Television chat system

Invention Patent: <B> "TELEVISION CHAT SYSTEM" <D>. a television chat system is provided that allows viewers to fit real-time communications into chat groups with other television viewers while watching television. Users of the television chat system can engage in real-time communications with other users who are currently watching the same television program or channel. The system allows real-time communications in a chat group to be transmitted between users on the user's television equipment devices via a television distribution facility. The television chat system of the present invention allows users to join chat groups related to television programs, channels or categories of programs in which the user may be interested. Real-time communications can be text messages, audio communications or video communications. The television chat system can also allow users to send chat requests to ask other users to join a chat group. The system also allows users to establish chat groups with which television viewers are allowed to join. The television chat system can be based on an interactive television program guide or the application of the device with decoder and signal converter implemented in a device with decoder and signal converter.