Abstract: A television system is provided including a broadcast data receiver (BDR) for receiving broadcast data from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means and processing the data. The processed data includes video data for display on a display screen (2) connected to or forming part of the BDR. A plurality of different video display formats are provided for user selection on the display screen and upon selection of a particular video display format a preview of the resulting video display is displayed in a window (6) on the display screen (2).

Abstract: Information on Demand A broadcast data receiver for the reception of data broadcast from a remote location, processing of the data and generation of video and/or audio therefrom in the form of a television program for viewing. The receiver includes a table, such as an Event Information Table (EIT) which includes one or more strings of data. A user can request to be informed of an occurrence or occurrences of data from one or more of the strings being identified in a user-selected program. The receiver informs the user of an occurrence and/or every occurrence of said data identified in said selected program at the time of said program being broadcast. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user can select to be updated with information relating to the occurrences of data at their convenience by selecting a pre-designated button on the remote control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television system and to the generation on the screen and/or audibly, of an indicator to a user of the system of the commencement of a commercial break on a particular channel and/or the end of the break. Various options are also provided to the user which may include any or any combination of, accessing a related internet site, viewing other channels or temporarily pausing recording of data when the indication is generated.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver includes at least two tuners, each tuner controllable to receive a user selectable data transmission, such as a video and/or audio channel, independently of the other. The user can select to combine the data transmission from the first tuner with the data transmission from the at least second tuner to provide a customized merged data ouput.

Abstract: A television system is provided including a display screen (4) and a broadcast data receiver (BDR) for the reception of data broadcast from a broadcaster at a remote location. The data received comprises video, audio and/or auxiliary data, and at least part of the data is processed by the BDR to generate an electronic program guide (EPG). The EPG contains information relating to a range of programs for viewing at that instant or in the future and is displayed on the display screen. The BDR is provided with a facility allowing a user to select to view from the EPG, for a pre-determined period of time, a visual display of each, or a predetermined selection, of the programs available for viewing at that instant or for a particular time period in the future.

Abstract: A television system is provided which includes at least a display screen (2). The television system receives video, audio and/or auxiliary data via a broadcast data receiver from a broadcaster at a remote location, and the data is used to generate an EPG for display on the display screen (2). The EPG comprises a series of selectable screen displays selected to be displayed on the display screen (2). The format of one or more of the EPG screen displays can be generated in one of a number of selectable formats and can be selected using control means.