# How TV Receivers Remind You to Return from Commercial Breaks

> A system for television receivers that detects when you change channels during a commercial break and automatically prompts you to return to your original show before the ads end.

- **Patent:** US 9602875
- **Original title:** Broadcast content resume reminder
- **Owner:** EchoStar UK Holdings Ltd
- **Granted:** 2017
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 7
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, telecommunications

## What it does

This patent describes a method for a TV receiver to track your viewing habits during commercial breaks. When you switch away from a channel currently airing a show, the receiver starts a timer or monitors your channel-surfing behavior. Once the system predicts the commercial break is ending, it displays an on-screen notification. This notification includes an icon that, when selected, automatically switches the tuner back to the original channel so you do not miss the return of your program.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover systems that switch channels automatically without user interaction.
- Does not cover content-based ad-skipping technologies that physically remove commercials from the stream.
- Does not cover mobile app-based reminders that operate independently of the TV receiver's tuner hardware.
- Does not cover non-broadcast content, such as streaming services that do not utilize traditional channel-based commercial breaks.

## The clever bit

The system uses the geographic region and the specific type of programming to dynamically calculate the expected length of a commercial break, rather than relying on a fixed, universal timer.

## Real-world examples

1. Smart cable set-top boxes
2. Satellite television receivers with integrated DVR functionality
3. Hybrid broadcast-broadband television interfaces

## Why it matters

This technology addresses the 'channel surfing' problem where viewers lose track of time during commercial breaks and miss the start of their show. It is significant for cable and satellite providers looking to maintain viewer engagement and prevent users from abandoning a channel permanently after a break.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How TV Receivers Remind You to Return from Commercial Breaks cover?

A system for television receivers that detects when you change channels during a commercial break and automatically prompts you to return to your original show before the ads end.

### Who owns patent US 9602875?

EchoStar UK Holdings Ltd owns this patent, granted in 2017.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on March 21, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 9602875 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 7 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This technology addresses the 'channel surfing' problem where viewers lose track of time during commercial breaks and miss the start of their show. It is significant for cable and satellite providers looking to maintain viewer engagement and prevent users from abandoning a channel permanently after a break.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover systems that switch channels automatically without user interaction.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9602875/netflix-preview-autoplay

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9602875

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._