Abstract: An apparatus and methods that facilitate efficient and easy installation of a display screen and protective shield onto a cabinet of a display unit such as a projection TV (PTV) and the like. Preferably, a screen frame and bezel clip system includes a bezel clip having a latch arm releaseably coupleable to catch arm extending from or attached to a cabinet side wall of a display unit. The bezel clip further includes one or more receptacles sized and shaped to receive and retain a side or edge portion of one or more screens. The catch arm is preferably deformable under pressure and returns to a pre-stressed orientation when the pressure is removed. Alternatively, a screen frame and bezel mount system includes a stiffener member adapted to couple a bezel member to a cabinet side wall of a display unit. The bezel member includes one or more receptacles sized and shaped to receive and retain a side or edge portion of one or more screens.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to supervise personal exposure to a program exhibited by a consumer electronics device, such as a television system. The consumer electronics device includes “V-chip” circuitry that analyzes a signal and either blocks or passes the signal based on certain content-based criteria. In this connection, a user can program the “V-chip” circuitry with the preset content-based criteria in the form of preset content-based specification sets, which are stored in the consumer electronics device by the manufacturer. The preset content-based specification sets specify either allowable or objectionable content within a program signal received by the consumer electronics device. The “V-chip” circuitry receives a content-based indicator set, which is indicative of the actual content of the program signal. One of the preset content-based specification sets is conveniently selected by a user.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the transformation of PTVs, when in the “OFF” mode, into aesthetically pleasing decorative furniture. The PTV preferably includes a primary and a secondary projection system. The secondary projection system preferably comprises a projection unit optically coupled to the screen of the PTV and an auxiliary image source coupled to the projection unit. Preferably, the program logic of the PTV directs the projection of an image from the secondary projection unit onto the screen when the PTV is in the “OFF” mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved projection television system that integrates entertainment center cabinetry used to store electronic devices, media, and the like, with a projection television enclosure. The system of the present invention accommodates projection televisions of varying screen sizes, while using substantially the same entertainment center cabinetry. Accordingly, in one innovative aspect, the system incorporates interchangeable projection television screens and cabinetry that is adjustable to accommodate screens of different dimensions. The cabinetry is integrated into the enclosure of the projection television set as opposed to being stand alone, or separate, entertainment center cabinetry.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for equally aging a cathode ray tube (CRT). A video input terminal is coupled to the CRT and receives an external video signal. Control circuitry is provided, which detects the aspect ratio of the signal and determines whether there is a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and an aspect ratio of a display screen in association with the CRT. If a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio exists, an equalization video signal is derived from the external video signal. A primary region of the CRT is illuminated in response to the external video signal, and a secondary region of the CRT, which would otherwise be unilluminated in response to the external video signal due to the mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio, is illuminated in response to the equalization video signal. In this manner, the CRT is uniformly aged.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a rear projection television set, including a frame portion extending about a viewing portion thereof, the viewing portion defining a lenticular screen. The frame and viewing portions may be formed as one piece, for example from injection molded plastic. The screen assembly includes a fastener for mounting the lenticular screen to a projection television set over an opening therein, and preferably for slidably mounting the lenticular screen in a focal plane thereof. The fastener may include slots extending horizontally along upper and lower regions of the frame portion for receiving slide rails attached to the television set. A set of projection tubes and a mirror mounted in the television set project a viewable image onto the lenticular screen.