Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording and displaying life information in a VCR, comprising a data input unit for inputting key data, a microprocessor for sorting desired information data in accordance with the key data input unit to control storage and output of the desired information data and controlling such that the desired information is automatically output on a named date when the date named information for memorizing the named date is stored, a data bank unit for storing life information input by the user under control of the microprocessor, an output control unit for outputting the key data and the information data stored in the data bank unit as an on-screen display signal under the control of the microprocessor, and an output unit for displaying the desired information in accordance with an output signal from the output control unit.

Abstract: A reserve-recording method and apparatus for a VCR are described which generate a voice signal to inform the user of information required to set and perform the reserve-recording. The apparatus includes a recording switching circuit to form a recording line between the apparatus and one of a plurality of external input devices, including a tuner for receiving a television broadcast. The reserve-recording method informs the user by voice and screen of information required to set a reserve-recording program, sets a reserve-recording mode, sorts the reserve-recording programs in their reserve numbers in order of the recording start time, and discriminates the reserve recording mode. A method of sorting reserve-recording programs according to recording start time is also provided.

Abstract: An operational mode control apparatus and method for a VCR utilizing a shuttle ring comprises a shuttle section having a shuttle ring and providing a digital signal corresponding to a rotational angle of the shuttle ring, and a microcomputer for determining a divided region of the rotational angle of the shuttle ring according to the digital signal provided from the shuttle section and performing an operational mode corresponding to the determined region of the rotational angle. The structure of the shuttle ring can be improved and the rotational angle of the shuttle ring is subdivided into regions in order to control all operational modes, including reproduction-related modes, a tuning mode and an OSD mode of a VCR. Therefore, a separate key matrix for mode selection is not required and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.