default_selected.mp3

epg.properties.themel .txt

//Parameters on the left hand side of the '=' symbol in the new theme 1 file below are included in an EPG code. The EPG would then use

//this image/sound files referenced on the right hand side of the '=' symbol. //This themel file is loaded by the EPG when themel is selected.

//If a parameter is left blank, the EPG will use the referenced file contained in the epg.properties.master file.

//Note that even though a default reference file is used if a new reference file is not present, this does not preclude a //user from explicitly referencing an image that is part of the master EPG

epg.background.grid=theme 1.sunrise.jpg epg.background.sysmenu=themel .familypicl .jpg //note the missing reference to epg.background.textbox.default, the EPG will use the default value here. epg.button.sysmenu.option.setup.base=main.sysmenu.option.setup_bas e-JPg //note the following blank reference to epg.button.sysmenu.option.setup. selected, the EPG will use the default value here. epg .button, sy smenu. option, setup .selected- epg.border .main=theme 1.border .main.j pg epg.sound.selected=themel.default_selected.mp3

The above example of master EPG Properties File refers to a simple EPG skin. The new EPG Properties File refers to a case in which a theme (theme 1) is added to the simple EPG skin to create a new EPG skin. By way of a non- limiting example, the new EPG skin is intended to be applied instead of the simple EPG skin.

In the above examples of master and new EPG Properties Files, expressions on the left hand side of the "=" symbol, such as, for example, "epg.background.grid" and epg.background.sysmenu, are used as parameters in an internal EPG engine code (not shown) in place of explicitly referencing file names. Expressions on the right hand side of the "=" symbol, such as, for example, main.background.grid_back.jpg and main.background.sysmenu.jpg, represent examples of file names of files to be used when the EPG engine loads any visual/audio EPG component, either of a default layout presentation or of a theme.

When the simple EPG is applied, the EPG engine uses the master

EPG Properties File. When the new EPG skin is to be applied, the EPG engine preferably checks the master EPG Properties File and the new EPG Properties File and creates a Differences File with changes in mappings of programmatic references to EPG skin components between the master and new EPG Properties Files. The properties specified within the new EPG Properties File take precedence over those in the master EPG Properties File when (a) the EPG engine finds that any file referenced on the right hand side of the "=" symbol in the new EPG Properties File exists, (b) the EPG engine finds that any parameter on the left hand side of the "=" symbol exists in the EPG engine, and (c) the EPG engine finds that any referenced file is of a suitable type, that is, for example, a referenced image file is indeed an image file and not, for example, a sound file.

By way of a non-limiting example, the new. EPG Properties File given above has a missing line and a missing reference file. Upon creating the Differences File and detecting the missing line and the missing reference file in the new EPG Properties File, the EPG engine preferably uses appropriate EPG skin components from the master EPG Properties File to compensate for the missing components as described in the comments provided in the new EPG Properties File.

The above master and new EPG Properties Files are given, by way of a non-limiting example, in text form and not in XML. During a skin loading phase or on skin compilation prior to distribution, such files may be converted to XML or to another format. It is appreciated that the EPG engine may construct a working combination of an EPG Properties File from the master EPG Properties File and the Differences file.

Additional non-limiting examples of EPG Properties Files are described below with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is an illustration of an example of a graphical button implementation for use in a layout presentation of an EPG.

Fig. 7 depicts a graphical button 1000 referring to a display area in which a graphical illustration of a mouse is depicted, and a graphical button 1010 referring to a display area in which a graphical illustration of a fish is depicted. For simplicity of depiction and description, the graphical buttons 1000 and 1010 cover an entire display screen of an EPG and thus only the graphical buttons 1000 and 1010 are shown in Fig. 7 and other EPG components are not shown. It is, however, appreciated that the graphical buttons 1000 and 1010 may alternatively cover smaller areas of the display screen thus revealing other EPG components. By way of a non-limiting example, each of the graphical buttons 1000 and 1010 covers half of the display screen of the EPG.

When the graphical button 1000 is pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation of displaying a list of available television programs about mice is preferably performed. When the graphical button 1010 is pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation of displaying a list of available television programs about fish is preferably performed. Such an arrangement of graphical buttons may, for example, be useful for presenting a limited variety of television programs in a graphical way, for example, to young children.

It is appreciated that the graphical buttons 1000 and 1010, when covering smaller display areas, may be associated with or used to replace selection buttons and icons to enable selection based on graphical images depicted in the graphical buttons rather than selection based on text identifying buttons names and icons names.

An example of an EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 7 is as follows: -

_: <TV_GU1DE buttons_num="2" background="color:green"> r <ELEMENTS element Jype=''program_filters''> ~

file=^:"mouse.bmp" picture_displa3^7=:"Center" /> <GRAPHICAL_BUTTON

coordinates="320,000:640,480" file- 'fish.bmp" picture_display="Center" /> </ELEMENTS> </TV_GUIDE>

In the above example of EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 7 the background is, by way of a non-limiting example, in green (the green color is not shown in Fig. 7), and the graphical illustrations of the mouse and the fish are centered. It is, however, appreciated that other background colors may alternatively be used, and each of the graphical illustrations of the mouse and the fish may alternatively be stretched, differently oriented or otherwise manipulated for display. The coordinates refer to approximate pixel numbers in a display screen having a screen resolution of 640 by 480 pixels.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is an illustration of another example of a graphical button implementation for use in a layout presentation of an EPG. Fig. 8 shows a picture of a lake with water birds and vegetation on the lake shore. Also shown in Fig. 8 are graphical buttons 1100, 1110 and 1120. The graphical button 1100 refers to a display area in which a water bird is depicted, the graphical button 1110 refers to a display area in which vegetation is depicted, and the graphical button 1120 refers to a display area in which a part of the lake is depicted. For simplicity of depiction and description, the picture in Fig. 8 covers an entire display screen of an EPG and thus only the graphical buttons 1100, 1110 and 1120 may be used and other EPG components are not shown. It is, however, appreciated that the picture may alternatively cover a smaller area of the display screen thus revealing other EPG components. When the graphical button 1100 is pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation of displaying a list of available television programs about water birds is preferably performed. When the graphical button 1110 is pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation of displaying a list of available television programs about vegetation, trees and woods is preferably performed. When the graphical button 1120 is pointed at or otherwise selected, an operation of displaying a list of available television programs about lakes and seas is preferably performed. Such an arrangement of graphical buttons may also, for example, be useful for presenting a limited variety of television programs in a graphical way, for example, to young children. An example of an EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig. 8 is as follows:

- <!— Example 2 for a Properties File for Graphical buttons — >

- <TV_GUIDE buttons_num="3" background="file:lake.jpg">

- <ELEMENTS element_type="program_filters"> ~<BUTTON filter_id="21" coordinates="341,262:461,362" shape_type="Rounded_RectangIe" line_type="solid" line_color="yellow" />

In the above example of EPG Properties File which pertains to Fig.

8 the graphical buttons are outlined in yellow (the yellow color is not shown in

Fig. 8). It is, however, appreciated that other colors may alternatively be used, and the graphical buttons may alternatively be hidden buttons that change their colors or are outlined only when pointed at or otherwise selected. The coordinates refer to approximate pixel numbers in a display screen having a screen resolution of 640 by 480 pixels.

Returning now to rebuilding the EPG using the second layout presentation, once the EPG engine determines all necessary components for rebuilding the EPG, and assuming that no replacement components from the default layout presentation are necessary, the EPG engine preferably rebuilds the EPG with all Look-and-Feel features provided in the second layout presentation thus changing the Look-and-Feel of the EPG to the Look-and-Feel provided by the second layout presentation. In such rebuilding of the EPG₅ EPG components such as type, size and color of fonts, as well as themes, such as pictures and accompanying audio, and EPG behavior associated with the EPG components and a configuration of EPG components are changed to EPG components and themes and to EPG behavior as provided in the second layout presentation.

It is appreciated that the second layout presentation may include some changes in EPG functionality at skin level. For example, if a specific grid used in the first layout presentation includes a specific number of cells, the second layout presentation may include a different number of cells in the same grid. Further for example, an EPG screen in the second layout presentation may include fewer icons than a corresponding EPG screen in the first layout presentation. Since each icon typically includes some EPG functionality, reducing the number of icons changes EPG functionality. Changing EPG functionality may be preferred in cases where the user 230 uses only a limited number of functions of the EPG and / or in cases where the user 230 is not interested in having additional EPG functionalities that may complicate the way the user 230 uses the EPG. Additionally, limiting the number of functions of the EPG may also serve to limit EPG options available to a child thus providing an additional layer of parental control.

It is appreciated that upon returning to the first layout presentation or to another layout presentation, EPG functionality concealed by the second layout presentation may be revealed and returned.

The user. 230 may, for example, define a few loaded , layout presentations as favorite layout presentations. Such favorite layout presentations may, for example, include layout presentations with reduced functionalities, layout presentations which the user 230 is accustomed to, and layout presentations with favorite features. Each such favorite layout presentation may be selected, at different times, as the default layout presentation. Also, for example, each family member of the user 230 may have his / her own default layout presentation which the family member may choose when using the EPG.

Preferably, if a digital object is to be added to the second layout presentation and the EPG engine identifies that the digital object is verified, the EPG engine preferably overlays the digital object on EPG screens or uses the digital object as an accompanying feature while appropriately updating the EPG Properties File which is associated with the second layout presentation and / or the Differences File.

If the second layout presentation comprises an audio component, the audio component of the second layout presentation preferably substitutes a corresponding audio component of the first layout presentation, provided that the first layout presentation indeed includes such a corresponding audio component. It is appreciated that any essential component of the EPG, such as a video component or a required text area, that is missing from the second layout presentation, either by design or in error, is preferably replaced by a respective component from the first layout presentation of the EPG by consulting the Differences File. Each such missing essential component of the EPG is preferably replaced by the respective component from the first layout presentation of the EPG if retaining the respective component from the first layout presentation of the EPG does not have a detrimental effect on expected end user experience. After the EPG is rebuilt, the processor 190 preferably returns to the menu showing the list of offered layout presentations, now displayed using the second layout presentation.

Preferably, the mechanism which ensures that any newly loaded layout presentation is functional in its intended form and that all components that are necessary for the intended form are indeed available also includes a reset function which, when activated, restores a default layout presentation, such as the first layout presentation. The user 230 may, for example, activate the reset function when the user 230 is not satisfied with a layout presentation actually being used, or when a layout presentation actually being used does not operate properly. It is appreciated that the reset function may also be activated by a signal transmitted from the headend 120, which signal may, for example, be embedded in an entitlement management message (EMM).

It is appreciated that normally the user 230 would expect that stored personalized layout presentations prepared and used thereby would operate in a satisfactory way even with new versions of STB software that may be downloaded from time to time by the broadcaster / EPG provider, for example, when the broadcaster / EPG provider updates STB software, including the EPG. Updates of the EPG may, for example, include adding new EPG functionality, changing existing EPG functionality, or removing some existing EPG functionality. A new version of STB software which updates the EPG may include a new EPG engine, a new default layout presentation and an associated new master EPG Properties File, and the new EPG engine and the new master EPG Properties File may differ from a previously-used EPG engine and a previously-used EPG Properties File, respectively.

In order to verify that a stored personalized layout presentation operates in a satisfactory way with a new version of STB software after the new version of STB software is downloaded to the STB 160, the new EPG engine is preferably used, upon the user 230 selecting a stored personalized layout presentation, to attempt to rebuild the EPG using the stored personalized layout presentation. If attempting to rebuild the EPG using the stored personalized layout presentation fails or results in errors or degraded functionality, the processor 190 preferably displays on the display 170 a message indicating lack of compatibility of the stored personalized layout presentation with the new STB software. The processor 190 may also preferably provide and display information which may assist the user 230 in obtaining software updates and patches that may fix any compatibility problems preventing the stored personalized layout presentation from operating in a satisfactory way with the new version of EPG software.

It is appreciated that if a determination is made that a layout presentation is functional in its intended form and that all components that are necessary for operation of the layout presentation in the intended form are available, then checking whether the layout presentation is functional in its intended form and that all the components that are necessary for operation of the layout presentation in the intended form are available need not typically be repeated. Similarly, if a layout presentation is found to be compatible with current STB software, a check for compatibility of the layout presentation with the current STB software need not typically be repeated.

In contrast with skin based software for mobile telephone applications and for PC applications, the EPG in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention has an interface which is not openly accessible and is not an open-API, and thus unauthorized users cannot create their own functional EPG themes and layout presentations, and unverified EPG themes and layout presentations cannot be used with the EPG. Since the EPG and the television program transmissions transmitted to the STB 160 are typically encrypted and / or scrambled, the STB 160 may be considered a secure environment and thus the broadcaster / EPG provider may, for example, use verification methods, such as checksum calculations, to verify at least one the following: (a) that an EPG layout presentation is unmodified from an original version provided by the broadcaster / EPG provider; (b) that the user 230 is authorized to have a given EPG layout presentation, where the EPG layout presentation may, for example, be provided as a subscription service; (c) that a quality of each layout presentation available for loading is satisfactory so that user experience is not adversely affected, where the quality of each layout presentation may be checked for completeness / modification by the broadcaster / EPG provider and also on the STB 160 before the layout presentation is used; and (d) that the user 230 is not attempting to introduce malicious software (either knowingly or unknowingly) into the STB 160 in order to cause negative effects ill- performance of the STB 160 or to expose lower layers of software in the STB 160. Additionally, since typically STBs are constantly maintained in an "on" state in order to receive television signals, the STB 160 may be considered as always-connected equipment unlike, for example, a PC that can be considered to be of functional use even without network connectivity. Thus, it is more difficult, for example for the user 230, to prevent the broadcaster / EPG provider from performing a required action on the STB 160. Such a required action may, for example, be needed for at least one of the following: repairing / updating themes and layout presentations in the event of errors / bugs in EPG software; re- initialization of the EPG and usage of default EPG software in power-down or other interrupting events; preventing user access to unsubscribed themes and layout presentations; and streaming new information to the EPG, such as targeted advertisements and feeds corresponding to themes subjects.

It is appreciated that enabling the broadcaster / EPG provider to perform required actions on the STB 160 increases reliability of the television system 110 and prevents misuse of the television system 110 and / or poor user experience.

It is also appreciated that an EPG layout presentation is different from software downloaded to an STB in that it is not an entire software platform that is replaced and no functionality is added; rather, only the skin of the EPG is changed and existing concealed or non-presented EPG layout functionality may be revealed. The skin is typically only a small addition to an initial EPG template and thus memory capacity requirements are not expected to be significantly greater than for a standard deployed EPG. Therefore, loading skins to the memory 200 is not expected to adversely affect storage capacity of the memory 200 and it is expected that currently deployed STBs, as well as legacy STBs, may accept and store a reasonable number of new skins. Storage and insertion of digital objects may, however, be limited to digital objects requiring low storage capacities so as not to adversely affect storage capacity of currently deployed STBs and legacy STBs.

Preferably, new EPG layout presentations as well as digital objects for use in EPG layout presentations may be made available on a regular basis thus maintaining interest of users. The users may delete previous EPG layout presentations and obtain current and updated EPG layout presentations. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of loading a new layout presentation. using the apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. A user of an STB which comprises the apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 preferably browses (step 1200), while viewing television, to an interactive application channel which shows a list of skins / themes available for loading to the STB. An interactive television (iTV) application which shows the list of skins / themes available for loading to the STB is preferably launched (step 1210) and the STB checks (step 1215), using the apparatus 100 of Fig. I₅ for duplicate skins / themes that may exist in an STB memory and removes any such duplicates from selection. The user is then prompted (step 1220) on whether the user wants to change a present skin / theme. If the user responds with a "NO", the STB exits (step 1225) the iTV application. If the user responds with a "YES", the user is enabled to select a skin / theme from the list of skins / themes available for loading to the STB, and after the user selects (step 1230) a skin / theme, the STB preferably determines (step 1240) a status of the selected skin / theme, that is, availability of the selected skin / theme for loading and whether the selected skin / theme is stored in the STB memory. Assuming the selected skin / theme is not stored in the STB memory or is stored in the STB memory but is marked expired, a determination is then made (step 1250) of whether the selected skin / theme requires purchase.

In a case where the selected skin / theme is free of charge or the user owns a subscription to skins / themes (step 1260), the selected skin / theme is preferably loaded (step 1270) to the STB memory.

In a case where the selected skin / theme requires purchase, the user is presented (step 1280) with an offer to purchase the selected skin / theme. If the user declines, the user is again prompted (step 1220) on whether the user wants to change a present skin / theme. If the user accepts the offer, the user is enabled to purchase the selected skin / theme (step 1290), typically for a fee using a conventional purchase procedure as used, for example, in conventional pay television applications. After the purchase procedure is completed successfully, the selected skin / theme is loaded (step 1270) to the STB memory. After the selected skin / theme is saved in the STB memory, the user is prompted (step .1300).. on whether to apply the. selected skin / theme...If the. user- declines, the user is again prompted (step 1220) on whether the user wants to change a present skin / theme. If the user agrees to apply the selected skin / theme, the selected skin / theme is preferably applied (step 1310).

Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of selecting and applying a new layout presentation from an STB memory.

A user of an STB preferably browses (step 1400) skins / themes from an STB menu. The STB preferably displays (step 1410) a list of skins / themes that are stored in the STB memory and the user is prompted (step 1420) on whether the user wants to change a present skin / theme. If the user responds With a "NO", the STB exits (step 1430) to a television viewing state or program selection state (both not shown) which precedes display of the list of skins / themes that are stored in the STB memory. If the user responds with a "YES", the user is enabled to select a skin / theme from the STB memory, and after the user selects (step 1440) a skin / theme, the user is prompted (step 1450) to confirm skin / theme selection. If the user does not confirm skin / theme selection, the list of skins / themes is again presented to the user for another skin / theme selection.

If the user confirms skin / theme selection, the user is notified (step 1460) that the selected skin / theme is going to be applied, and the selected skin / theme is then preferably applied (step 1470). Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of performing editing operations on a layout presentation.

A user of an STB preferably browses (step 1500) to a channel of an iTV application that supports editing of a layout presentation and enables the user to perform various editing operations in accordance with options selected by the user. In order to perform editing operations relating to hotspots, the user is presented (step 1510) with an option to create or edit a hotspot. If the user selects such an option, the user is enabled to create or edit (step 1520) a hotspot through selection of meta-data information, a video and / or audio section, a display area and / or a required hotspot behavior.

In order ..to perform editing .operations relating to personal . content, the user is presented (step 1530) with an option to load personal video and / or audio content, and when the user selects such an option, the user is enabled to choose (step 1540) personal content and the personal content is preferably loaded, for example, from an external disk via a USB interface.

In order to perform editing operations relating to graphical buttons, the user is presented (step 1550) with an option to create or edit a graphical button. If the user selects such an option, the user is enabled to create or edit (step 1560) a graphical button through selection of meta-data information, a video and / or audio section, a display area and / or a resulting graphical button action.

In order to perform editing operations relating to layout presentation elements, the user is presented (step 1570) with an option to modify layout presentation elements. If the user selects such an option, the user is enabled to modify (step 1580) various layout presentation elements, such as, fonts, grid arrangement, etc.

After the user makes all desired editing operations, the user is prompted (step 1590) on whether the user has finished performing editing operations. If the user responds with a "YES", the editing operations are applied to create an edited layout presentation, and the layout presentation is saved (step 1595) and made available for use. If the user responds with a "NO", the user is again enabled to make additional or alternative editing operations. Reference is now made to Fig. 12, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of pushing a layout presentation to an STB.

A headend preferably notifies (step 1600) an STB used by a user that a new skin will be available in a certain time window. The STB preferably checks (step 1610) whether the new skin is already stored in the STB. If the new skin is not stored in the STB, the STB preferably loads (step 1620) the new skin within the time window. The STB then preferably checks (step 1630) whether automatic application of the new skin is allowed.

If automatic application of the new skin is not allowed, the user is prompted (step 1640) on whether the user wants to change a present skin. If the user responds with a "NO", the STB exits (step 1650) to a television viewing state or program selection state (both not shown) which precedes the notification by the headend of availability of the new skin in a certain time window. If the user responds with a "YES", the user is enabled to select the new skin. The user then browses (step 1660) a skin selection menu (not shown), the STB presents (step 1670) a list of available skins, now including the new skin, and the user selects (step 1680) the new skin from the list. The STB then checks (step 1690) whether the new skin requires purchase, and if the new skin does not require purchase, the new skin is preferably applied (step 1700). If the skin requires purchase, the user is offered (step 1710) an option to purchase the new skin. If the user does not want to purchase the new skin, the user is again prompted (step 1640) on whether the user wants to change a present skin. If the user agrees to purchase the new skin, the user is enabled to purchase the new skin, typically for a fee using a conventional purchase procedure as used, for example, in conventional pay television applications. After the purchase procedure is completed successfully, the new skin is applied (step 1700).

It is appreciated that if automatic application of the new skin is allowed, typically in specific cases in which the new skin does not require purchase, the new skin is preferably applied (step 1700) automatically.

Reference is now made to Fig. 13, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the apparatus 100 of Fig. 1.

The method of Fig. 13 may preferably be used for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG. The method of Fig. 13 is self-explanatory.

Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of another preferred method of operation of the apparatus 100 of Fig. 1.

The method of Fig. 14 may preferably be used for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG. The method of Fig. 14 is self-explanatory. It is appreciated that software components of the present invention may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read only memory) form. The software components may, generally, be implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques.

It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

What is claimed is:CLAIMS

1. A method of personalizing a layout presentation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG)₅ which EPG comprises EPG data presented using a first layout presentation, the method comprising: receiving, via broadcast transmission, a second layout presentation of the EPG, the second layout presentation being different from the first layout presentation; loading the second layout presentation to a memory in a set-top box

(STB); and using the second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data.

2. The method according to claim 1 and wherein the memory comprises a non- volatile memory.

3. The method according to claim 1 and wherein the memory comprises a hard disk.

4. The method according to any of the above claims and wherein the using comprises selecting the second layout presentation from a plurality of available layout presentations of the EPG which are offered by an EPG provider.

5. The method according to any of the above claims and wherein the receiving comprises: receiving an authorization to perform at least one of the following: load the second layout presentation of the EPG; and access the second layout presentation of the EPG.

6. The method according to any of the above claims and also comprising, prior to the using: inserting a digital object that is not comprised in the second layout presentation into the second layout presentation to produce a modified second layout presentation, and wherein the using comprises: using the modified second layout presentation for presenting the

EPG data.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 - 5 and also comprising, prior to the using: changing EPG behavior to create a hidden EPG accessible based on meta-data information associated with a broadcast program, thereby producing a modified second layout presentation, and wherein the using comprises: using the modified second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 - 5 and also comprising, prior to the using: inserting a digital object that is not comprised in the second layout presentation into the second layout presentation; and changing EPG behavior to create a hidden EPG accessible based on meta-data information associated with a broadcast program, and wherein the using comprises: using a modified second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data, the modified second layout presentation resulting from both the inserting and the changing.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 - 4 and wherein the loading comprises loading the second layout presentation in response to receipt of an advertisement together with an indication indicating that the second layout presentation is comprised in the EPG.

10. The method according to any of the above claims and wherein the second layout presentation comprises a visual theme presentation.

11. The method according to claim 10 and wherein the visual theme presentation is accompanied by an audio theme presentation.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 — 9 and wherein the second layout presentation comprises an audio theme presentation.

13. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11 and wherein the visual theme presentation comprises at least one of the following: a feature related to an event; a feature related to a broadcast program; a feature related to a service; a feature related to an advertisement; and a feature related to an item.

14. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12 and wherein the audio theme presentation comprises at least one of the following: a feature related to an event; a feature related to a broadcast program; a feature related to a service; a feature related to an advertisement; and a feature related to an item.

15. The method according to any of claims 10, 11 and 13 and wherein the visual theme presentation is associated with a time-stamp determining removal of the visual theme presentation after a preset time period.

16. The method according to any of claims 11, 12 and 14 and wherein the audio theme presentation is associated with a time-stamp determining removal of the audio theme presentation after a preset time period.

17. The method according to any of claims 10, 11, 13 and 15 and wherein the visual theme presentation comprises at least one of the following: a static theme; and a dynamic theme.

18. The method according to any of the above claims and also comprising: employing a mechanism which ensures that the second layout presentation is functional in its intended form and that all components that are necessary for said intended form are available before performing the using.

19. The method according to claim 18 and wherein the employing comprises defaulting to using a component from a default layout presentation of the EPG upon occurrence of at least one of the following: the second layout presentation is not functional in its intended form; and not all the components that are necessary for said intended form are available.

20. The method according to claim 19 and wherein the default layout presentation comprises the first layout presentation.

21. The method according to claim 19 or claim 20 and wherein the component comprises at least one of the following: an audio theme component; and a visual theme component.

22. A method of personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG, the method comprising: providing a plurality of layout presentations of the EPG; transmitting a user input which indicates a selection of a layout presentation from the plurality of layout presentations; and enabling loading of the selected layout presentation to a memory in an STB.

23. Apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG₅ which

EPG comprises EPG data presented using a first layout presentation, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit receiving, via broadcast transmission, a second layout presentation of the EPG, the second layout presentation being different from the first layout presentation; and a processor loading the second layout presentation to a memory in a set-top box (STB), and using the second layout presentation for presenting the EPG data.

24. Apparatus for personalizing a layout presentation of an EPG, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit receiving a list of layout presentations of the EPG; a transmitter transmitting a user input which indicates a selection of a layout presentation from the list of layout presentations; and a processor enabling loading of the selected layout presentation to a memory in an STB.