Abstract: A method of selectively blocking television programming content wherein the user may use a free-form textual input means to input one of a number of various keywords, times, viewers, dates, ratings, programs or any number of keyword-based input. The method is capable of blocking content, based upon this input, without reference to any pre-determined ratings system. The method may utilize programming-related information available in an on-screen programming guide or other similar informational system in order to selectively block content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic startup and shutdown including automatic source selection is provided for the selection of one of many video input sources provided on a visual display device in response to a new video signal being transmitted over a particular input port. The visual display device is also provided with means to power on the television in response to user input or a new video signal input source detection. The television may automatically revert to the previously-viewed source upon the powering off or lack of signal from the most newly-acquired video signal source.

Abstract: A method for displaying a photograph on a digital picture frame comprising the steps of: retrieving a digital image file containing the picture from a digital storage media device; detecting an orientation of the photograph; and displaying the image on the digital picture frame in the correct orientation on a display unit of the digital picture frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic startup and shutdown including automatic source selection is provided for the selection of one of many video input sources provided on a visual display device in response to a new video signal being transmitted over a particular input port. The visual display device is also provided with means to power on the television in response to user input or a new video signal input source detection. The television may automatically revert to the previously-viewed source upon the powering off or lack of signal from the most newly-acquired video signal source.

Abstract: A back panel for a display device, such as a flat-panel television or computer monitor, which is thin around the edges and houses all electronics in a “center housing” near the vertical center of the back of the display and which houses its electronics and power supply on removable circuit boards. The back panel provides novel heat-dissipation, arranges electronics to save space and simplify repair, forces the center of gravity forward allowing the display to be set closer to a wall, and provides less interference and signal degradation than the prior art. Additionally, the removable electronics and power supply provide greater ease of repair than the prior art.

Abstract: An AC inverter circuit supplies power to multiple lamps in an LCD backlight. Conventional AC power is used as direct input into a full wave rectifier that converts the input from AC to a DC reference voltage. A transformer driver, including a chopper, converts the DC reference voltage to a higher voltage AC which drives a step up transformer to produce a voltage sufficient to drive as many as six fluorescent lamps. The components/circuitry associated with the transformer's primary windings is optically isolated from the rest of the circuit.