Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver controls a digital recording device via a digital data bus to enable sub-channel recording and playback. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor that is operative to process signals representing a plurality of sub-channels to generate digital data for a first one of the sub-channels. The digital data includes program data and identification data for the first sub-channel. An input/output terminal is operative to provide the digital data to a digital recording device via a digital data bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic display of next or future television program information when tuned to a television channel. Acquired or received program information for a television program to be shown next or later on the currently tuned television channel is automatically displayed on the currently tuned channel. In this manner, a viewer is provided with information regarding a next or future television program on the television channel currently being watched without active intervention by the viewer. According to an aspect of the invention, if a new or next television program guide or program information (update) is received before the end of a current television program, the television apparatus automatically updates the display of program information according to the information included in the newly received program guide.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for configuring a television scan list. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising determining whether a channel is potentially objectionable when the channel is selected for display, providing a prompt with an option to remove the channel if the channel is determined to be potentially objectionable, and marking the channel as deleted if the option to remove the channel is selected.

Abstract: A television apparatus having digital serial bus ports allows a user to select a user-designated digital video content source input such as a digital tuner of the television apparatus and digital serial bus compliant components connected to the television apparatus via the digital serial bus ports of the television apparatus, and to cause digital content from the user-designated digital content source device to be recorded onto a digital recording device connected to the television apparatus via the digital serial bus ports. The present invention allows a user to continuously record digital content onto a digital recording device (e.g. an AVHDD), whether from the TV's digital tuner or from another digital serial bus compliant device in a peer to peer arrangement. The connection is always recording, but allows the user to select or designate a digital (i.e. MPEG2) source (i.e. the TV tuner or another digital serial bus compliant device), in addition to displaying the selected content.

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: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that processes video data. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a module that initiates a channel search procedure on a transport stream, a module that determines an encryption level of a first channel in the transport stream based on a control bit within the transport stream, and a module that adds the first channel and its associated encryption level to a channel map.

Abstract: A method of blocking a channel that disappears and reappears includes determining whether the channel that reappeared is designated as blocked by a parental control setting that was retained when the channel disappeared, and blocking the channel if the channel is designated as blocked by the parental control setting.

Abstract: A setup process for a video system enables various operational settings of the video system to be selected and input to the video system using a personal computer. According to an exemplary embodiment, a video system, comprises an interface operatively coupled to a remote computing device through a data communications network for transmitting and receiving setup data representing at least one user selected operational setting of the video system, and a memory operative to store the received setup data.

Abstract: A system and method for processing program data are presented. Program data are received. A selection of a program is received. A request for recording of the selected program is also received. A determination is then made to see whether the selected program is already in progress, and if the selected program is already in progress, a choice is then provided to record a later occurrence of the selected program so that the entire selected program may be recorded.

Abstract: A setup process for a video system enables various operational settings of the video system to be selected and input to the video system using a personal computer. According to an exemplary embodiment, a video system, comprises an interface operatively coupled to a remote computing device through a data communications network for transmitting and receiving setup data representing at least one user selected operational setting of the video system, and a memory operative to store the received setup data.

Abstract: A video signal receiver is operative to control display of video information. Particularly, a video signal receiver is operative to provide controlled display of video information pertaining to a television program signal in response to a parameter of the television program signal. More particularly, a television signal receiver is operative to provide controlled display of auxiliary video information of a television program signal in response to a parameter of an audio signal portion of the television program signal. In one form, a television signal receiver is operative to control display of video program information with regard to a television program signal in response to a parameter level of a parameter of an audio program portion of the television program signal. The television signal receiver includes reference level setter, a signal comparator, and a video signal modifier. The reference level setter is operative to set a reference level.

Abstract: A system and method for processing program data are presented. Program data are received. A selection of a program is received. A request for recording of the selected program is also received. A determination is then made to see whether the selected program is already in progress, and if the selected program is already in progress, a choice is then provided to record a later occurrence of the selected program so that the entire selected program may be recorded.