Abstract: While reviewing potential programs when using an interactive programming guide, a viewer can select to place information regarding specific programs in a list (in one embodiment, such entries are made on an automated basis). The viewer can then recall that list to make a final selection of a present program to view (or record). In some embodiments, this list can be automatically cleared in response to a predetermined trigger event.

Abstract: Discrete indicators as correspond to various content options are displayed. These discrete indicators move with respect to a segregated display area. When a predetermined orientation exists as between the segregated display area and one of the discrete indicators, additional content as pertains to the content option that corresponds to that particular discrete indicator is automatically displayed.

Abstract: Characterizing descriptor information for a presently viewed program is used to develop selection criteria by which to identify other program choices of potential interest to the viewer. Such options are then displayed to the viewer, either upon command or automatically at a time that is temporally proximal to a conclusion of the presently viewed program.

Abstract: A content guide, such as a program guide for use with a plurality of audio/visual programs, has a browsing and selection interface that comprises a two-dimensional display that presents three spatial dimensions of a three-dimensional object. This object (or objects) bear at least some characterizing descriptors that correspond to various program options available to a viewer. In a preferred embodiment the browsing and selection interface comprises a plurality of cylinders. A viewer can cause these cylinders to rotate to present previously hidden characterizing information for review and/or selection by the viewer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a pixel page system providing pixel pages optimized for use with a GLV (grating light valve). In one implementation, a system includes: a data source, providing pixel data for pixels in a first order, each pixel in a frame having rows and columns of pixels; a data destination, receiving pixel data for pixels in a second order; at least one memory device including memory pages having memory locations; pixel data for each pixel corresponds to an entry in a pixel page, each pixel page having rows and columns and including pixels, the pixel pages optimized for use with a GLV. Pixel data is stored to memory in the first order and retrieved in the second order. And each memory page stores pixel data in multiple locations according to the first order and stores pixel data in multiple locations according to the second order.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing and retrieving data in parallel but in different orders. In one implementation, data for pixels is stored according to a checkerboard pattern, alternately between two memory devices, forming a checkerboard buffer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for use in remotely diagnosing electronic devices and/or providing content. The method for use in remotely diagnosing includes the initiating a diagnostic analysis of an electronic device, identifying the electronic device, receiving scripts communicated over a distributed network for diagnosing, remotely initiating diagnostic instructions with the scripts and receiving a response based on the instruction. The method can further determine further diagnostic instructions based on responses, and remotely initiate further instructions with the scripts. Additionally, a system for use in remotely diagnosing electronic devices includes a script generator coupled with a distributed network, and a remote diagnostic controller coupled with the distributed network and with an electronic device. The script generator compiles scripts and forwards them over the distributed network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying broadcast history information of a plurality of episodes of a program on an audio-visual system, which enable a viewer to select a program for which the history information of each episode will be stored. In response to the viewer's selection, the audio-visual system stores the history information for the episodes of the selected program that has been received by the audio-visual system. The audio-visual system can display the history information when the viewer watches the current episode of the program in a future time.

Abstract: An electron emitting structure having deflectable electrodes, such as found in grating light valves (GLVs) is provided. In one implementation, the structure includes a substrate having base electrodes and gate electrodes coupled thereto and insulated from each other, and an emitting material deposited on active regions of the base electrodes. Upon applying a voltage potential difference between a base electrode and a gate electrode, a portion of one of the base electrode and the gate electrode deflects through electrostatic force positioning the portion of the one of the base electrode and the gate electrode relative to another one of the base electrode and the gate electrode such that an electric field is produced that is sufficient to cause an emission from an emitting material deposited on the base electrode. In preferred form, lower drive voltages are required to provide the electric field without requiring sub-micron spacing between electrodes.

Abstract: A system for switching television channels provides a first tuner by which a first television channel is received and a second tuner by which a second television channel is received once a channel selection is made while the first channel is being viewed. The current channel being viewed is immediately switched to the selected second channel once the second tuner has acquired that channel.

Abstract: An oscillator having a modulation function capable of controlling a frequency by adding a signal to a control signal and a PLL circuit using the same, wherein the oscillator forms a ring comprised of a plurality of cascade connected delay stages controlled in delay value by an inverter or a buffer and a control signal and forming a closed loop by an inverted phase and comprises a modulation function modulating an oscillation frequency by adding a modulation signal to the control signal in a part of the plurality of delay stages.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a network of content devices that includes two or more graphical representations of two or more respective content devices that are coupled to a content device network. Graphical representations of two or more content streams between the graphical representations of content devices have graphical indicia, and two or more content display windows are provided to display content. Displayed content is associated with respective graphical indicia of the content streams so as to inform a user viewing the graphical representation of the content streams that the content streams carry the displayed content. In variations, the graphical user interface includes a master menu box that includes a content source selection menu for selecting a source content device, a content directory displaying content available from the source content device and a destination menu for selecting a destination content device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a pixel page system providing pixel pages using combined addressing. In alternative implementations, the system stores and retrieves data other than pixel data.