Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: Digital compressed codes, associated with advertisements enable a user to selectively record additional information, which would be broadcast on a television channel at a later time. The advertisement could be print advertisement or broadcast advertisement on television or radio. The user enters the digital code (I code) associated with an advertisement into a unit with a decoding unit which automatically converts the code into CTL (channel, time and length). The unit within a twenty four hour period activates a VCR to record information on the television channel at the right time for the proper length of time. The decoded channel, time and length information can be communicated directly to a VCR and used by the VCR directly to automatically activate the VCR to record a given television information broadcast corresponding to the communicated channel, time and length.

Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: A television for controlling a video cassette recorder to access programs on a video cassette tape, the television retrieving a directory of programs from a television signal received from the video cassette recorder, retrieving a program identifier from the television signal received from the video cassette recorder, displaying the directory of programs to allow a user to select a program from the directory, determining from the retrieved program identifier and the selected program the amount to either advance or rewind the video cassette tape to position the video cassette tape in the video cassette recorder at the beginning of the selected program, and commanding the video cassette recorder to position the video cassette tape at the beginning of the selected program. An indexing VCR system which responds to broadcast information to record a program guide which may subsequently be displayed to apprise the user of programs to be broadcast during the next day or week, etc.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The compressed code indications associated with each television program can be printed in a television program calendar in advance. The user would use the remote control or controls on the video device to enter the code that signifies the program to be recorded. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time. A local channel map is stored so that the channel information from the compressed codes can be utilized to tune the correct channel even though channel numbers in different localities may be different. The remote may be a universal remote control capable of selecting between various stored infrared code protocols for commanding different brands and model of video devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing voice titles for recorded programs includes a recorder (11,19) for recording on a sequential recording medium, which has an audio recording portion (242) and a control recording portion (246). A control input (222) is provided for indicating a start of a voice title and the start indicator (252) is recorded on the control recording portion of the sequential medium. A microphone (264) or other device is provided for entering a voice title and for recording the entered voice title onto the audio recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded indication of the start of the voice title in the control recording portion. A control input (222) is provided for indicating an end of the voice title and the end indicator (254) is recorded onto the control recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded voice title in the audio recording portion.

Abstract: Operation of a video cassette player is facilitated by providing a VBI decoder which decodes information, such as title, channel, date, time and length of broadcast programs and utilizing the information in providing directory of the programs as well as control of the VCR. The video cassette player is also provided with a VBI encoder for inserting control as well as directory information into the tape, either in the VBI portions of the video track or in the control track.

Abstract: Digital compressed codes, associated with advertisements enable a user to selectively record additional information, which would be broadcast on a television channel at a later time. The advertisement could be print advertisement or broadcast advertisement on television or radio. The user enters the digital code (I code) associated with an advertisement into a unit with a decoding means which automatically converts the code into CTL (channel, time and length). The unit within a twenty four hour period activates a VCR to record information on the television channel at the right time for the proper length of time. The decoded channel, time and length information can be communicated directly to a VCR and used by the VCR directly to automatically activate the VCR to record a given television information broadcast corresponding to the communicated channel, time and length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for parental control of television programs. Program schedule information including program titles are stored in a memory and displayed on a monitor. Compressed code is entered for the programs to be blocked. Alternatively, one or more program titles are selected from the displayed program schedule information for blocking by a parental control circuitry connected to a controller.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating travel costs for a user where a user is prompted to enter desired travel product information. After desired travel product information is received from a user, the received information is used to search through a database of travel products to determine the cost of the desired travel products. The cost of the desired travel products is then reported to the user. The user is prompted to request alternative travel product information. If a user requests to receive alternative travel product information then a discount database is accessed to determine alternative travel products to offer to the user. The alternative travel products are then reported to the user.

Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel map (68) corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map (68) is accompanied by a channel map identifier (66) which identifies the source of the television transmission and geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map (68) having a channel map identifier (66) corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for allowing rating level control of the viewing of a program. The apparatus includes a device for entering a desired rating level for controlling the viewing of a program, a device for extracting rating data from a program video segment, the rating data indicating a rating level of the program video segment, and a device for extracting text data representative of the content of the program video segment from the program video segment. The apparatus includes a device for determining whether the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an acceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level and a device for blocking the playing of the program video segment if it is determined that the extracted rating data indicates that the program video segment has an unacceptable rating level for viewing with regard to the entered desired rating level.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory (24). Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers (17). Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier (38) and a foreign language translation (36) of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller (23). The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM (18) for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is stored in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A multiple input key for inputting characters and the key has a body with a top and bottom surface, with the bottom surface being proximal to a printed circuit board and the top surface being distal from the printed circuit board. The key is pivotable about a pivot. A pivot extends from the bottom surface of the body and has an electrical contact pad such that when the contact pad contacts one of the leads on the printed circuit board a circuit is closed. A skirt surrounds the periphery of the body of the key and the skirt operatively supports the body of the key on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A television program guide the uses a picture-in-picture (PIP) setup to allow the user to view an active television channel while browsing the channel guide.