Abstract: Methods and systems for employing a set top box as a gateway application client are disclosed. The set top box can permit a user to interact with a gateway directly and efficiently to run applications or modify configuration settings of the gateway. Further, the set top box can be configured to include an executable file or application to perform at least a portion of processing of one or more applications provided at the gateway. In addition, the set top box can perform a display/input function and act as a conduit for information transmitted between a user and a gateway.

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: A viewer viewing audio-visual content on an audio-visual display (12) advantageously can receive information as to potential sources of alternative audio (241-24n) via a set-top box (14). The set-top-box collects metadata identifying the audio-visual content viewed by the viewer and provides that metadata to a database (26) that searches for and identifies ties to the set-top-box the source(s) of alternative audio-if any.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables users to specify analog connections for devices on a data bus network such as an IEEE 1394 network in a convenient, time-efficient manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of enabling an on-screen display comprising a list of devices connected to the digital data bus network requiring analog connections to the apparatus, and enabling a user to specify the analog connections responsive to the on-screen display.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for adjusting television settings based on a detected or input mounting scheme of the television. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method, comprising determining an active mounting scheme for a television, employing a first group of settings if the active mounting scheme for the television corresponds to a first mounting scheme, and employing a second group of settings if the active mounting scheme for the television corresponds to a second mounting scheme.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables a user to assign a given key on an input device to any specific device on a data bus network connected to the apparatus, and thereby enables the user to quickly select the specific device for control using the given key. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of enabling a user to assign a key on an input device of the apparatus to a device on the data bus network that is indirectly connected to the apparatus, and enabling the user to select the device for control responsive to an input of the assigned key.

Abstract: A method of presenting emergency alert textual media data on a display unit includes receiving emergency alert textual media data, storing the received emergency alert textual media data into a memory, superimposing the stored emergency alert textual media data on the display unit at an initial scroll rate, detecting a user operation, and adjusting the scroll rate of the superimposed emergency alert textual media data according to the user operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a video signal processing apparatus having a browser feature to protect a display device associated with the apparatus against the premature aging effects of screen burn due to an idle display when the browser feature is activated. The method includes the steps of detecting a first user input to a video apparatus, determining whether the first user input activates a browser feature of the video apparatus, and controlling the operation of the apparatus to reduce the screen burn. The operation can include setting a display parameter for the video apparatus to a first predetermined level responsive to determining that the first user input activates the browser feature, or determining an idle time and inactivating the browser feature if the idle time exceeds a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver controls an external device such as a digital recording/reproduction device via a digital data bus by remapping keys on a user input device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an input/output terminal operative to enable signal transfer between the television signal receiver and an external device via a digital data bus. A processor is operative to detect a first command signal of a first control protocol from a user input device, and to detect one of first and second modes of the television signal receiver. The processor detects the first mode in response to making a connection between the television signal receiver and the external device via the digital data bus, and detects the second mode in response to terminating the connection between the television signal receiver and the external device via the digital data bus.

Abstract: Screen bum on televisions having Internet browser capability is avoided by removing the conventional static icons such as toolbars and buttons from the default browser and replacing their functions with keyboard keys. The invention is especially useful in projection televisions and with keyboards which have keys assigned to browser functions. Favorite URLs can be mapped to a favorite key by holding down the favorite key while a favorite web page is displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus having a memory and an operating system running a plurality of applications that are controlled by user signals, means to register the user signals required by each application, means to receive user signals, and means to send each received user signal to the application registered to require that signal. A method of passing user signals to a plurality of applications running with an operating system comprising receiving from each application information on user signals required by that application; saving in a memory the required user signals associated with each application; receiving a user signal from a user interface device; retrieving from the memory applications that require the received user signal; and sending the received user signal to each of the retrieved applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for selecting one of a plurality of digital video channels and analog video channels in response to user selection, in particular, when operating in a digital recording mode. The user may select the channel using either a channel scan mode, in which the user selection causes the selection of the next channel in a channel sequence, or a direct channel mode, in which the user enters a specific channel number to be selected. When operating in the recording mode, and the apparatus receives a channel selection in the channel scan mode, the apparatus selects the next digital channel in the sequence and skips any intervening analog channels. When the operating in the recording mode, and the apparatus receives a channel selection in the direct channel selection mode, the apparatus selects the channels and terminates the recording mode if the selected channel is an analog channel and maintains the recording mode if the selected channel is a digital channel.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) may be designed to capture a recording source which matches the view source displayed on a television, thereby allowing a user to pause and rewind “live TV.” However, during recording, the user may inadvertently change the view source by, for example, accessing an autotune feature within a menu system of the audio/visual system. When this happens, the recording source may be prevented from tracking the view source, thereby allowing the continued recording of the program without loss or interruption while the menu system is active.

Abstract: An external device such as a digital recording/reproduction device may be controlled via a digital data bus using auto-play and/or auto-pause functions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling an external device includes detecting initiation of one of a disconnection from the external device and a connection to the external device, providing a pause command signal to the external device via a digital data bus if the initiation of the disconnection from the external device is detected, and providing a play command signal to the external device via the digital data bus if the initiation of the connection to the external device is detected.

Abstract: A current replication circuit that avoids the LEB period restriction of a DC-DC boost converter. The DC-DC boost converter regulates an output voltage by switching an input voltage through an inductor and a diode using a switch controller employing current feedback control and providing a PWM signal to control a switch coupled to the inductor. The current replication circuit includes a current sensor, a ramp generator, and a summing device. The current sensor samples current through the inductor while the switch is off and provides a sample voltage indicative of inductor current just before the switch is turned on. The ramp generator provides a ramp voltage replicating current increase of the inductor while the switch is on. The summing device adds the sample voltage to the ramp voltage to develop a replication voltage used for feedback current control by the switch controller.