Abstract: A system is connected real-time to a video source such as cable TV, satellite receiver, or off-air broadcast to receive video and audio signals to a final viewing screen or monitor. A tuning module breaks down the signal into composite audio-video signals to recognize (with unique circuitry) when a commercial break has been inserted in the source video, to switch to an alternative channel of predetermined length before switching back to the original source. The alternative channel may include a connection to an audio and video source, for example such as a DVD player or hard drive.

Abstract: A system is connected real-time to a video source such as cable tv, satellite receiver, or off-air broadcast to receive video and audio signals to a final viewing screen or monitor. A tuning module breaks down the signal into composite audio-video signals to recognize when a commercial break has been inserted in the source video, to switch to an alternative channel of predetermined length before switching back to the original source. The alternative channel may include a connection to an audio and video source, for example such as a DVD player.