Abstract: A data slicer for data transmitted during given lines of a television signal comprises a subtractor to which the input data is applied at a first input and a slicing level is applied at a second input. The sliced data is fed to an offset generator which generates the slicing level. A transition detector controls a switch which causes the offset generator to generate either a fixed offset derived from a history of the received data amplitude or a zero offset. The arrangement is such that for teletext data a fixed offset is applied at the start of a line, zero offset is applied during the clock run in period, and a fixed offset is then used to slice the NRZ data. For biphase data such as VPS or PAL plus signalling data a zero offset is applied for the duration of the data packet.

Abstract: In order to dispatch a newspaper to subscriber households through satellite communication, a newspaper edit/dispatch system in the head office of a newspaper publishing company electronically creates each paper sheet of national news section as first newspaper data, and transmits the first newspaper data to the branch offices of the company through a communication satellite. In a newspaper edit/broadcast system installed in each of the branch offices, the received first newspaper data and second newspaper data of a local news section are combined and edited into third newspaper data, the third newspaper data are encrypted, and the sort of newspaper and the date of issue thereof are affixed to the encrypted newspaper data. Such newspaper data are broadcast through the communication satellite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for communicating VBI user information for digital television. A syntax is provided which allows the transport of closed captions, non-realtime video, sampled video and AMOL. Non-realtime video can be used to transport various types of data, such as a vertical interval test signal (VITS) through the system at full resolution. The provision in the syntax of a count for each type of VBI user information enables the adjustment of a digital television data stream to accommodate variable amounts and types of such information without space being reserved in advance. The provision of a priority number in the syntax enables decoders to discard VBI user information priorities which are not supported by the particular decoder.

Abstract: Teletext page signals are transmitted in a format providing basic pages and extension pages, and a table which includes a code for indexing extension pages to the basic pages with which they are to be used. The code includes a multibit value for selecting an extension page from a list, and a single bit for selecting or not selecting a predetermined common extension page. Each extension page includes signals for enhancing the basic page or pages to a higher level display.

Abstract: A circuit and method for optimizing efficiency in transferring a block of data having a plurality of frames of limited size from a memory element. The circuit comprises a transmit ("TX") DMA engine and a TX Segmentation engine. The TX DMA engine is responsible for accessing overhead information for the block of data within a TX data buffer from a data descriptor dedicated to that particular TX data buffer. The TX DMA engine is further responsible for reading the block of data from the memory element to be stored local thereto. The TX Segmentation engine is responsible for segmenting the block of data into a plurality of cell packets corresponding in number to the plurality of frames. Each cell packet contains in common the overhead information for the block of data to avoid the TX DMA engine re-accessing the data descriptor to obtain the same overhead information for each frame being transferred.

Abstract: A novel synchronization scheme for use in connection with digital signal video decoder comprises a pre-parser, a channel buffer, and a post-parser. The pre-parser synchronizes to a multiplexed system bitstream received from a fixed rate channel. The video bitstream component of a multiplexed system bitstream is then extracted and synchronized prior to being transferred bit-serially from the pre-parser to a channel buffer. The post-parser is coupled to the channel buffer and to a video decoder in a series configuration. The post-parser separates the various layers of video data from the video bitstream component. The post-parser performs a translation operation on the video bitstream component and converts the bitstream data into symbol data. The symbol data is subsequently processed by the video decoder so as to reconstruct an originally encoded picture or frame.

Abstract: Digital data to be communicated are provided with error correcting code. Between consecutive signals representing real, or valid data (pixels in TV transmission) there are interpolated "phantom" data signals so chosen as to maintain the encoded signal within the limited frequency spectrum available for communication. Upon reception, the valid data (pixels) are extracted from the sequence of valid and interpolated data (phantom pixels), thereby reconstituting the original valid data.

Abstract: A video subtitle processing system encoding unit which allows display of high quality subtitle in accordance to a preference of an user, to switch the display of the subtitle quickly without degrading the background video image and to transmit and display the colored subtitle with less data amount are provided. The subtitle data encoding unit comprises a color lookup table as memory means for storing color data and a color quantization circuit as detecting means for detecting an address in memory for storing the color data which corresponds to a color of the subtitle, and is characterized in that the address in the memory means detected by the color quantization circuit is coded and transmitted as color information concerning on the color of the subtitle.

Abstract: To interface a video/graphic controller, which produces conventional, ana video output signals, suitable mostly for CRT type displays, to a matrix display, one of the video output signals, for example the horizontal sync signal, is encoded with the clock frequency and phase information used in generating the original video output signals. The encoded information is decoded at the display end, by extracting from it the clock information and synthesizing a clock signal which has the identical frequency and phase as the original clock used at the video/graphic controller. The replicated clock signal is used as a clock input to the matrix display, to assure that the video output signals are displayed at the correct pixel locations of the matrix display, preventing picture jitter and/or loss of video/graphics data.

Abstract: An auxiliary video information decoder for extracting an auxiliary video information signal from a video signal includes a data slicer and apparatus for adjusting the slicing level of the data slicer. The slicing level is adjusted rapidly until a reference component of the auxiliary information signal is detected during a display interval of the video signal in which auxiliary video information is expected to occur. A count is incremented after display intervals in which the reference component is detected and is decremented after display intervals in which the reference component is not detected. Slicing level adjustment ceases while the count is at least a predetermined number. The apparatus rapidly adapts the slicing level to long-term video signal amplitude changes of significant magnitude (e.g. following a channel change) and maintains a constant slicing level when transient variations occur in the video signal amplitude.

Abstract: The video cassette recorder selects channels in succession, determines the presence or absence of additional information included in the broadcast signal for the selected channel, and stores the selected channel regarded as a reception channel for the additional information when detecting the presence of the additional information in the broadcast signal. Further, the recorder extracts station identification information included in the broadcast signal for the selected channel, provides a VCR Plus guide channel corresponding to the station identified by the station identification information, and stores in its memory the relationship between the selected channel and the VCR Plus guide channel. Moreover, the recorder compares a remaining recording time available with the program continuation time extracted from the broadcast signal, and controls a recording speed mode appropriately based on the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a television guide includes a device for detecting whether a television is off, a device for switching a signal output from a first television signal source to a second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the first television signal source when the device for detecting detects that the television is off, a device for extracting the television guide data from the signal output when the device for detecting detects that the television is off, and memory for storing the extracted television guide data.

Abstract: A clocking circuit for extracting data from a video signal where the data is imbedded with other data and where the clocking rate for obtaining the data is slow as compared to the actual data rate. The circuit derives a calculated starting point for the data, using a double sample rate and a derivative to determine the beginning of the first data pulse. A clock signal is then derived which is calculated to between the leading and trailing edges of any received data pulse.

Abstract: In order to increase decoding safety of the address frame of a teletext page during the reception of teletext data, and in particular of a page containing higher level supplementary data, without having to apply additional error control steps, the address frame for a teletext row is forecast from the decoded material, and if required, with a corrected address frame of the preceding teletext row. The forecast address frame is compared with the actually received address frame of the succeeding teletext row. If a deviation at two or more information units of a byte are detected during the comparison, and if required during decoding of the received address frame, the forecast address frame is used instead of the received address frame for addressing the data stream of the concerned teletext row.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data separating circuit for separating digital data contained in a video signal. This invention uses a digital circuit formation rather than an analog circuit formation, in order to stabilize a slicing level. Such stabilization is quite important in TTX DATA separation in order to avoid detrimental effects of the environment, such as temperature variations, or errors in the analog components due to wide error tolerances. Furthermore, the present data separating circuit can analyze variations in the data ranges and in the present slicing level, and appropriately move the slicing level without being affected by noise or the transformation of signals, thereby precisely separating TTX DATA and being capable of adapting to changing conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method of serially transferring a sequence of data bits between a computer and a portable information device such as the Timex Data Link.TM. watch, using the CRT of the computer as a transmission medium. The computer is programmed to display sequential display frames on a frame-scanning graphics display device and to illuminate line segments within the display frames to represent individual data bits. Each line segment has a continuous length on the display device which produces an optical pulse of a corresponding duration. Each data bit is encoded as a different line segment length to produce an optical pulse for each data bit having a duration which is dependent on the value of the data bit. For example, a pulse representing a binary value of 0 has a duration which is relatively longer than that of a pulse representing a binary 1. A receiving device monitors the optical signal created by the CRT and detects rising signal edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, applicable to variable bit rate video and constant bit rate video, is disclosed for replacing "stuffing bytes" with private data. The invention takes advantage of the otherwise wasted resources dedicated to "stuffing" in a data stream in order to insert private data. This is accomplished by inserting useful private data in a Transport Stream instead of the stuffing bits. That is, effectively, a re-multiplexing operation occurs where, based on the existence of certain conditions in a Transport Packet (e.g., stuffing bytes exist), the information necessary to replace stuffing bytes with private data yet still comply with established standards is accomplished. This data generally is referred to as privatestuff data in order to distinguish it from typical private data which may otherwise be encoded into a Transport Stream. The stuffing bytes removed from the Transport Packet may come from an adaptation field in the Transport Header or directly from the Transport Payload or both.

Abstract: A television receiver including a teletext decoder is adapted to search and display a teletext subtitling page in response to a display command supplied for this purpose. If there are more subtitling pages, their page numbers are stored in a memory from which they can be selectively requested. For each receivable television station the page number used by said station is fixed in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: In a communication system, isochronous data can be continuously received without any interruption, and also asynchronous data irregularly transmitted can be received in a signal receiving apparatus. The signal receiving apparatus is arranged by comprising isochronous data being regularly transmitted; asynchronous data being irregularly transmitted; a common bus for transferring the isochronous data and the asynchronous data thereon; and temporary storage means for writing therein the received isochronous data and the received asynchronous data, respectively.

Abstract: A detection clock generating apparatus generates a detection clock signal for detecting digital data contained in the vertical blanking period of a received composite video signal. A slicer generates a slicing reference signal based on the analog clock run-in signal and slices the received analog clock run-in signal by using the generated slicing reference signal. A synchronizing portion synchronizes the sliced data with an internal clock signal. An edge detecting portion detects the rising edges of pulses of the synchronized sliced data and outputs an edge detection signal. A clock generator generates a detection clock signal on based on the pulses of the edge detection signal.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and decoding biphase coded signals individually representing separate data services and inserted in the line blanking interval of a video signal greatly increases the probability of avoiding the effects of anticoincidence errors. A unique start code is allocated to each of the data services prior to transmitting the video signal. The video signal is separated into the separate data services without field or line windowing. Every pair of biphase elements occurring after the start code is checked for anticoincidence errors, and all wanted bits are stored in a buffer memory. The wanted bits are transferred from the buffer memory to an output memory only when no anticoincidence error has occurred between the start code and the last wanted bit.

Abstract: Variable rate data is reformatted for communication to an external device at a fixed rate. Fixed length packets of the variable rate data are recovered from a multiplex of data packets. A packet start byte is added to the beginning of each of the recovered packets. Fill bits are added to the recovered packets as necessary to maintain the desired fixed output rate if the output rate is greater than an information rate of the variable rate data. The recovered packets with the added packet start byte and fill bits are provided as output to the external device at the fixed rate. The recovered packets with the added packet start byte and fill bits are advantageously encoded using alternate mark inversion (AMI) and binary eight zero substitution (B8ZS). The packet start byte and B8ZS substitution can comprise unique AMI violation sequences.

Abstract: Only the data sampled by a correct sampling clock is data processed. A PLL circuit 5 generates a sampling clock locked with a sync signal in a video signal and supplies to a sampling circuit 4. A lock flag indicating whether the generated sampling clock is correctly synchronized with the sync signal or not is also generated. The data multiplexed to the sync signal is sampled by the above sampling clock. The data is stored in a memory 7. The lock flag is supplied to a controller 2 and the data that is outputted from the memory 7 is made valid or invalid according to the level of the lock flag.

Abstract: A scheme is provided for communicating high rate isochronous data in an MPEG-2 type transport stream in a robust manner. The syntax for the data bitstream also provides for the communication of a data clock increment value to a decoder. The increment value enables a simplified and cost effective approach to the direct digital synthesis of a clock frequency necessary to recover data from the packetized data stream at the decoder. The time resolution for presenting isochronous data presentation units at the decoder is increased by providing a presentation time stamp (PTS) extension to supplement a standard MPEG-2 PTS.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for operating a transport stream encoder to produce a stream of packets carrying data representing a plurality of component signals which comprises the following steps. The packet stream is partitioned into successive groups, each group containing a predetermined number of packet slots. A plurality of priority lists is maintained, one for each of the packet slots in the group. Each priority list contains a plurality of entries, and each entry identifies one of the component signals. When a packet slot is to be produced, the entries in the priority list corresponding to that packet slot are traversed, one at a time. For each of those entries it is determined whether the component signal identified by that entry can produce a packet. If it can, a packet containing data representing that component signal is produced. Only if none of the component signals identified by the entries in the priority list can produce a packet is a null packet produced.

Abstract: An auxiliary video data slicer for extracting auxiliary video information from a video signal includes a peak detector. The peak detector determines a peak amplitude of horizontal sync pulses that are included in the video signal and a peak amplitude of a run-in-clock (RIC) waveform that is included in an auxiliary information component of the video signal. A variable threshold level for the peak detector is varied in a first range to detect the peak amplitude of the sync pulses. A threshold voltage for detecting the leading edge of sync pulses is derived from the peak amplitude of the sync pulses. The location of the RIC waveform within a video line interval is determined in response to detection of a sync pulse edge. The variable threshold level of the peak detector is varied in a second range to detect the peak amplitude of the RIC signal. A data slicing threshold level for extracting auxiliary video information is derived from the peak value of the RIC signal.

Abstract: An improved caption line finding circuit for a pictorial signal processor, which in a circuit capable of extracting a data of a horizontal scanning line of a pictorial signal, includes a synchronous signal detector for detecting a vertical synchronous signal and a horizontal synchronous signal from a pictorial signal applied thereto; and a caption decoder for detecting a caption data contained in a scanning line from a pictorial signal data using a signal obtained by counting a certain horizontal synchronous signal among horizontal synchronous signals outputted from the synchronous signal detector from the time when a vertical synchronous signal is outputted thereto from the synchronous signal detector and using a signal obtained by counting for a predetermined time from the time when a vertical synchronous signal is outputted thereto from the synchronous signal detector.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a system capable of easily reproducing an image from interframe predictive signals conventionally used for, e.g., visual telephone communications. Video and audio signals multiplexed by first separating and multiplexing device are assembled into packets proportional to a bit rate of the multiplexed data by a packet separating-multiplexing device and completed with information on the multiplexing conditions, i.e., packet structure. The packets are then stored and when the stored packets are reproduced, the packet separating-multiplexing device judges the structure of the packet according to the information of the multiplexing conditions and disassembles the packets into individual data and decodes the video and sound signals.

Abstract: A multimedia network system (10) for connection to a computer (12) and a computer network (28). Asynchronous transmission mode cells on the network (28) are processed by a network interface board (22) with synchronous signals routed to an ISOBUS (26) and asynchronous signals routed through a packet memory (54) to the computer (12). Asynchronous signals are routed through the ISOBUS (26) to a video board (24) and converted for output to one or more audio/video output devices (36). Signals originating at one or more audio/video input devices (34) are processed through the video board (24) and the network interface board (22) to the network (28).

Abstract: An inverse transport processor system for a TDM packet signal TV receiver includes apparatus for selectively extracting desired payloads of program component data and coupling this data to a common buffer memory data input port. A microprocessor associated with the system also couples data to the common buffer memory data input port. The respective component payloads and data generated by the microprocessor are stored in respective blocks of the common buffer memory in response to associated memory address which are applied to a memory address input port by an address multiplexer. A decryption device is included to decrypt payload data according to packet specific decryption keys. In addition a detector is included to detect payloads including entitlement data. Payloads containing entitlement data are directed via the common buffer memory to a smart card which generates the packet specific decryption keys.

Abstract: A data decoding device capable of decoding plural kinds of data superimposed in a vertical blanking period of a video signal.

Abstract: A data slicer for extracting auxiliary video data from a video signal adapts a data slicing level to the amplitude of the data signal as indicated by the average value of a run-in clock (RIC) signal that is included in the video signal. Control of the slicing level occurs during a window interval that spans an integral number of cycles of the RIC signal. The presence of the RIC signal within the window interval may be verified as part of the slicing level adjustment operation. The data slicer is suitable for implementation in a digital integrated circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of sending a video bitstream, including a plurality of high priority segments and associated low priority segments, by transmitting only the low priority segments from a transmitter over a facility to a receiver is disclosed. The transmitter and receiver locations are arranged to use previously agreed-to high priority information (e.g., predefined high priority segments or format for generating same) and, consequently, only the low priority segments of the video bitstream need to be transmitted to the receiver. At the receiver, the high priority segments are obtained (from storage or generated using the agreed-to format) and interleaved in real time with the received low priority segments to recreate an interleaved video bitstream.

Abstract: A video system for processing compressed video data into composite video data, the composite video data corresponding to a standard composite video signal type selected from a plurality of standard types, the plurality of standard types including at least one of an NTSC composite video signal type and a PAL video signal type, includes a processor, a standard video decompressor and a video interface. The standard video decompressor processes the compressed video data into decompressed video data and user data, the user data having VBI data encoded therein. The processor culls the VBI data from the user data. The video interface processes the decompressed video data and the VBI data into the composite video data with the VBI data encoded therein.

Abstract: A data decoder, for example, for decoding teletext and VPS data, comprises an input signal clamp and synchronizing signal separator circuit which receives a combined video and blanking signal and produces synchronizing pulses for a timing circuit and video signals which are applied to an ADC and a data slicer and clock regenerator (DSCR). Sliced data and clock signals feed an acquisition circuit which acquires selected data which is stored in a memory via a memory interface. A control circuit is arranged to modify the DSCR, acquisition circuit and memory interface dependence upon the type of data detected. The arrangement decoder is set to decode data of one type, for example, teletext, and if no valid teletext data is detected within a given period, for example, four television frames, the control circuit causes the decoder to attempt to decode data of the other type (VPS).

Abstract: A circuit and method of data slicing a television signal comprises: an extractor 2 for extracting a specific component from the television signal of analog form; a slicer 3 for slicing the specific component of the television signal produced by the extractor 2 and converting it to its digital form; a decoder 4 for decoding an output of the slicer 3 for display; an initial value storage 10 for storing an initial value of the slice level; slice level controllers 7 and 8 for varying the initial slice level at a predetermined rate; a signal detector 11 for examining whether or not the digitized specific component from the slicer 3 is a desired multiplex signal; a temporary slice level memory 13 for storing the upper and lower levels of the desired multiplex signal detected by the signal detector 11; a calculator 9 for calculating an optimum value of the slice level from the upper and lower levels of the multiplex signal stored in the temporary slice level memory 13; a slice level storage 6 for storing the optimum

Abstract: A method of generating a bit stream by multiplexing non-compressed auxiliary information with an information stream. The information stream is obtained by compressing fixed-size units of an information signal with a varying compression ratio to provide varying-sized units of the information stream. The auxiliary information is for use in subsequently processing the information stream. Units of the auxiliary information correspond to the units of the information signal. In the method, the information stream is divided in time into information stream portions. The non-compressed auxiliary information is also divided in time into auxiliary information portions. The information stream portions and the auxiliary information portions are interleaved to provide the bit stream. Finally, the information stream dividing, auxiliary information dividing, and interleaving steps are controlled by emulating decoding of the bit stream by a hypothetical system target decoder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of transmitting a video bitstream from a transmitter over a facility to a receiver, the video bitstream including a plurality of high priority segments and associated low priority segments, is disclosed. The transmitter first transmits high priority information, representative of the high priority segments, of the video bitstream over the facility using a first packet delivery mechanism having a first probability of success and subsequently transmits a low priority partition, including the low priority segments, of the video bitstream over the facility using a second packet deliver mechanism having a second probability of success which is substantially lower than that of the first delivery mechanism. At the receiver, the high priority partition is received and used to generate the high priority segments.

Abstract: A data slicer for extracting auxiliary video data from a video signal adapts a data slicing level to the amplitude of the data signal as indicated by the average value of a run-in clock (RIC) signal that is included in the video signal. Control of the slicing level occurs during a window interval that spans a portion of the RIC signal. A comparator compares the video signal to a slicing level established at the output of a digital to analog converter. A digital system monitors the output of the comparator during the RIC window to determine both the existence of auxiliary video data and the accuracy of the slicing level. The slicing level is adjusted in response to the comparator output to establish a slicing level related to the RIC signal amplitude.

Abstract: A method for translating the generic, raw information of a broadcast on-screen program guide service into a displayable screen signal that can drive TV electronics, utilizing the step of building a virtual generic screen before creating the displayable screen signal in order to ease the translation burden from generic to TV specific information.

Abstract: A data decoding device capable of decoding plural kinds of data superimposed in a vertical blanking period of a video signal.

Abstract: A horizontal line counter (110,115,120) provides a signal (LINE #21) identifying the beginning of video data in a particular horizontal video line. The counter is clocked by multiple clock signals. A first clock signal (HOR PLS) clocks the counter until the line count value equals a known value that is less than the line number of the horizontal line that is to be identified. When the count value equals the known value, clocking by a second clock signal (COMP SYNC) is enabled. Although, the first clock source provides a regular pulse waveform suitable for clocking the counter reliably, transitions on the first clock signal may not accurately indicate the beginning of information within a horizontal line interval. Transitions on the second clock signal accurately indicate the beginning of the desired information.

Abstract: In a television system including closed caption circuitry for receiving and decoding closed caption data, a controller continually monitors the closed caption circuitry for an indication of the presence of any of a plurality of predetermined valid closed caption data codes. Every time any of the predetermined valid closed caption data codes is detected, a timer is reset to begin timing a predetermined time interval, and an on-screen display indicating that closed caption data are available is enabled. If a subsequent one of the predetermined valid closed caption data codes is not detected before the expiration of the time interval, then the on-screen display indicating that closed caption data are available is disabled. In another embodiment of the invention, a lamp is illuminated to indicate the availability of useful closed-caption data.

Abstract: A data and synchronization extraction circuit for processing composite video signals containing closed captioning data is disclosed. A dual mode voltage clamp is realized in CMOS technology which includes temperature compensated current sources in the form of complementary current mirrors. A modified version of such current sources is also disclosed which permits trimming of the current after manufacture and packaging. Sync pulses are separated by doubling the amplitude of a composite video signal with an amplifier and comparing the amplified signal with a back porch level derived by a sample-and-hold device. Frequency and phase synchronization is accomplished by a combination of a frequency lock loop and a phase lock loop working in concert to generate a control voltage for a voltage controlled oscillator in a flywheel mode. The voltage controlled oscillator provides a clean source of timing information for the circuit.

Abstract: A compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal decoding apparatus which including a local access unit counter intended for digital AV applications where access unit headers (e.g. frame headers, audio unit headers or other kind of data unit headers) may be lost or generated by storage media or transmission errors. In order to prevent a resulting AV sync error a value called "access unit count" is included in each elementary stream. With this value each decoder can detect lost or false access unit headers, and correct the AV synchronization. In order to support editing, an extra bit can be added to indicate discontinuity in the access unit count.

Abstract: An auxiliary video data decoder provides for correcting synchronization error between a sync signal and a video signal that may contain auxiliary video data. Cycles of a reference waveform included in the auxiliary video data are counted during a timing window to determine if synchronization is correct. An incorrect count indicates a synchronization error exists. The window timing is adjusted with respect to the sync signal. The timing test is repeated. Repeated failure of the test indicates that auxiliary video data does not exist in the video signal.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver (22) for receiving television broadcast signals carrying encoded data e.g. teletext information, includes a tuner (30), a demodulator (32) and a data extractor (36) for decoding the data. The receiver is coupled to a computer through a bus (38) and an interface controller (40). The tuner (30), the demodulator (32) and the data extractor (36) are each individually controllable by the interface controller (40) in response to instructions from the computer to vary any of the tuning, the demodulation parameters, or the data extraction parameters. A data processor (54) processes the extracted data, and can also control the tuner (30), the demodulator (32) and the data extractor (36).

Abstract: An electronic redeemable coupon generating system which comprises an encoder for encoding coupon-related data in a television signal transmission, the transmission including picture information for display on a television monitor screen; a decoder for receiving the television signal transmission and extracting the coupon-related data therefrom; and a recording device for recording the extracted coupon-related data on a recording medium for subsequent readout and redemption. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the decoder includes a display driver for displaying indicia on a television monitor screen responsive to coupon-related data being encoded in the television signal transmission. Upon observing the indicia on the television monitor screen, the user can manually and selectively extract the coupon-related data from the television signal transmission. After an optional editing function, the extracted coupon-related data is stored on a recording medium such as a magnetically striped card.