Abstract: Example systems and methods provide information such as, but not limited to, interactive program guide (IPG) information for display on a display device such as a television. In the case of IPG information, an IPG server includes an IPG data store that stores IPG data such as program titles, actors, program descriptions, program start times, program end times, program duration, and the like. Receivers such as televisions and set-top boxes are configured to have an electronic mailbox. In response to a request to display the IPG, an IPG data request is sent via a wide area network such as the internet to the IPG server. The server accesses the IPG data store and retrieves IPG data corresponding to the request. The retrieved IPG data is sent to the television's electronic mailbox as an e-mail message. Using the data contained in the e-mail message, the television generates and displays an IPG on the television screen.

Abstract: An example filtering system for filtering audiovisual content includes a detector arranged to detect presence of a specified marker in an image portion of the audiovisual content and a control system, responsive to the detector, for filtering the audiovisual content.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of a television user interface include a channel list vertically disposed on a television screen, an input device for receiving inputs for selecting a channel on the channel list, and an information bar horizontally disposed on the television screen in correspondence with a selected channel, wherein the information bar provides information about programming on the selected channel.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of color allocation for an anti-aliased image involve reserving a number of palette entries in a palette of colors for a graphical user interface and dynamically determining a number of colors for anti-aliasing between first and second colors in the image. The determined anti-aliasing colors are allocated to the reserved palette entries.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for switching television inputs involve receiving a remote control input for switching a remote control mode from controlling a first device to controlling a different, second device and automatically generating, in response to the remote control mode switching input, an input switch command for switching an input of the television to an input to which the second device is coupled.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of generating a television channel list involve scanning virtual channels contained in a transport stream supplied to a television and determining, for each scanned virtual channel, whether that channel contains decodable video or audio content. A ring list used for tuning channels in channel up/down tuning operations is generated which contains only those scanned channels determined to have decodable video or audio content.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for powering down a consumer electronic device such as a television provide for an ON state, a partial standby state and a full standby state. The ON state is when the television is fully powered ON, as when a user is watching television. In the partial standby state, the display is powered OFF, but all CPUs and tuners are still powered. In the full standby state, nearly all circuits, tuners, CPUs and the like are powered OFF. Only the infrared receiver sub-micro and related circuits have power in order to receive power on signals from the remote control.

Abstract: Example methods and systems of finding channels related to a currently tuned channel involve receiving an input invoking a related channel function. In response to the input, a list of related channels is generated based at least in part on a currently tuned channel and the generated list of channels is displayed on a television screen. One of the related channels on the displayed list may be tuned in response to an input selecting that channel.

Abstract: An example program blocking system and method involve enabling and disabling program blocking on a group of channels responsive to stored blocking settings. When program blocking on the group of channels is enabled in response to the stored blocking settings, the blocking of programs on one or more channels in the group may be selectively disabled in response to a blocking disable command for disabling blocking on those channels.

Abstract: A system and method permits time-shifting or recording for any tuner input, regardless of whether the tuner input is being used for POP (or PIP) or main viewing window. This allows POP (or PIP) video modes and recording to an external recording device to be carried out simultaneously. In one example system and method, a switch is controlled in accordance with a control program of the television to dynamically select which inputs are routed to the main and sub viewing windows.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a projection television includes a screen panel, a lenticular screen and a Fresnel screen. The screen panel is attached directly to the television cabinet and sandwiches the Fresnel and lenticular screens therebetween. The screen panel projects laterally beyond the lenticular and the Fresnel screens and a recess may be provided in the television cabinet to receive the Fresnel and lenticular screens, so that the screen protection panel overlaps the front face of the cabinet sidewalls. In an exemplary embodiment, decorative bolts pass through the screen panel to secure the screen panel to the cabinet.

Abstract: A front projection television system includes a screen and a console arranged in front of and below the screen. The console includes an optical projector for projecting light onto the screen.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a television includes a front screen panel, an opaque masking layer applied to a perimeter of the front screen panel to define a masked perimeter area framing a viewable area of said screen assembly, and at least one touch control operatively coupled to the front screen panel in the masked perimeter area. Indicia identifies the location and/or function of the touch screen control.

Abstract: An example brightness control system includes a light sensor positioned in the overscan portion of a television display. A control circuit compares a brightness level sensed by the light sensor to a reference brightness level and adjusts the brightness of a lamp in response thereto.

Abstract: A channel list is generated based, for example, on tuning operations of a tuner of a television. An interface displays at least a portion of the channel list and allows for user-selection of a channel from the channel list so that the selected channel may be tuned.

Abstract: An example method and device for controlling a controllable device involves using a control device comprising a numeric keypad and a delimiter key. Control operations for the controllable device are respectively associated with digits of the numeric keypad and one of the control operations is initiated by pressing the delimiter key followed by the digit key associated with the one control operation. Control operations include by way of example channel tuning operations for a television, input selection operations for a television and menu screen selections.

Abstract: A video device for connection to an external device includes an interface for connecting to the external device and software and/or firmware for functions of the external device. A control system is responsive to detection of a connection of the external device to the interface for automatically activating the software and/or firmware to enable use of the external device functions.

Abstract: A system and method permits time-shifting or recording for any tuner input, regardless of whether the tuner input is being used for POP (or PIP) or main viewing window. This allows POP (or PIP) video modes and recording to an external recording device to be carried out simultaneously. In one example system and method, a switch is controlled in accordance with a control program of the television to dynamically select which inputs are routed to the main and sub viewing windows.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a television includes a front screen panel, an opaque masking layer applied to a perimeter of the front screen panel to define a masked perimeter area framing a viewable area of said screen assembly, and at least one touch control operatively coupled to the front screen panel in the masked perimeter area. Indicia identifies the location and/or function of the touch screen control.