Abstract: System and method for learning the optimal channel change instruction recognition speed for an entertainment system. A memory stores information relating to: time increments between channel change signals; pulse width of each individual digit of a channel instruction; and the duration of time between each digit pulse signal. Based on the information stored in memory, a microprocessor constructs and sends channel change commands at a particular speed, progressively increasing the speed. When the speed at which channel change commands are sent exceeds the capability of the television receiver to recognize the channel change command, the microprocessor reduces the speed, as a function of the information stored in memory, until the television receiver can recognize the channel change command. The microprocessor stores in memory the fastest speed at which the television receiver can recognize the channel change command. Thereafter, the microprocessor uses the optimal speed to deliver channel change commands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule guide which includes a detector for determining whether a previously scrambled program is unscrambled. If a previously scrambled program is momentarily unscrambled due to promotional efforts by the program provider, the system will visually distinguish the program on the guide, and a viewer may tune to or record the program from the guide. The view may also subscribe to the program provider through the guide during the promotional period.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over previous Electronic Programming Guides (“EPG”) in that it provides, among other things: Improved viewer interaction capabilities with the EPG; improved viewer control of video recording of future-scheduled programming; improved features to the EPG display and navigation; parental control of the EPG display; improved television program information access by the viewer; improved opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer; improved product information access by the viewer; creation of a viewer's profile; utilization of viewer profile information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized presentation of advertising to the viewer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule guide which includes a detector for determining whether a previously scrambled program is unscrambled. If a previously scrambled program is momentarily unscrambled due to promotional efforts by the program provider, the system will visually distinguish the program on the guide, and a viewer may tune to or record the program from the guide. The view may also subscribe to the program provider through the guide during the promotional period.

Abstract: A television system provides access to Internet data simultaneously with a displayed television program. Data units including data address sites available through a networked computer system such as the Internet are embedded in a television signal along with a television program. Information representing the data address site, such as an icon or descriptive text, is displayed simultaneously with the television program on the television. If the user selects the data address site, a data retrieval terminal in two-way communication with the network and associated with the television establishes a connection with the network and requests the data corresponding to the selected data address site. The retrieved information is then formatted for display.

Abstract: A television control system automatically tunes a television set to receive and display a desired program telecast at a future time. This is done by keying in a PLUS CODE™ number defining the channel, time, day, and length (CTDL data) of the program or selecting the program from an on-screen program guide to capture the CTDL data from an EPG data base stored in memory. The CTDL data is stored in a stack memory until the time of the program. The microprocessor monitors the stack memory. The microprocessor tunes the television set to the channel on which the desired program is telecast and turns the television set on at the time of the desired program.

Abstract: A system for reprogramming a consumer electronic device includes a consumer electronic device (CED) having a CED processor and a CED memory and a CED serial port connected to the processor, the memory storing CED processor instructions and CED data. The system also includes a download module having a download processor and a download memory and a download serial port connected to the download processor. The CED processor periodically applies a signal to the CED serial port. When the download serial port is connected to the CED serial port to make a serial connection and the download processor receives one of the periodic signals from the CED processor, the download processor initiates the download of one or more of download instructions and download data from the download memory to the CED memory over the serial connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: A channel map in an electronic television program guide system that includes channel numbers and alphanumeric channel labels is updated. The tuner in the system is tuned to a channel number of a television channel that is included in the channel map. Data is extracted from the television signal that includes an alphanumeric label for the tuned television channel. The channel mapis revised according to the alphanumeric label for the tuned television channel if the alphanumeric label in the extracted data for the tuned television channel does not correspond with the alphanumeric channel label stored in the channel map for the tuned television channel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for learning the optimal channel change instruction recognition speed for the components of a particular entertainment system. A memory provides storage for information relating to: time increments between channel change signals; pulse width of each individual digit of a channel instruction; and the duration of time between each digit pulse signal. As a function of the information stored in memory, a microprocessor constructs and sends channel change commands at a particular speed, progressively increasing the speed. A means is provided for monitoring the television receiver and for detecting whether the channel change command resulted in the change of the programming channel received by the television receiver.

Abstract: An interactive television system in which a URL representing an Internet web site is encoded in a television signal. The user may link to the web site by selecting an icon (95) displayed on the television screen.

Abstract: A channel map in an electronic television program guide system that includes channel numbers and alphanumeric channel labels is updated. The tuner in the system is tuned to a channel number of a television channel that is included in the channel map. Data is extracted from the television signal that includes an alphanumeric label for the tuned television channel. The channel mapis revised according to the alphanumeric label for the tuned television channel if the alphanumeric label in the extracted data for the tuned television channel does not correspond with the alphanumeric channel label stored in the channel map for the tuned television channel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for restricting access to a television by providing parental control functions. Separate parental control levels are set for different users with each user having a different password. When the television is initially turned on, the default parental control level chosen is to be the level that corresponds with the most restrictive parental control level. If another user with a less restrictive parental control level wishes to change the parental control level, they enter their password for their level of parental control.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to substitute alternative video and/or audio signals and/or graphics and/or text to be displayed on the viewer's television display monitor for the video and/or audio signals that would otherwise be displayed according to the channel to which the viewer has tuned the television set. One aspect of the present invention provides methods and systems to replace and/or modify the advertisements that can be seen and heard by the television viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for learning the optimal channel change instruction recognition speed for the components of a particular entertainment system. A memory provides storage for information relating to: time increments between channel change signals; pulse width of each individual digit of a channel instruction; and the duration of time between each digit pulse signal. As a function of the information stored in memory, a microprocessor constructs and sends channel change commands at a particular speed, progressively increasing the speed. A means is provided for monitoring the television receiver and for detecting whether the channel change command resulted in the change of the programming channel received by the television receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying detailed information about a currently displayed program along with a related advertisement in a miniguide overlaid on a small portion of a current television program. A viewer invokes a miniguide command using a viewer input device, such as a remote control, while watching a current television program in full screen format. In response to the miniguide command, the television system displays a portion of the television schedule information associated with the television program in an information area, and an advertisement on a panel ad window located horizontally adjacent to the information area. The advertisement displayed on the panel ad window is based on the television program being watched or customized based on viewer profile information. The viewer may interact with the advertisement by highlighting the advertisement and activating a function with respect to the highlighted advertisement.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for restricting access to a television by providing parental control functions. Separate parental control levels are set for different users with each user having a different password. When the television is initially turned on, the default parental control level chosen is to be the level that corresponds with the most restrictive parental control level. If another user with a less restrictive parental control level wishes to change the parental control level, they enter their password for their level of parental control.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to substitute alternative video and/or audio signals and/or graphics and/or text to be displayed on the viewer's television display monitor for the video and/or audio signals that would otherwise be displayed according to the channel to which the viewer has tuned the television set. One aspect of the present invention provides methods and systems to replace and/or modify the advertisements that can be seen and heard by the television viewer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing programming and other information to television viewers for enabling them to control their respective television receivers. A central broadcasting computer and associated memory gathers and stores the information to be provided, and broadcasts it in a viewing area. An information receiver positioned in close proximity to the television is linked to said central broadcasting computer to receive signals representing said information from said central broadcasting computer. The received signals are converted video displays viewable on the television receiver's screen, and the user can use the displays to control the television receiver and other devices, such as video cassette recorders, used with the television receiver.