Abstract: A method for recording on video tape and indexing programs carried by a television signal. The title of some, but not all, of the programs is embedded real time in the television signal. A video tape cassette is loaded in a VCR for recording. A data file corresponding to a plurality of television program listings is stored in memory. The data file includes the channel and start time of each program listing, and the title if available. The program listings are displayed on a video monitor. One of the displayed program listings is selected for recording. The data corresponding to the program listing selected for recording is transferred from the data file to a VCR recording stack so the VCR records the program represented by the program listing selected for recording. A directory of programs recorded on the video tape, including program titles and tape locations, is created.

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: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing an indexed audio tape. The method includes the step of recording data in a guard band interposed between and parallel to two signal tracks used to record audio signals on an audio tape. The recorded data is shifted to frequencies higher than the bandwidth of the audio signals. A plurality of programs are recorded onto the two signal tracks with spaces between the programs. A nonaudible program presence signal is recorded onto the two signal tracks coincident with the plurality of programs. The nonaudible program presence signal is not recorded in the spaces between the programs. A program directory is recorded onto the guard band just before the start of each program recorded on the two signal tracks. In an embodiment, text is recorded onto the guard band parallel to and corresponding to audio in the programs recorded on the two signal tracks of the audio tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and reading magnetic tape that contains audio signals and data that is related to the audio signals. In the preferred embodiment, the audio signals are music, and the related data are lyrics to the music displayed in real time to the music as it is being played. The lyrics are modulated onto an ultrasonic carrier signal and mixed with the audio signal on one track of the tape. The tape may be played on a conventional tape recorder without having interference from the recorded data at ultrasonic frequencies. In a suitably equipped tape player, the mixed signal is read and filtered to generate a high pass filtered signal and a bandpass filtered signal. The bandpass filtered signal filters out frequencies outside the range of human hearing to generate an audio signal. The high pass filtered signal is demodulated by the carrier frequency to reconstruct the lyrics.

Abstract: Text data is arranged into groups. A unique code is assigned to each group. The data is encoded so that the codes represent the groups. The groups and their assigned codes are transmitted to a receiver where they are stored as a table correlating each group to its assigned code. After the table is transmitted, the program and the encoded text data are transmitted to the receiver, preferably in synchronism. At the receiver, the data is decoded from the table and displayed as the program is reproduced.

Abstract: A television receiver including a MPU and OSD circuitry on a single chip. The OSD circuitry includes multisystem detection circuitry which counts the number of horizontal lines between vertical flyback pulses to determine the vertical frequency of the received standard signal and measures the time of a horizontal line using a fixed frequency signal to determine the horizontal frequency of the received standard signal and uses this information to control the outputs of a PLL to synchronize the receiver to the received standard. The PLL includes a VCO having a constant offset current applied to the control terminal to prevent alternating phases of the output control signal from the loop phase detector, which alternating phases cause jitter in the display.

Abstract: In a TV receiver including multistandard OSD circuitry a method and apparatus for positioning the display including a comparator which compares a predetermined count (position) with a count of the received horizontal frequency to provide delayed horizontal flyback pulses and a dot and column address generator which is synchronized to start with the delayed horizontal flyback pulses. Similar vertical positioning circuits are included.

Abstract: A TV receiver including a microprocessor and an on screen display on a single semiconductor chip. The OSD includes half dot logic and shifting to smooth the characters with a minimum of storage capacity required and the half dot logic is used in an edge enhancing circuit to generate a black surround. A simplified window generator is combined therewith to further improve the characters.