Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: A method of downloading data to a receiver/decoder comprises the steps, at the receiver/decoder, of: receiving a bitstream including the data; downloading a loader for loading the data from the bitstream into the receiver/decoder, and downloading said data from the bitstream using said loader.

Abstract: An on-location local multicast distribution system and business method therefor. Contemporaneous information is continuously provided to a local distribution unit on a particular event (e.g., a NASCAR race) from multiple input devices, such as video cameras and microphones. The distribution unit simultaneously transmits audio, video and event specific information to multiple uniquely identifiable output devices, each in the hands of a registered attendee. The input devices are in wireless Communication with the distribution unit and the distribution unit is in wireless Communication with the output devices. The uniquely identifiable output devices include a display such as a liquid crystal display and may be for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA). Registered attendees may selecting which of the multiple inputs are received.

Abstract: A technology is disclosed to enable a transfer to be made quickly and easily to a screen layout and an audio output mode preferred by a user when there is a change in an input source. Past viewing and listening history information regarding the attribute and the output state of an input source is stored beforehand, for example, which input source was viewed and listened to in what screen and audio structure, or which multi-window displaying a transfer was made to when an interrupt input source came in, depending on a relationship with a video being viewed and listened to at the time. Then, when an image regarding the input source is displayed, a screen layout and an audio output state are determined, and controlled based on the viewing and listening history information.

Abstract: In a digital broadcast receiver, a digital broadcast receiver 10 can select an arbitrary language among plural kinds of languages and output sound by said language, and has a configuration comprising EEPROM 18 for storing the selected language, an MPU 24 for determining whether or not the selected language resides within received language data, and a sound output part 20 for outputting sound of the selected language when the selected language resides within the language data.

Abstract: A television system allows extraction of a sub-image and streaming of the sub-image contents to an external device during a sequence of successive screen refresh intervals.

Abstract: A microcomputer 50 discriminates a CATV channel plan mode only if there is a continuous channel among the channels that have been judged that station is present as a result of determination in the case where the count number for a TV channel plan is smaller than the count number for a CATV channel plan. However, in the case where there is no continuous channel among the channels that have been judged that station is present, the microcomputer 50 also discriminates a CATV channel plan mode if there is a continuous channel among the channels of the error data as a result of determination. That is, even when a station adjacent to the normal broadcasting channel is falsely tuned owing to spurious reception, the continuity of the CATV channel can be judged normally.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for customizing a digital broadcast receiver. Video and audio clips may be captured from a broadcast signal after receiving commands from a user. The captured clips may then be used to provide background images and sounds. Sounds may also be assigned to broadcast receiver events.

Abstract: Television programs are represented by program interface objects (PIOs) within an interactive television system. The PIOs provide a visual indicator for quick identification of the represented television program, attributes providing information concerning the represented television program, and actions that may be performed on or in connection with the represented television program. The PIOs may be sorted, filtered, and/or managed based on user-provided criteria. The PIOs may also be linked to allow an operation performable in connection to one PIO to be performed in connection with the linked PIO(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling adjusting functions of an image capturing apparatus. The functions include contrast, gamma, sharpness, aperture, and contrast. A control apparatus transmits to the image capture apparatus a first command requesting a current function value of an adjusting function of the image capture apparatus and a second command requesting a remotely controllable range of the adjusting function. The control apparatus detects the current function value of the adjusting function from a response to the first command and a remotely controllable range of the adjusting function from a response to the second command. The control apparatus then displays the current function value and the remotely controllable range of the adjusting function on a display unit of the control apparatus.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver that receives broadcasting signals transmitted by a broadcasting station accompanying audio signals of multiple languages and automatically selects a certain broadcasting language to be outputted is described here. The receiver is capable of displaying a “Priority Switching Language Registration Menu” on its display in order to set up and register switching of priority languages. A priority language list determined by a user referring to a language list database displayed on the display is stored into a memory together with the maximum number of audio channels set up by the user.

Abstract: Television receiver furnished with a memory (21, 22, 23) for receiving service data comprising a processing module (11) which correlates usage criteria received together with the service data and storage criteria characterizing the memory or memories of the receiver. By correlating the two criteria, the module determines the conditions of storage. Advantageously, a reorganizing module (12) can process the content of the memory so as to free some space in order to store new service data. The invention also relates to the storage process.

Abstract: The video data contained in the digital broadcasting received by a receiver are transmitted to a printer at high speed and at low cost. A receiver (STB 30) for receiving digital broadcasting, a display 31 for displaying the images of the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 and a printer 32 for printing images contained in the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 are connected to each other by way of a first signal transmission means adapted to transmit digital signals. The printer 32 obtain video data from the receiver 30 by way of the first signal transmission means.

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 technique is used for providing additional information about a broadcast presentation that allows a user interested in the additional information to acquire it easily, using a selective call device or a television remote control device to easily acquire an information address during the broadcast when a prompt is presented during the broadcast. An advertiser can send the additional information over a wide area radio selective call communication system or can post it at a universal resource locator of a computer network. The information address is used to acquire the additional information. The information address can be stored, selected and deleted in the selective call device or remote control device. The prompt can be disabled or enabled manually or based on location.

Abstract: The multimedia content presentation system and method includes a preparation component, a deployment component, an interface component and a metrics component. Multimedia content assets and targeted advertising are placed by the preparation component with a hierarchal N×M matrix of display cells. The deployment component uses conventional transmission networks, such as the Internet, broadband cable and wireless phone systems to transmit to the interface component a configuration file defining a matrix of display tiles. The interface component presents and navigates the user through a hierarchy of display palettes, multimedia assets and targeted advertisements on a variety of platforms, such as televisions, personal computers, personal digital assistants and cell phones. The interface component further collects usage data and provides the data to the metrics component for use by the preparation component and the deployment component for targeted content and advertisements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for using multiple scalers to scale video and graphics data. A video data is capable of accessing data formats not accessible by a graphics engine, pipeline, or scaler. The video data can be accessed by the video scaler and subsequently converted to a data format accessible by the graphics engine, pipeline or scaler. The converted video data can be routed to memory. Once stored in memory, the data can be accessed for further processing, such as additional scaling or graphics processing. In addition, the converted video data can be output directly to a processor, such as a graphics processor for additional processing.

Abstract: A television tuner and method monitor a scoreboard during a television sporting event and affect the viewing and/or recording of the sporting event according to information on the scoreboard. For example, the presentation of the sporting event may be affected according to the scoreboard by muting the volume or blanking the screen whenever the clock on the scoreboard is not running. In another example, the tuner and method control the recording of a television sporting event according to information on the scoreboard. A recorder could be paused whenever the clock is not running and resumed when the clock starts, thereby automatically skipping all commercials and all commentary when the clock is not running. In yet another example, the tuner and method control the presentation of a previously-recorded sporting event according to information on the scoreboard. A recorded sporting event could be filtered to display only the portions that contain a scoreboard the satisfied specified criteria.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to control operations of electric apparatuses other than a television receiver successively with an operation of the television receiver. The television receiver 1 includes an other-apparatus-code storage section 15, a successive control section 12, an other-apparatus-code output processing section 17, a transmission section 3, and a successive operation definition unit for making a specific operation of the television receiver 1 and specific operations of the other electric apparatuses correspond to one another in advance. The other-apparatus-code storage section 15 stores control codes for the other electric apparatuses.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and installing devices of a home entertainment system includes a portable memory media that can be installed in a memory slot of a television. The portable memory media can be preprogrammed with set-up instructions that are displayed at the television. A user can follow these instructions step-by-step in order to properly install and configure a television and any peripheral entertainment devices.

Abstract: There is provided a system that automatically displays and reproduces digital information recorded on a memory card by a simple user's action. When at least one memory card is inserted into at least one card slot, a display mode is switched to a mode for automatically displaying one or more images by at least one manner in accordance with the number of inserted memory cards and/or the type of card. These images indicate the recorded contents of the at least one inserted memory card.

Abstract: TV receiver apparatus (1) and a related method are disclosed, the TV receiver apparatus comprising a video signal receiver (2) for receiving video signals transmitted from an external video signal transmitter, a GPS signal receiver (3) for receiving GPS signals transmitted from an external GPS signal transmitter and signal coupling means (4) connected to both receivers. The signal coupling means is adapted to provide both receivers with respective video and GPS signals via a common antenna (5) where the antenna is adapted to receive terrestrially broadcasted video signals.

Abstract: A TV program usage information setting method and apparatus using the same which simply reserve information of a specific TV program which is periodically broadcasted on certain day and time and selectively or automatically receives and shows the TV program when it becomes the certain day and time which have been reserved. According to the present invention, usage information, such as broadcasting day and time, channel, volume and screen size, related to a specific TV program is stored by pressing a usage key when the specific TV program which is periodically or recurringly broadcasted is shown on a TV set, and the specific TV program is automatically and recurringly broadcasted in accordance with the stored usage information when the stored day and time are identical to the current day and time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of digital data which is transmitted by broadcasters of television programs for receipt by users of a broadcast data receiver which includes decoding the transmitted data and then processing the decoded data to generate video and/or audio displays on a television set or other form of display screen in the form of a television program. The television system allows the user to select to monitor a selected program for designated criteria and, if the criteria is/are detected, the system activates an alert for the user, stores the data for the selected program or displays the selected television program thereby allowing the user to be aware of a designated occurrence in the television program even though they were not previously watching the television or were watching another program.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a TV signal receiver (5) having a first input terminal (7) for receiving a first input signal, a first unit (11) for deriving a first TV signal from the first input signal, a second unit (xx) for supplying a second TV signal. A signal combination unit (19) replaces in response to a first control signal at least a part of the first TV signal by the second TV signal so as to obtain a composite TV signal. The composite TV signal is supplied to an output terminal. Control signal generator means (25) are provided for generating the first control signal. The TV signal receiver further comprises a storage device (17) for storing and reading the first TV signal so as to enable to delay the first TV signal prior to submitting the first TV signal to the signal combination unit, the storage device being adapted to suspend reading the first TV signal in response to the first control signal.

Abstract: A high definition display unit which demodulates, decodes, and processes in relation to chroma and displays a television signal in which a PI (picture) signal and an SI (service information) signal are mixed. A changeover switch 13 connected to an image quality adjusting circuit in a video chroma processing circuit 7 is opened or closed according to an on-off signal S1 showing the superposed period of both signals detected by a decoder 4. If the above on-off signal S1 is on, the changeover switch 13 is opened and the adjustment of image quality is disabled. Therefore, SI display never disappears due to the adjustment of image quality, and the quality of an image can be also adjusted according to an ambient status. Other approaches are also disclosed from preventing image quality adjustment of at least portions of a displayed image containing an information image.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus of the present invention has a receiver for receiving television signals, a processor for processing the television signals received by the receiver to obtain image signals, a display unit for displaying images according to the image signals obtained by the processor, a transmitting and receiving unit for receiving information sent from the remote controller and transmitting information to the remote controller, and a control unit for performing control operations so as to transmit setting information concerning operation setting conditions of the receiver to the remote controller in accordance with a command associated with a manipulation of a predetermined key, which is transmitted from the remote controller.

Abstract: A television receiver according to the present application obtains a plurality of moving image data indicating the same moving image by using received moving image data, performs different image quality adjusting processes for these moving image data, and displays a plurality of moving images related to these moving image data subjected to the different image quality adjusting processes on the same screen of a display device.

Abstract: A television based on an operating system, including: a first memory storing a boot loader program, the boot loader program performing a hardware basic test and a booting; a television signal generating portion outputting a television broadcast; a second memory storing a MPEG control program and preset channel information, the MPEG control program driving the television signal processing portion to output a video signal corresponding to a received television broadcast corresponding to the stored preset channel information; and a central processing unit executing the boot loader program, executing the MPEG control program after the hardware basic test of the boot loader program and loading the operating system onto a random access memory after the MPEG control program drives the television signal processing portion to output the video signal corresponding to the received television broadcast corresponding to the stored preset channel information.

Abstract: A device and method of displaying images and data on a display device. The device and method displays still and moving images in which at least one icon is associated and displayed with each image on a screen. A single screen may contain several images which change over time. As the images change so do the icons associated with them. Upon selection of an icon by a viewer, the device and method will display one of several possible advertisements or information associated with the icon. The selection of which advertisement or piece of information is based on information stored about the viewer. This information would include data concerning the viewer's age, income, address and hobbies. A list of selections made by a viewer is maintained and may be displayed at the viewer's request. The system may also force the display of advertisements if desired by advertisers.

Abstract: A web television includes a display, a tuner, an internet module, and a PIP module. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display on the display and to select television audio for display by a speaker of the web television. The internet module is arranged to supply internet video for display on the display and to supply internet audio for display by the speaker of the web television, and the internet video and audio are derived from internet communications between the web television and internet content providers. The PIP module is arranged to provide a PIP area within a main area of the display. The internet video and the television video may be swapped between the PIP area and the main area of the display, and the speaker of the web television may be swapped between the internet audio and the television audio.

Abstract: The present invention provides for inductive pick-up devices employing a diversity and adaptive antenna arrangement. By utilizing diversity and adaptive antennas, the pick-up can be installed by a consumer without use of a computer monitor or other device to determine alignment. In addition, the arrangement increases the level of signal available to a data decoding system. In combining the two types of pick-ups and using the best features of both, we additionally gain performance on synchronizing frame rate and picking up data.

Abstract: Motion picture data used in both of analog and digital broadcasts is provided with high picture display quality and a common user interface. Such display of motion picture data can be achieved by providing a plurality of picture format converting means, a plurality of OSD means and means for taking motion picture data used in an analog broadcast in a common memory.

Abstract: The appearance of a cabinet for a device (e.g., a television) is dynamically controlled. One way of controlling the appearance of the cabinet is by providing a display panel on the cabinet. At least one input is obtained from an input device and processed by a controller. Based on these inputs, the controller sends signals to the display panel to change the appearance of the display panel. Lamps and heat-sensitive materials may be used to effectuate the desired change in appearance. The cabinet display features may be controlled to give the device the appearance of having a persona or of being an independent animate being. For example, lights in the cabinet could flash to suggest the device is laughing in response to the detection of a laugh track in a sitcom being displayed on the device. Patterns and colors can be generated to reflect moods according to the preferences of an interaction-design programmer.

Abstract: While viewing a program, a viewer can check the other program at arbitrary timing. While a program on a channel received by a first tuner 1 is being output, when a commercial starts or a start signal is input from an operation portion 6, an output of the program is changed to that of a program received by a second tuner. The viewer can select either outputting the program on the channel designated by the second tuner 2 or sequentially changing channels received by the second tuner 2 and sequentially outputting different programs according to a viewer's desire. When the commercial is over or an end signal is input from the operation portion 6, the output is changed to that of the program received by the first tuner 1 and the original program is output.

Abstract: A desirable program is separated from a channel having a plurality of programs multiplexed. A channel number (12) indicative of a channel having a program (last program) received last multiplexed is stored in a first memory (5) and a PID (13) of a PMT for identifying the last program is stored in a second memory (6). During channel selection, a tuner (1) tunes a channel having the last program multiplexed based on the channel number (12). A control circuit (4) retrieves a program corresponding to a PMT having a PID coincident with the PID (13) of the PMT for identifying the last program from the channel, and controls a demultiplexer (3) if there is the coincident program and selectively outputs the program.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a television receiver to identify unwanted broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of selectively altering the television display 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 or otherwise alter 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: A signal of a desired channel is selected by a tuner from digital broadcasting is received by an antenna. The condition of the radio wave received by the antenna, which is judged from an AGC signal of the signal of the channel selected by the tuner, a Sync signal detected by a synchronization establishment unit and the number of errors which have not been corrected by a forward error corrector 10, is displayed on an indicator. The receiving direction or position of the antenna can be easily decided on the basis of the condition of the received radio wave of the antenna, which is displayed on the indicator, so that received video has a C/N within thresholds.

Abstract: A system for gauging, measuring or recording data. The system includes a detection mechanism external of a premises which is connected to transmit data to a device within the premises for processing or display of the data. The internal device includes a receiver for receiving and broadcasting broadcast data transmitted to a receiving device external of the premises and wherein data from the detection mechanism is carried to the internal device along the connection between the receiving device and the internal mechanism and wherein the data is processed and is accessible by at least one further control mechanism.

Abstract: A method of automatic control of a digital television decoder operation uses an Electronic Program Guide system. When a program, from a control list created earlier by a user by selecting specific programs, starts, a decoder changes its operation mode from a sleep mode to an active mode. In the active mode the user can watch only the programs located on the list, and after the program from the list ends, and in case there are no other available programs on the list, the decoder changes its operation mode to the sleep mode. At each time when a new program from the list starts, the decoder generates an information signal. In the described solution there are available many lists controlling the operation of the decoder. The lists are created by the user or set by an operator, and the user chooses which of the lists should control the operation of the decoder.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a lighting apparatus of a television, and more particularly to a lighting apparatus of a television, in which fluorescent lamps or various types of lamps are installed in both side portions or upper and lower portions of the television close to a screen thereof while the television is turned off, thus obtaining an indirect lighting effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for dynamically defining individual channel behavior from a variety of tuner sources within an integrated PC/TV apparatus. The system includes a channel server database including a master channel list of all channels provided by various tuner sources within a PC/TV apparatus. Each channel within the database list includes various parameters and data associated therewith defining the behavior of the channel independently of other channels within a listing. A number of channels server functionalities enable a user to dynamically access and alter the channel parameters and data to tailor channel behavior to a user's personal preferences.

Abstract: For use in a digital television receiver, there is disclosed a system for receiving audio and video digital signals. The system comprises a digital network interface coupled to a digital main board for receiving baseband audio and video digital signals and a digital video decoder coupled to the digital network interface for decoding audio and video digital signals from the digital network interface. The digital video decoder sends the decoded signals to the digital main board. The system also comprises an analog television chassis having an input that is capable of receiving audio and video analog signals. The digital main board digitizes the analog signals into a digital transport stream prior to processing.

Abstract: A plural-source-capable, broadcast-reception, audio/video system and methodology which freely enable the simultaneous display, on a single television receiver screen, of different categories of these broadcast-information components which may be being broadcast at the same time from two different broadcast sources.

Abstract: A digital TV and a driving method thereof enable a user to view the digital TV without interruption even if the present operating system is in an abnormal state. The digital TV includes a digital TV receiving part for receiving and decoding a broadcasting stream from an outside, a host CPU for controlling the digital TV receiving part, a local CPU for controlling the digital TV receiving part if the host CPU operates in an abnormal state, and a programmable logic device for switching the control of the digital TV receiving part from the host CPU to the local CPU if the host CPU operates in the abnormal state.

Abstract: An ON-timer channel setting apparatus of a digital broadcast receiver in which a user sets an ON-timer channel and a TV receiver is turned on at a preset time, includes: a tuner for tuning a received signal through an antenna; a TP demux unit for separating the signal tuned by the tuner into an audio, a video and a data signal and outputting the same; an A/V decoding unit for converting the signal received from the TP demux unit into an audio and a video signal; a display unit for displaying the audio and the video signals outputted from the A/V decoding unit on a screen; and a controlling unit for parsing the data signal received from the TP demux comparing and controlling the detected data information and the channel information set by a user, and outputting data information of an active channel in a form suitable to be displayed to the display unit.

Abstract: A digital television autoprogramming and tuning method and apparatus. In a digital television which can tune both MPEG 2 and PSIP format signals, a method of tuning uses one or more tables of information populated during an autoprogramming process. For MPEG 2 channels, the physical channel equals the major channel number and can be directly tuned. For PSIP channels, the major channel indexes a TSID which is used to determine a physical channel. If the TSID does not correspond to the correct program, the correct TSID is determined from the Program Specific Information in the data transport stream 134 and the system re-tunes to the correct physical channel. The autoprogramming process sequentially steps through each physical channel and populates the autoprogramming tables with information about each channel it finds, saving only a single TSID for a given major PSIP channel.

Abstract: In a television set, image quality is adjusted in accordance with parameters calculated on the basis of adjustment values used in the past, depending on a feature of an image and an environmental status. A weight calculator determines a weight depending on the manner in which a user performs a volume control operation. A cumulative weight memory outputs a cumulative weight corresponding to the feature value. Output volume values used in past are stored in a volume value generator. The volume value generator calculates output volume values corresponding to a feature value on the basis of parameters indicating final adjustment values, the feature value, the weight, and the cumulative weight. The calculated volume values are stored in the volume value generator. Under the control of a system controller, the volume values stored in the volume value generator are output to a coefficient generator.