Abstract: A web television includes a monitor, a communication bus, an internet module, a tuner, and a television controller. The internet module is coupled to the communication bus, and is arranged to provide internet video for display on the monitor. The internet video is derived from internet communications between the internet module and internet content providers. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display by the monitor. The television controller is coupled to the communication bus, the television controller is arranged to switch the monitor between the internet video and the television video, the television controller receives character data from a remote control device, and the television controller transmits the received character data over the communication bus to the internet module in a message containing a last received character datum and a current received character datum.

Abstract: A television remote control system includes an on-screen cursor that is controllable by a viewer-operated remote transmitter. The remote transmitter includes a trackball that yields X,Y coordinate information responsive to rotational movement thereof and a switch that generates an activate signal responsive to depression of the trackball. A microprocessor in the television receiver controls the on-screen cursor display and updates the cursor position in response to transmitted IR X,Y position signals. A microprocessor in the remote transmitter monitors the trackball, the trackball operated switch and any other functional key switches. The television screen is divided into different control function areas and the areas are illuminated as each area is accessed by the cursor, i.e. as the designated cursor position impinges on the area. The cursor movement defined by the position signal is divided into a series of smaller movements to produce smooth cursor movements on the screen.

Abstract: A television receiver is equipped with hardware/firmware so that it may be disabled by a remotely transmitted series of codes. In a preferred embodiment, the display of the receiver indicates that the receiver is operable, but has been disrupted, rather than being broken. The invention is particularly useful for commercial situations such as rentals or lodging facilities where payment is expected for use of the television.

Abstract: A television receiver has a main, or regular, display; a picture-in-picture display; and an on-screen menu display for adjusting various television operating parameters, including those which are channel or source related, such as channel labeling, source labeling and on-screen program guide operation. When a channel or source related menu is displayed for operation on channel or source related functions, the channel or source operated upon is displayed in the picture-in-picture display and the main display may be blanked to present a more legible background for the menu.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the amounts of torque-angle shift in a brushless motor. Various motor parameters are continuously monitored to determine the amount of torque-angle shift to be implemented. In this way only the minimum necessary amount of torque-angle shift is implemented and accordingly, motor control and efficiency is considerably improved.