Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for displaying graphic images to indicate a status of programs in an electronic program guide are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an electronic program guide including graphic images to indicate a status of the programs in the electronic program guide. The status includes whether a user has selected pay-per-view broadcasts for purchase, whether a broadcast system timer has been set to tune to a particular channel program at a designated time, whether a channel program has been set for recording, and whether a program is designated as a favorite program. The broadcast system displays the graphic images or icons within an electronic program guide in areas delineating particular programs that a user has selected for purchase so that the user can view the status of the programs while viewing the electronic program guide. A method and apparatus for displaying a graphical representation of time in relation to programming times are also provided. A time bar is displayed with the electronic program guide that identifies times of programming on the channels in the broadcasting system. A graphical representation of time is generated and displayed in proximity to the time bar to indicate the current time so the user can view the current time in relation to the times of programming on the channels of the broadcast system.

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First Claim