- Number
- 10536735
- Published
- 2020-01-14
- Filed
- 2014-08-20
- Assignee
- DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
- Inventors
- Eatedali; Josiah, Arana; Mark
- CPC
- H04N21/4622; H04N21/47211; H04N21/8547; H04N21/25435; H04N21/437; H04N21/23439; H04N21/482; H04N21/472
- Verdict
- Set aside content purchase tied to broadcast, business
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
Abstract
Systems and methods for obtaining alternative versions of media content are provided. Digital purchasing technology can be integrated with content viewing technology to provide dynamic content discovery and the ability to easily and efficiently obtain alternative media content to enhance a user's viewing experience. Additionally, a user's viewing experience can be upgraded by easily and efficiently allowing for the viewing of previously obtained alternative media content.
Background
TECHNICAL FIELD(1) The present disclosure relates generally to media content broadcast systems.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART(2) Broadcasting can refer to the distribution of media content (e.g., audio, video, etc.) to a dispersed audience via some mass communications medium. The mass communications medium may be a cable network, a data network, radio waves, and the like. Digital distribution can refer to the delivery of media content without the use of physical media. Digital distribution has become popular due to advances in computer networking and communication technologies.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE(3) Various embodiments are directed to obtaining and presenting alternative versions of media content. Such alternative versions of media content can be obtained through digital purchasing or other technology integrated into a viewing environment. Additionally, such alternative versions of media content can be pre-purchased/rented and dynamically presented to a user to upgrade the user's viewing experience.(4) In accordance with one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises presenting at least one option to a user to experience an alternative version of media content during a broadcast of the media content to a user device. Upon selection of the at least one option, the alternative version of the media content is presented to the user device.(5) In accordance with another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium has computer executable program code
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: prior to a broadcast of edited media content to a user device from a broadcast entity, linking a viewer's first account associated with a third-party distributor and the viewer's second account associated with the broadcast entity; during the broadcast of the edited media content from the broadcast entity to the user device, scanning a media content server associated with the third-party distributor for an original, unedited content version of the edited media content, and presenting at least one option to a user to experience the original, unedited content version of the edited media content, including an option to purchase the original, unedited content version of the edited media content and an option to rent the original, unedited content version of the edited media content; upon selection of the at least one option, pausing the program and presenting the original, unedited content version of the edited media content to the user device, the presentation of the original, unedited content version of the edited media content being contingent upon at least one of background authentication and background entitlement actions occurring between the third-party distributor and the broadcast entity; and presenting at least one option to the user to experience at least one of a prequel to the edited media content and a sequel to the edited media content.
8. A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause a processor to: prior to a broadcast of a program to a user device from a broadcast entity, link a viewer's first account associated with a third-party distributor and the viewer's second account associated with the broadcast entity; broadcast the program to the user device; scan a media content server associated with the third-party distributor for an original, unedited content version of the program; present alternative viewing options for the program listed on an electronic program guide (EPG) for linear broadcast transmission, wherein the alternative viewing options comprise at least one option for the user to experience the original, unedited content version of the edited media content, including an option to purchase the original, unedited content version of the edited media content and an option to rent the original, unedited content version of the edited media content; upon receiving an alternative viewing option selection from a user for the program, pause the program and begin playback of the original, unedited content version of the program on a user device pursuant to at least one of background authentication and background entitlement occurring between the third-party distributor and the broadcast entity; and present at least one option to the user to experience at least one of a prequel to the edited media content and a sequel to the edited media content.
11. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to link a viewer's first account associated with a third-party distributor and the viewer's second account associated with the broadcast entity, receive a broadcast version of media content from the broadcast entity, display the broadcast version of media content on a user device, scan a media content server associated with the third-party distributor for an original, unedited content version of the edited media content, transmit the original, unedited content version of a broadcast version of media content to a user device, receive an indication from the user device to view the original, unedited content version of the media content, send the original, unedited content version of the media content to the user device pursuant to at least one of background payment, background authentication and background entitlement actions occurring between the third-party distributor and the broadcast entity, present alternative viewing options comprising at least one option for the user to experience the original, unedited content version of the edited media content, including an option to purchase the original, unedited content version of the edited media content and an option to rent the original, unedited content version of the edited media content, upon receiving an alternative viewing option selection from the user for the program, pause the program and begin playback of the original, unedited content version of the program on the user device, and present at least one option to the user to experience at least one of a prequel to the edited media content and a sequel to the edited media content.