Abstract: An apparatus and technique for automatic tuning (to an arbitrary broadcast frequency) of an audio-video or audio device in accordance with a topic selection made by a user. Knowledge of specific broadcasted programs and times is not necessary. A user makes a selection of a subject matter topic from a menu or list and the necessary tuning is thereafter automatically done under control of a menu or list control interface. In the example of digital information transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal, the menu control interface automatically adjusts the tuner in accordance with the menu selection made by the user to choose an arbitrary channel and page of information within that channel. The menu or menus can be transmitted with the incoming information, or can be stored internally. Digital data can also be transmitted with the broadcast signal to characterize the subject matter content of the broadcast signal.

Abstract: A television data capture device is used with a television set or monitor to selectively extract, store, retrieve and display on the TV set or monitor extracted digital data. A composite video-digital signal is received from which digital data is removed by a digital data extractor. A memory unit, a permanent storage unit, and a microprocessor are also provided, enabling the user to store and retrieve from storage selected digital data previously extracted from the composite signal. A digital video converter converts extracted digital data to video signals for display of extracted digital data with the currently transmitted video signal.

Abstract: A TV data capture device is used with a TV set or monitor to selectively extract, store, retrieve and display on the TV set or monitor extracted digital data. A composite video-digital signal is received from which digital data is removed by a digital data extractor. A memory unit, a permanent storage unit, and a microprocessor are also provided, enabling the user to store and retrieve from storage selected digital data previously extracted from the composite signal. A digital video converter converts extracted digital data to video signals for display of extracted digital data with the currently transmitted video signal.

Abstract: A tv capture device is described which is incorporated with a conventional tv set or monitor. The data capture device extracts digital data from a composite video-digital signal and allows one to selectively store, retrieve stored information, and display the information on a tv screen or monitor. The apparatus includes a digital data extractor for extracting the digital data from the composite video signal, a memory unit, a permanent storage unit, and a microprocessor for receiving the extracted digital data. The microprocessor is controlled by a remote control device enabling information to be stored and retrieved from storage for display on a tv screen. A digital-video converter is used to convert the extracted digital data to video signals to simultaneously display the extracted digital data with the currently transmitted program.