An Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) is implemented as an Interactive
Entertainment Guide (IEG) that enables a subscriber to interact with a
database containing programming schedule and other information over a
bidirectional communication link provided between the subscriber's set
top box (STB) and the IEG source or server at the cable system head-end,
or at some other location. This invention provides an advanced cable
television system having an IEG presentation subsystem that comprises a
head-end database for storing programming information for a plurality of
cable channels, and an internet protocol (IP)-based Web browser function
in each television STB for receiving and displaying the programming
information in a list format, and for providing interactivity with the
head-end via a bidirectional data link.