Abstract: The absence of MPEG processing in a consumer digital recorder player may preclude on screen message display of recorder status. Various methods are disclosed which facilitate the on screen display of recorder player status messages. A first embodiment returns a reproduced decoded, analog video signal to the digital recorder player for insertion of status messages. In a further embodiment recorder message data is coupled to the digital signal decoder for inclusion with the decoded analog video signal. In a another embodiment a recorder message command is coupled to the decoder to access recorder specific graphical messages. In yet a further embodiment, recorder message data is tagged and coupled to the decoder to select recorder specific graphical messages if available or to display recorder message data. In yet another embodiment, digital or analog operating mode determines recorder message display position and timing.

Abstract: A digital television receiver comprises a receiving means having selectable first and second inputs. The first input receives a broadcast digital television signal and the second input receives a digital television signal from a reproduction apparatus, and generates a video signal for display. A generating means is coupled to the receiving means for generating a display message responsive to display message data derived from the selected input and combining the display message with said video signal.

Abstract: The absence of MPEG processing in a consumer digital recorder player may preclude on-screen message display of recorder status. Various methods are disclosed which facilitate the on-screen display of recorder player status meassages. A first embodiment returns a reproduced decoded, analog video signal (102) to the digital recorder player (200) for insertion of status messages. In a further embodiment recorder message data (221) is coupled to the digital signal decoder (100, 117, 520) for inclusion with the decoded analog video signal (102). In another embodiment a recorder message command (TAG/CMD) is coupled to the decoder (100, 510) to access recorder specific graphical messages. In yet a further embodiment, recorder message data (221) is tagged and coupled to the decoder (100, 510) to select recorder specific graphical messages if available or to display recorder (200) message data. In yet another embodiment, digital or analog operating mode determines recorder message display position and timing.

Abstract: A method for operating a video processing system by receiving initial copyright information from a first source, storing the initial copyright information, receiving updated copyright information from a second source, and updating the stored copyright information in response to the updated copyright information. For example in one embodiment of the present invention, the initial copyright information for a program is received from an electronic program guide and updated copyright information is received along with the selected program. The video processing system may be programmed to operate in a first operating mode in response to the initial copyright information and the operating mode of the video processing system may be switched to a second operating mode in response to the updated copyright information.

Abstract: A method for operating a video recording apparatus in one of a digital recording mode and an analog recording mode. The method involves recording a digital video bit stream in the digital recording mode and switching to the analog recording mode for recording the corresponding analog video signal in response to a fault condition. For example, the fault conditions may occur in response to improper copyright information, an analog recording media being loaded into the video recording apparatus or the digital video bit stream being absent while the video recording apparatus operates in the digital recording mode. The fault condition may be indicated to a user and switching to a different mode, such as the analog recording mode, may occur in response to receiving a user initiated command responsive to the indicated fault condition.

Abstract: A method for scheduling events between first and second video processing devices coupled together wherein each device having at least one event timer for storing a scheduled event. The method involves programming first event information into the first device, comparing the first event information to each event previously scheduled in the first device for determining conflicts therebetween, sending a message representing the first event information to the second device, comparing the first event information to each event previously scheduled in the second device for determining conflicts therebetween. A user may be provided with information regarding conflicts and may be notified that a password is required for the first event and the respective event timer is enabled in response to receiving the password entered into the first device.