Abstract: A tangible computer readable storage medium storing instructions which when executed on a programmed processor carry out a process for navigation of menu options available to a user of an audio/visual (AV) system has instructions that enter a graphical user interface (GUI) in a menu system that is displayed on a video display; instructions that generate a signal for displaying a first navigable list of menu options on the video display, the first navigable list of menu options having a plurality of fields arranged in a first linear configuration that overlays the AV content currently playing on the video display with one of the menu options shown at a location of the video display that is highlighted; and instructions responsive to a navigation command from a remote controller, that move the first navigable list of menu options of the GUI to cause another field of the plurality of fields to move to the location that is highlighted, and thus highlight the another field while continuing to display the AV conten

Abstract: In an audio/visual (AV) system, a method for navigation of menu options available to a user involves entering a graphical user interface (GUI) in a menu system that is displayed on a video display; generating a signal for displaying a first navigable list of menu options on the video display, the first navigable list of menu options having a plurality of fields arranged in a first linear configuration that overlays AV content currently playing on the display with one of the menu options shown at a location of the video display that is highlighted; and responsive to a navigation command from a remote controller, moving the first navigable list of menu options of the GUI to cause another field of the plurality of fields to move to the location that is highlighted, to highlight the another field while continuing to display the AV content currently playing on the video display.

Abstract: A method and system for providing easier listener access to information about musical works and other audio programming broadcast by a digital radio station includes broadcasting contextual information about the audio programming along with the audio programming. A receiver separates the audio and data signals giving the listener access to the broadcast content and the associated information about that content. The system may also store the contextual information about the programming for later reference, for example ordering a recording of the programming.

Abstract: A method and system for providing easier listener access to information about musical works and other audio programming broadcast by a digital radio station includes broadcasting contextual information about the audio programming along with the audio programming. A receiver separates the audio and data signals giving the listener access to the broadcast content and the associated information about that content. The system may also store the contextual information about the programming for later reference, for example ordering a recording of the programming.

Abstract: The efficient and intuitive presentation, navigation, and selection of available AV information in a graphical user interface (GUI) that is displayed on a display apparatus of an AV system and controlled through user manipulation of a scrolling mechanism of a navigation and selection device of the AV system. Related AV information is organized as items within lists that correspond to various navigable fields of a status bar of the GUI during the GUI interactive mode. A highlighted navigable field of the status bar displays its list of related AV information and the items of the list are scrolled through the navigable field by a user causing the scrolling mechanism to move in a scroll. A different field of the status bar may be selected by the user moving the scrolling mechanism in a lateral movement.

Abstract: The efficient and intuitive presentation, navigation, and selection of AV information in a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display apparatus of an AV system. Related AV information is organized as items within lists that correspond to various navigable fields of a status bar of the GUI during the GUI interactive mode. A highlighted navigable field of the status bar displays its list of related AV information and the items of the list are scrolled through the navigable field by a user causing a scrolling cylinder of a navigation and selection device to move in a scroll. A different field of the status bar may be selected by the user moving the scrolling cylinder in a lateral movement. Activation of the selection mechanism of the navigation and selection device will cause an AV device to be controlled in accordance with the currently displayed AV options.

Abstract: An audio system for playing recordings of audio programming includes a relatively large display device on which contextual information about the audio programming may be displayed. The contextual information is recorded on the same recording medium as the audio programming and may include any textual information or graphic images related to the audio programming or the artists who produced it. Preferably, the audio system is a personal, portable audio system which is battery-operated and which reads mini-discs.

Abstract: An audio system for managing broadcast and recording music and other audio works includes two principal components, an entertainment programming guide unit and a media manager unit. The programming guide unit, which preferably includes a graphical user interface, can be used to manage a number of recording media in a media deck of the media manager unit. The programming guide may also receive a radio broadcast schedule so that a user can select and record upcoming broadcast works in a memory unit of the media manager unit The programming guide may also download audio files from the internet.

Abstract: A recording media storage and player unit, including a playback unit for replaying data retrieved from a selected one of several stored recording media, a communication link for obtaining expanded information associated with the recording medium from an external database, a memory storage location for storing the expanded information locally within the recording media storage and player unit; and a display for displaying the expanded information when the data retrieved from the recording medium is played back. Additional storage and player units are coupleable to the aforementioned unit to increase disc storage capacity. All player units are controlled by a control panel on the first-mentioned unit.