Abstract: The present invention provides an optimal processing pipeline suitable for high quality video and graphics processing. According to the invention, color key extraction is performed before actual processing and transforming of the video/graphics data. This substantially minimizes the amount of artifacts in composed pictures. In accordance with the present invention, a video/graphics data processing pipeline is provided. The pipeline comprises a pre-processing circuit that is configured to pre-process a stream of digital video/graphics data and output pre-processed data; a color key processing circuit, operably coupled to the pre-processing circuit, that is configured to extract a color key from the pre-processed data and output resulting data; and a processing/transforming circuit, operably coupled to the color key processing circuit, that is configured to process and transform the resulting data.

Abstract: In a graphical user interface, preferably for use with a television and set top box, menu navigation is achieved through use of a directional input. From the directional input and a current position, a fitness measure is derived for each menu option. From the fitness measure, a processing device guesses a target menu location. The directional input typically will come from a remote with buttons indicating directions, including diagonal directions.

Abstract: A home entertainment system comprises a sub-system with audio/video functionalities, a computer and a device interface that interconnects the sub-system and the computer. The computer controls the sub-system through a software application The computer and the sub-system have separate user-controls. In case the computer crashes, the user can still control those audio/video functionalities of the sub-system that are independent of the computer.

Abstract: A user of a handheld communication device selects in a foreground process portions of an electronic document. In a background process a new document is prepared that comprises the selected portions. The user selects the address for forwarding the new document, and the new document gets sent in a background process.

Abstract: A collection management system, or virtual jukebox, is provided for a collection of recordings that is independent of the physical media upon which the material is recorded. The system forms a part of a network that includes storage media and playback devices, and provides an easy to use system for collection cataloging, archiving, and retrieval. In a preferred embodiment, a collection management system resides on a consumer electronic (CE) device, or a personal or home computer (PC), and the collection includes recordings that are stored on one or more hard drives associated with the CE device or the PC. The collection management system includes a user interface that facilitates the retrieval of recordings for playback from one or more storage devices, based on an individual selection of genre, author, and so on.

Abstract: A mobile phone has a display with a touch screen. The device has a browser and is capable of retrieving a Web page from the Internet. The page is first displayed in its entirety. The user can recognize the page's general lay-out and presence of hyperlinks. When the user touches a particular location on the touch screen that corresponds to a portion of the page's image, the portion gets displayed so as to fill the display's area. Thus, the user can browse the Web with a display of limited size.