Abstract: Methods for upgrading the operating system of an appliance and/an one or more applications run by the appliance. The method can be used to reload existing software, to add an operating mode to the appliance, and/or to enable an existent but previously disabled operating mode of the appliance. Also disclosed are methods for making a laser readable disk which is used in the upgrading process and which also can be encoded with an operating system and/or application software.

Abstract: The combination of an appliance with an INTERNET mode of operation which is capable of being connected to the Internet and of displaying a web page with at least one link identified by a number. Access to the corresponding links is accomplished through an input device having a user-actuatable control with a number corresponding to each link on the web page.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit or module and ENTERTAINMENT, COACH, and INTERNET modes of operation. Operation of the system may be controlled with a dedicated remote unit. The ENTERTAINMENT mode of operation allows a user to watch television or play an audio or video disk, and the COACH mode gives a user access to user-selected information stored on a disk of the character just described. In the INTERNET mode, the user can log onto and surf the Internet.

Abstract: Appliances designed to be mounted on the bottom of a structure such as an overhead cabinet system. The appliance has an integrated unit (or module) which includes a television tuner and, optionally, a player for an optically readable disk. The appliance also has a display unit of the flat screen type. The display unit is attached to the appliance module by a universal pivot mechanism which allows the unit to be: (a) rotated and tilted to face a viewer, and (b) folded up against the appliance module and out of the way when the display unit is not in use.