Method for a pay-per-view referral
US6802077B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/812
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for a PPV referral that provides to a subscriber the time, date, and channel of the next showing of a PPV event if the subscriber tries to purchase the PPV event after the purchase window is closed for the current showing. The subscriber is provided information on the next showing of the PPV event regardless of when or on which channel the next showing occurs. In addition, a method and system for providing a single multipurpose PPV channel that a subscriber tunes for all PPV services. There can be a single multipurpose PPV channel for all PPV services or single PPV channels for groups of similar services, such as a Family PPV channel. Each represents a single multipurpose channel of similar programming. Once a subscriber purchases a PPV event, the HCT tunes to the MPEG transport stream and program information for the selected PPV event and displays the PPV event on the single multipurpose PPV channel at its associated start time. The subscriber does not have to select another channel. The subscriber that has not purchased a current PPV event continues to watch the previews, advertising, or program guide uninterrupted on the single multipurpose PPV channel. If a subscriber …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.