Abstract: A multi-function TV receiver capable of performing the processing related to an object transmitted through the broadcasting and an object which is derived from accessible means other than the broadcasting and improving utility value for users and (broadcasting station) providers and achieving convenience. A first object data multiplexed in the vertical blanking interval is captured by communication means of a tuner 112 and a VBI decoder 120. A second object data which is used in a network including servers is captured by communication means of a CPU 133 and a modem 131. An linking operation associated the first and the second object data is executed by linking means using an I/O interface 137, a graphic controller 135, memories 134 and 136, a received optical data processor 138, a specification table 142, etc.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having enhanced reliability which is obtained by cutting a wafer encapsulated by an encapsulating material layer in such a manner that each of end faces of bumps for an external terminal is exposed, and a method of isolating a metal in an encapsulating material to allow measuring. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor element, bumps formed on a surface thereof for external terminals, and an encapsulating material layer, the encapsulating material layer being formed of an encapsulating material containing greater than 70% by weight and not greater than 90% by weight of fused silica, based on the total weight of the encapsulating material.

Abstract: There is provided an information processor and an information processing method for effectively utilizing EPG data. Identification codes for identifying specific character parts such as names of the cast of a program described in a description text describing the detail of the program in EPG data are inserted within the description text and are transmitted by a transmitter. Based on the identification codes inserted in the EPG data, the specific character parts are sampled from the description text and predetermined processing steps are performed based on the sampled result in a receiver. That is, the display color of the specific character parts is differentiated from that of the other part in displaying the description text on a monitor for example. Or, a list of the names of the cast of the program is displayed as the sampled specific character parts and when the user selects a certain player, EPG of the program in which the player appears is displayed.

Abstract: A control device (32; 35) for controlling at least a first receiving device (1) so as to achieve that television channel information (FKI) stored in correlation with program position information (PPI) is stored in a second receiving device (2; 33), includes an encoding stage (29; 38) for encoding program position information (PPI) applied to the encoding stage (29; 38) and for supplying a corresponding control signal (SS1, SS2), and a transmitting stage (30) for transmitting the control signal (SS1, SS2) to the first receiving device (1) so as to achieve that a television signal (FS1) is supplied from the first receiving device (1) to the second receiving device (2; 33), the television signal (FS1) being identified by television channel information (FKI) stored in the first receiving device (1) in correlation with this program position information (PPI), expiry control means (31; 41) being provided, which are adapted to supply further program position information (PPI) in an ascending or descending order afte

Abstract: A digital television transmitter transmits a transport stream (hereinafter referred to as “TS”) comprising content data for a plurality of channels to receivers. In the transmitter, program information is periodically inserted in the TS; and an expected time of program alteration is included in said TS. A television receiver comprises a first portion always supplied with an electric power, a second portion which, if supplied with a second electric power, becomes capable of collecting program information included in said TS in corporation with said first portion, and a third portion which. if supplied with a third electric power, becomes capable of displaying said program. At an expected time of program alteration previously received, the second power is supplied to the second portion to collect program information, which is preferably stored in nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: The contents authoring unit classifies a program information into any one of the “information effective only in viewing”, the information effective only in recording/reproducing, and the “information effective in viewing and recording/reproducing”, and describes it on the basis of the classification. The contents controller of the receiving unit processes to classify the program information contained in the service information. The VCR control unit controls a VCR. Thereby, the invention utilizes the program information.

Abstract: RGB signals and sync signals H and V are inputted from a personal computer or the like. Additional information is superimposed to a vertical blanking period of the R signal. A timing generating unit generates a sampling pulse on the basis of the sync signals. A data extracting unit extracts the additional information by using the pulse. Processes such as discrimination of a category of the additional information and a parity check are executed by an information decoding unit. A converter converts the RGB signals into an NTSC signal. VBI data and a copy prevention signal are formed in response to a decoded result of the information decoding unit. The VBI data and copy prevention signal are superimposed to the NTSC signal in adders.

Abstract: A timer-recording controller receiving a broadcast signal multiplexed with program information containing information representing broadcast sources, broadcast starting times, broadcast ending times, and genres of a plurality of broadcast-scheduled programs. The time-recording controller for controlling a recorder on the basis of the program information to timer-record a desired program among the plurality of programs comprises a timer-recording scheduled program list producer and a recorder controller for causing the recorder to timer-record the desired program at the broadcast-scheduled time of the desired program. Further, a detector detects a program which may delay the broadcast time of the timer-recording scheduled program from among the broadcast-scheduled programs.

Abstract: The signal receiving device, during the fixed time period the fixed time before the telecast start time point of the recording reserved program, as well as causing the external recording device to output the video information of the program information image formed based on the program information data, causes said external recording device to conduct the recording operation. Then, in a state in which video information of the recording reserved program is sent out to the external recording device, it causes the external recording device to execute the recording operation during the period from the time point a few seconds before the telecast start time point to the telecast stop time point of the recording reserved program.

Abstract: A method for managing recording of broadcast data includes recording the broadcast data on a recordable medium. Whether a commercial or a program is being broadcasted in the broadcast data is determined. Recording is stopped when a commercial is being broadcasted in the broadcast data. Recording is resumed at a location on the recordable medium where a previously recorded video signal in the broadcast data dropped to a black level after a next video signal in the broadcast data drops to the black level.

Abstract: The present application relates to the use of the vertical blanking interval (“VBI”) to broadband communications including digital data transmission on the VBI or for a dual VBI/PCS System Capable of enhancing rapid deployment of wireless VBI communications or PCS services to a remote transceiver where no or marginally profitable infrastructure exists. Specifically, the present invention provides a wireless digital communication system having a broadcast interface for encoding message information on the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a video signal, the message information is encoded to a VBI format so as to form a pre-formatted signal. A broadcast device for transmitting an out-going signal having the pre-formatted signal modulated or otherwise embedded in the VBI of the video signal. The pre-formatted signal is received from the broadcast interface and is transmitted on a carrier of the out-going signal.

Abstract: An analog video tagging and encoding system is disclosed. The invention inserts an analog tag frame into the analog video stream such that the luminance (Y) values are made to approach zero, i.e., black, allowing a potential tag frame to be quickly identified. Tag information is then encoded as a structured color pattern into the chrominance (Cb and Cr) portions of the frame, making the tag itself invisible to the casual viewer and contains program start/stop information, program segment identification, or data downloads. The color pattern is chosen such that when it is converted into digital form according to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard. In a simple embodiment of the invention, the structured analog color pattern may appear as a pattern of colored blocks aligned with the macroblock segmentation performed on the analog signal by the MPEG encoding process.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source detects a switching of a signal on the reception side thereby to prevent a transmission error from occurring when a signal is switched. The apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source comprises a transmitting source identifying code extracting circuit for extracting a transmitting source identifying code provided in a SDDI format header of a received signal, a preceding transmitting source identifying code holding circuit for detecting a change of the transmitting source identifying code, and a transmitting source identifying code comparing circuit for detecting a switching of a transmitted signal based on the transmitting source identifying code thus changed, thereby detecting a switching of the transmitting source.

Abstract: A system is provided for filtering out potentially objectionable content from a video. The system is preferably implemented with user equipment such as a set-top box, a dedicated stand-alone box, a videocassette recorder, or circuitry in other television equipment. Videos to be filtered have embedded information that identifies potentially objectionable substitution events. The system determines which substitution events are to be filtered out based on selectable ratings settings. If desired, filtered video images may be replaced with blank video images and filtered audio signals may by replaced with silence or a tone. Filtering may also be accomplished by disrupting the event to be filtered (e.g., by garbling the event). Filtering may involve making substitutions of audio or video information. For example, audio information in a substitution event may be replaced by appropriate audio segments. Video information in a substitution event may be replaced by a video still or by a video clip.

Abstract: In a data communication network wherein broadcasted transmissions include a portion uniquely identifying the content of the following transmission and wherein transmissions are repeated at predetermined intervals, a communication unit for operating within the system includes a receiver, a processor, and memory for storing data and instructions for the processor. The receiver receives transmissions over the communication network. The communication unit receives a record command from a user that causes it to record the audio/video content being broadcasted during a subsequent transmission thereof. The memory includes space for storing the program that causes the communication unit to automatically record the transmission at the time the transmission is re-broadcasted.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting a time difference for a video instrument is disclosed, which includes a first step for setting and storing a time difference adjusting data, a second step for selecting a corresponding channel in accordance with a key input of a user, a third step for detecting a broadcasting station ID and a time data from the selected channel broadcasting signal, a fourth step for reading a time difference data corresponding to the detected broadcasting station ID from a memory, a fifth step for adding the read time difference adjusting data and the detected time data, a sixth step for performing a time adjusting operation in accordance with the added time data, and a seventh step for performing a time adjusting operation in accordance with the added time data.

Abstract: The method according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that a transmitter identifier (SK) is contained in the received channel (EK), the program locations (P) are assigned once to the received channels (EK), and in the event of a deviation from this assignment, the microprocessor (&mgr;P) controls a search (SL) in order that the desired received channel (EK) is assigned anew to the program location (P).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining digital information with at video stream and for using the digital information to modify or augment video frames in the video stream is disclosed. The apparatus for decoding a video stream comprises a video receiver configured to receive a video stream, the video stream including a plurality of video frames. A video processor is configured to receive auxiliary data corresponding to the video stream, the auxiliary data including the information indicative of at least one video frame of the plurality of video frames. The video processor is further configured to modify the video frame in accordance with the auxiliary data. The video processor uses the received auxiliary data to identify a portion of the at least one video frame, the portion being modified in the act of modifying the video frame, other portions of the at least one video frame not being so modified. The video processor applies a filter to the portion of the at least one video frame.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a section map may be used which utilizes a series of section maps, each section map including a predetermined number of bits, such as 32 bits. Each section map may include a single bit which indicates what is stored in the first 15 bits. For example, the last 16 bits of a section map may indicate whether the first 16 sections have been received. Another bit may be used to indicate what is stored in the first 15 bits. For example, the first 15 bits may indicate whether the next 15 sections have been received, or they may indicate an index pointing to the next section map.

Abstract: In a video-communication receiver provided with a deciphering module (13) used for the descrambling of scrambled transmissions, using a memory card (17) for providing information required for descrambling, service information is introduced into the receiver, for example, by replacing the memory card by a service card containing the information in a ciphered form. The receiver is provided with apparatus (29, 12, 31) for deciphering ciphered service information by means of its own deciphering module (13).

Abstract: An MPEG-2 transport stream packet detection device includes a controller for generating a detection start control signal and a series/parallel output control signal, and a sync detector for detecting an MPEG-2 transport stream packet sync from MPEG-2 transport stream data transmitted from the network according to the detection start signal from the controller, and a packet counter for counting a predetermined number of bytes according to a sync detection signal from the sync detector and sending a packet reception completion signal to the sync detector when finishing counting the predetermined number of bytes during a declaration of the detection signal, and a bit counter for counting a predetermined number of bits according to the sync detection signal from the sync detector and generating a signal for converting series data to parallel data when finishing counting the bits during the declaration of the detection signal, and a buffer for converting the series data and clock from the sync detector into parall

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for allowing rating level control of the viewing of a program. The apparatus includes a device for entering a desired rating level for controlling the viewing of a program, a device for extracting rating data from a program video segment, the rating data indicating a rating level of the program video segment, and a device for extracting text data representative of the content of the program video segment from the program video segment. The apparatus includes a device for determining whether the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an acceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level and a device for blocking the playing of the program video segment if it is determined that the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an unacceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level.

Abstract: An interactive video system is disclosed that processes a video data stream and an associated data stream corresponding to the video data stream. The interactive video system displays a video image defined by the video data stream on a display device and performs interactive command functions specified by the associated data stream. The interactive command functions include commands that specify placement of a video display window, commands that specify parameters of graphical objects that are associated with the video image and commands that specify pixel data or graphics description for the graphical object and commands for placement of selection windows and that specify interactive functions for the selection windows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for producing an electronic program journal. The data of upcoming programs, contained in received television and/or radio signals, are evaluated and are stored and displayed according to specific sorting algorithms. The thus received and sorted data are displayed in the form of an electronic program journal. This data can be called upon for tuning the apparatus based on a simultaneous coordination of the transmitted data, such as channel data or frequency data, to the individual programs.

Abstract: A scrambled broadcast system including a scrambler having a first generator for generating a first redundancy added data by adding a first redundancy data which changes over time to a message data, a second generator for generating a second redundancy added data by adding a second redundancy data which is obtained by executing a predetermined operation to the first redundancy added data generated in tho first generator, and an encryptor for executing a predetermined encrypting processing to the second redundancy added data generated in the second generator, a descrambler having a restoring unit for restoring the second redundancy added data by decrypting the encrypted data output from the decryptor, a discriminator for discriminating whether the operation operated in the second generator is realized to the second redundancy added data restored in the restoring unit or not and discriminating the rightness of the message data which is made by removing the first and the second redundancy data from the second red

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving broadcasting signals includes a tuner for receiving a digital audio broadcasting signal, a channel decoder for obtaining information data based on the digital audio broadcasting signal received by the tuner, a source decoder for causing the information data obtained from the channel decoder to be subjected to a decoding processing to produce a digital audio signal and associated data accompanying the digital audio signal, a random access memory in which the associated data are stored and from which the associated data stored therein are read, and a control unit operative to store a selected part of the associated data obtained from the source decoder, which has predetermined quantity of data, in the random access memory, to read the selected part of the associated data stored in the random access memory therefrom and to extract a specific portion of the associated data from the selected part of the associated data read from the random access memory.

Abstract: An arrangement and method is disclosed for transmitting data items to a receiver for selective display on said receiver. The data items may collectively constitute an electronic television program guide or a database of products and services for electronic shopping purposes. By transmitting auxiliary presentation and navigation information, the information provider may determine how a receiver displays the data items and how the receiver needs to respond to user actions. Sometimes, however, it is desirable for a receiver to respond in a setmaker-defined manner, even if navigation and presentation data are provided by the setmaker. In order to solve possible conflicts between the information provider's interests and the setmaker industries' interests, the transmission includes a copyright bit which allows an information provider to indicate explicitly whether or not a receiver is allowed to ignore the transmitted presentation and/or navigation data.

Abstract: A system for delivering selective VCR control codes to programmable settop terminals over a CATV communication system includes a headend for storing and transmitting VCR control code information to the settop terminals and a plurality of settop terminals for receiving the control codes. The CATV communication system delivers the VCR control codes to individual subscribers within the vertical blanking interval of one of the broadcast channels or over a control data channel. A set-up procedure is required for each VCR to determine the appropriate set of VCR control codes. Upon determining the specific type of VCR the subscriber has, the VCR control codes transmitted through the CATV system are stored in the settop terminal in non-volatile memory. Since the settop terminal only stores the VCR control codes for a single type of VCR, memory requirements are minimized.

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.

Abstract: A method of reducing a channel hopping time in an MPEG-2 system decoder which can improve the performance of a receiver by minimizing the response time in the event of changing the receiving channel. According to the method, a predetermined storage region is provided in a DRAM, and packet identifier (PID) values of audio and video signals of each program are stored in the storage region. Thereafter, if a receiving channel is changed, the channel-changing operation is performed using the PID values of the audio and video signals stored in the storage region, and thus the time required for the channel change is shortened, thereby reducing the channel hopping time.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus for automatically performing a function based on the reception of information corresponding to broadcast data is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a receiver to receive information corresponding to broadcast data, a control logic to compare the information to target data, and a programming guide to store programming information. The control logic accesses the programming guide if at least a portion of the information matches at least a portion of the target data. The control logic then performs a predetermined function based on accessing the programming guide.

Abstract: A single program descriptor is assigned to each program in electronic programming guide (EPG) data which is transmitted to home communications terminals in a communications network. A relationship is then separately established between these descriptors and criteria which may be used by a subscriber to search the EPG data for programs of interest to that subscriber. Data for defining this relationship is also stored in the home communications terminal. The subscriber may then provide one or more of the above-mentioned criteria to search the EPG data for programs meeting the criteria. The programs which are determined to meet the criteria may be displayed on the television of the subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting a broadcast program selection control signal, and controlling selective viewing of a broadcast program for a video appliance in which a viewing-restriction grade is set for a broadcast program and viewing of the broadcast program is restricted in accordance with the set viewing-restriction grade. According to the apparatus, the viewing-restriction grade of the broadcast program is determined and a control signal corresponding to the determined viewing-restriction grade is transmitted along with the broadcast program signal. In a television receiver, whether to admit the viewing of the received broadcast program is discriminated by comparing the viewing-restriction grade corresponding to the control signal with that predetermined by a user.

Abstract: The method and apparatus identifies selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of muting the video and audio portions of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to mute the audio and video portions of the television signal during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a VCR to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of suspending recording of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to suspend recording during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A personal computer is used to assist in the selection of television programs to be recorded at future times and to control a video tape recorder to implement the selected recordings. An application program allows the computer to receive data representing a schedule of future programs. The operator can perform data base operations on the data to obtain listings of programs of particular interest. A program to be recorded is selected by moving a cursor into position with the display of the program listing on the computer. An output device generates infrared signals to control the video tape recorder and a cable box to tune and record a selected program.

Abstract: A G-code decoder is coupled to a video tape recorder. When the G-code decoder detects that at least a portion of a G-code will be received or has been received, it checks whether a time clock has been set. If the time-setting is confirmed, the decoder decodes the G-code and terminates the decoding by a terminating means, and, if the time clock is found not to have been set, the decoder indicates the fact at least and terminates the G-code decoding.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a moving receiver station capable of receiving broadcast entertainment signals from a first geostationary satellite associated with a first program provider, or from a second geostationary satellite associated with a second program provider. The receiver station is part of an aircraft and includes a tracking antenna and switching and control system that locks the tracking antenna on either the first or second satellite. The switching and control system receives position information, program attribute information and satellite coverage area information to determine when the aircraft is leaving one coverage area and entering another. The switching and control system switches the antenna to the second satellite when the aircraft enters the second coverage area, and limits the availability of received programming based on whether the aircraft is leaving the first coverage area or entering the second coverage area.

Abstract: Textual and graphical displays are provided on a television screen using a hypertext markup language (HTML). On-screen display devices allow a user to invoke hyperlinks to different pages of HTML-coded data in addition to functions calls for controlling television and non-television appliance functions. A method provides HTML-coded display data which is processed to provide a signal suitable for reproduction on a television. The display data may provide information on a featured movie or other presentation of an associated video programming service signal such as a network television broadcast. Function calls allow the control of various television functions and programming options, such as the purchase of pay-per-view programming, or television display options such as aspect ratio, channel, brightness, picture-in-picture, or split-screen. Non-television appliances which may be controlled with function calls include audio equipment which is associated with the programming service (e.g.

Abstract: A television program management system capable of downloading, displaying and processing data relating to various television programs and for outputting commands for changing channels etc. on the basis of this date- The system has a programmable processing unit connected with an interface and a program memory. The programmable processor has connections that control the display and a switching device between the program processor and a processing and treatment device. The display may be a teletext display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless control of audio and video recording device operations via selections from an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) is disclosed. A digital satellite receiving system receives and processes a digital data stream containing television programming information, EPG information, and a list of video cassette recorders (VCRs) and corresponding infrared (IR) codes used to control the listed models of VCRs contained in the list. The VCR list, corresponding IR codes, and EPG information are stored in memory. A user may select a specific model VCR from the list displayed on a viewing screen and the corresponding codes are stored in a memory. The received EPG information may also be displayed on a viewing screen. The user may select for recording an event listing in the EPG, and this selection is also stored in nonvolatile memory. EPG information is repeatedly transmitted in the digital data stream.

Abstract: A video signal processing system produces an output signal suitable for producing a closed caption display and is responsive to a "freeze" command from a user for modifying generation of the output signal such that the content of the closed caption region of the display does not change. The system provides for user selection of various freeze modes including one in which just the caption region of a display is frozen, another in which just the video region of the display is frozen, and another in which both the caption and video regions of the display are frozen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for a) transmitting an value/benefit including a recordable product identification and offer of value, b) recording the product identification and value and c) reading the product identification and value at a point of purchase location and/or benefit redemption venue.

Abstract: A hardware system is programmed with a common vertical blanking interval (VBI) scan line decoder to support capture hardware of multiple vendors. The common decoder includes a first and a second function for a capture driver associated with a capture hardware to describe to the common decoder, the sample rate and the line pitch employed by the capture hardware respectively. The common decoder further includes additional functions for the capture driver to confirm the common decoder's presence, register a call back function, specify a channel, and request decoding for a field.

Abstract: An information recording and reproduction apparatus for recording and reproducing the information supplied through the transmission line is capable of protecting the copyright by limiting the reproduction of the recorded information. A main information signal supplied through the transmission line and a deadline signal attached to the main information signal and representing the reproduction deadline of the main information signal are recorded and reproduced by a recording device and a reproduction device respectively. A temporal information signal representing the date and time is acquired. The deadline signal reproduced is compared with the temporal information signal acquired. The reproduction output of the main information signal is cut off in accordance with the comparison signal produced by the comparison. In the case where the temporal information has passed the deadline, the reproduction output of the main information signal is cut off.

Abstract: Identification codes of broadcasting stations which transmit the correct time information are recorded in broadcasting station tables, if a broadcasting station identification code in the broadcasting station tables is found in VPS or Teletext in the received broadcasting signal, the time information in the broadcasting signal is set to the clock. If the time information does not include year, month, and day data, the correct year, month, and day data is calculated based on the time information including year, month, and day data items from another broadcasting station, and the time information is used to set the time to the clock. The correct year, month, and day data are calculated based on the time difference between the time information from another broadcasting station and the time information comprising correct hour, minute, and second data.

Abstract: A smart card is disclosed which receives, decodes, and stores encoded data signals comprising redeemable coupons. Encoded data coupons are embedded within television segments and are transmit along with the normal television segments. The smart card receives the luminescent signals which comprise the encoded data coupons directly from the display. The smart card decodes the data coupons. The coupon is then stored within the smart card for future use. The smart card is equipped with an LCD which enables UPC codes corresponding to each of the stored coupons to be utilized. A scanner reads the UPC codes at the coupon redemption site. Once redeemed, the coupon is erased from the memory in the smart cad. Advantageously, all of the functions including receiving, decoding, and storing the data signals are performed by the smart card.

Abstract: The invention provides a broadcasting signal receiver which can prevent a failure in reserved recording. A microcomputer decodes a VCR+code of a program desired to be recorded by reservation, which is inputted by way of a remote commander or the like, to obtain data of program starting and ending times and channel information. A channel indicated by the channel information is selected by a tuner circuit, and program table data is extracted from a character broadcasting signal multiplexed in a video signal by a decoder. It is discriminated whether or not one of the program starting times of programs included in the program table data coincides with the program starting time obtained by decoding of the VCR+code. A result of the discrimination is displayed on a monitor television. Only when it is discriminated that a coincident program starting time is present, the data of the program starting and ending times and the channel information are written into a reservation memory and registered for reservation.

Abstract: A signal processing device which makes an adjustment of a displayed picture easy. When a game button 31 of a television is pressed, a picture and a sound from a game unit are selected from among a plurality of inputs, an indicator 10 lights up and a predetermined sound is outputted to confirm for the user that the picture and the sound of the game unit have been selected. When the game button 31 is rotated, preset types of adjustment of the displayed picture, for example, a change to the aspect ratio or a change to the position in which the picture is displayed on a CRT, are carried out.