System and method for calling video on demand using an electronic programming guide

摘要: An interactive television system has a centrally located head end server coupled to service multiple, remotely set-top boxes. Each box runs an electronic programming guide that provides on-screen program grid listing titles in relation their scheduled viewing times and channel numbers. The viewer is permitted scroll through the list of past, current, future programs. A database, resident at server, supplies programs guide. transmits real-time video data streams available EPG. continuous media stores build reserve previously played can also store preview clips When selects current program, stream displayed by box. past retrieves stored selected it clip