Abstract: The invention relates to a system for recording a signal. A recorder (200) comprises a receiver (201) for receiving a source signal (101) having associated first play time information such as a Normal Play Time timeline. The receiver (200) is coupled to a recording controller (203) which generates a recorded signal (301) from the source signal (101). The recorded signal (301) comprises a recording discontinuity with respect to the source signal (101) caused by for example the recording being paused in a time interval. The recording controller (203) is coupled to a storage medium (205). The recorder (200) further comprises a time processor (209) for generating second time information for the recorded signal (301) in response to the first play time information and the recording discontinuity. The second time information may for example be a compensated NPT timeline or event descriptors or stream events having time indications modified to correspond to the recorded signal (301).

Abstract: The invention takes the advantage of features such as TiVo Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or ReplayTV DVRs, which provide continuous recording of broadcasting programs and allow users to replay any missed portions of the program. The invention records the date and time of incoming/outgoing communication events, such as phone calls, as well as the current channel number being viewed. With reference to the recorded date, time and channel number, it allows users to choose between continuing viewing the current program or going back to view the entire program starting from the missed portions due to one or more incoming/outgoing calls.

Abstract: State-of-the art video recorders are equipped with a pause function. This function may be used in the play and record mode. When used in the record mode, no data is recorded. This is all right when only audio and/or video are recorded. However, when other data like interactive applications are recorded as well, this may lead to problems when the recording of an application is interrupted and this application is called upon in a video fragment that is recorded after resuming recording of audio and/or video. The invention has the following object. When the record function is suspended, using a pause function, only recording of audio and/or video is suspended and recording of other data is continued.

Abstract: A method (1) of transmitting interactive television, whereby interactive television applications are transmitted inside application-modules. These modules are transmitted in a broadcast stream. Recording systems cannot decide which modules are to be recorded. Therefore storage related information of said modules is signalled in the broadcast stream. Module identification information related is implemented in the Application Information Table (AIT) and/or in the Download Information Indication (DII) message. Thus information is included in the broadcast stream concerning categories stating whether application modules are mandatory, optional or forbidden to record. Alternatively properties of a module are chosen from Code/Data/Both and/or Fixed/Variable. Recording systems use this information do decide if application modules are to be recorded or disregarded. Alternatively, application module identification information is transmitted in said broadcast stream.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the read-to-write offset of a disk drive system in respect of a track is provided. In one aspect the method includes the step of determining a first read position amongst a range of test positions offset relative to the track on the basis of read signal strength. The method further includes the steps of calculating a subrange of test positions about the first read position, selecting a second read position from the subrange on the basis of bit error rates and setting the read-to-write offset as a function of the second read position. In addition a disk drive system including means for optimally setting the read-to-write offset in respect of a track is provided.

Abstract: A guardband portion is written on a disc surface in a disc drive. A predetermined data pattern is written on at least one data track adjacent to the guardband portion. A predetermined guardband pattern is written at a plurality of different guardband frequencies in the guardband portion. For each guardband frequency, at least one performance criterion is measured for the data track. A desired guardband pattern is written on the guardband portion of the disc surface at a guardband frequency chosen based on the measured performance criterion.

Abstract: A disc drive with on-the-fly verification of an enabled condition of the write element, comprising a rotatable disc having a magnetic recording surface, and a data reading and writing assembly. The data reading and writing assembly comprises a read/write head comprising a write element and a read element, both adjacent the recording surface; a preamplifier comprising a write driver applying a series of write currents for writing data to the recording surface and a read amplifier for reading stored data from the recording surface; and an interconnect joining the write driver to the write element so as to generate time-varying magnetic fields selectively magnetizing the recording surface in response to the write currents, and joining the read amplifier to the read element so as to transduce magnetization vectors on the recording surface associated with stored data.

Abstract: A method for the adaptive dampening of a peak amplitude of a thermal asperity signal in a disc drive to minimize loss of read data integrity, including the steps of determining a peak-to-peak preamble signal amplitude for identifying an amplitude signal range of the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal; measuring the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal; separating the peak-to-peak preamble signal amplitude into substantially even portions for use in calculating a value of the amplitude signal range of the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal; calculating the value of the amplitude signal range of the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal for use in determining a dampening resistance used by a dampening circuit to adaptively dampen the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal; and activating the dampening circuit to dampen the peak amplitude of the thermal asperity signal.

Abstract: In a processing method performed by a digital television receiver (18), a transport stream (84) is received. Data packets of the transport stream (84) associated with a selected audio/video offering are selected and sorted (90) into an audio/video component (92) and at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). Component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are assigned (100) to the audio/video component (92) and the at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). The component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are displayed (124) to an associated user. One or more selections of components are received (126) to include in a performance of the offering. The selected components are performed (154, 156, 158).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring data in a disc drive data handling system. A read/write head having separate write and read elements is used to write data to and transduce data from a disc recording surface. A preamplifier driver circuit applies write currents to the write element to write data to the recording surface and to apply a first read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude to the read element to transduce data from the recording surface. In response to the assertion of a write gate signal, the preamplifier driver circuit generates a second read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude and applies the second read bias signal to the read element while applying the write currents to the write element. This reduces the potential for damage to the read element due to cross-talk noise induced in the read bias signal from magnetic coupling between the read and write elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reading from a storage medium to form data values. A signal is generated from a sector on the storage medium and a section of that signal is identified as having a change in amplitude. A gain multiplier is activated to multiply that section of the signal by a gain value. The gain multiplier is deactivated at the end of the section so that the remaining portion of the sector signal is not multiplied by the gain value. This results in a defect adjusted signal that is applied to a detector to detect data values.

Abstract: A writer coil in a data head of a data storage system is tested by coupling detection circuitry to the writer coil and driving the writer coil with a periodic pulse signal generated by the detection circuitry. As a result, voltage is generated, with the detection circuitry, as a function of an inductance of the writer coil. An inductance of the writer coil is calculated as a function of the generated voltage. Electrical short circuits and discontinuities in the writer coil are identified as a function of the calculated inductance.

Abstract: A system and method for performing read retry operations with respect to an erroneously read data sector is disclosed. The system and method use estimates of bit error rates determined during previous attempts to read data from the sector to determine an optimal distance and direction to move a read transducer for a subsequent read retry of the erroneously data sector.

Abstract: A system for hardware intelligent speed monitoring and auto-retract is disclosed. The system contains a monitoring device that monitors the TACH (Tachometer) output of motor driver. The device provides a trigger to the signal processor and a retract mechanism to retract the actuator when the spindle motor speed is unexpectedly much higher or lower than normal speed. The system DSP (Digital Signal Processor) is unaware of such occurrence.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game between a coder and a hacker. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game between a coder and a hacker. Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game for at least two players. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game by at least two players. Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game played by at least two players. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game.

Abstract: A process of run-time temperature compensating bias current to a magnetoresistive read head in which a plurality of temperature ranges are defined with associated bias current values. A hysteresis range of temperatures is defined for each boundary between temperature ranges. A bias current value is selected based on the temperature range of the sensed temperature. The process is repeated. If the sensed temperature is in a different temperature range from that previously identified and the measured temperature is not in a hysteresis range at the boundary with the temperature range previously identified, the selected bias current value is based on the presently identified temperature range. If the sensed temperature is in a hysteresis range at the boundary with the temperature range previously.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disc drives. Before a pivot cartridge is assembled into a disc drive, impedance readings of the pivot cartridge are taken, preferably, at more than one rotational position and across a frequency range. The pivot cartridge is accepted for assembly into the disc drive only if its impedance readings compare favorably with readings taken of a good pivot cartridge. Otherwise, the pivot cartridge is rejected and the impedance readings are analyzed to provide identification of the defect in the pivot cartridge. In addition, a system and a storage device readable by a computer system for implementing the method of screening pivot cartridges and identifying causes of defects is provided.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a bearing cartridge based on a preload applied to the bearing cartridge used in a disc drive, to increase disc drive yield rates. The method begins by loading the bearing cartridge on to a test fixture and to an actuator assembly such that the actuator is rotatably attached to the base by the bearing cartridge. Then, the method includes inducing a steady swing in the actuator. Then, the method includes measuring a voltage drop that occurs across the bearing cartridge during the steady swing to characterize the preload applied to the bearing cartridge.

Abstract: A method for compensating digital samples of an asymmetric read signal is presented. The method involves reading a digital sample of an asymmetric read signal V(t) (160), generating a compensated sample at least when the digital sample requires compensation (164), and outputting either the digital sample (168) or the compensated sample (166). Also presented is an asymmetry correction block (158) of a read channel (144) of a disc drive (110) that includes an input (200), a level detector (202), a compensator (204), and an output (208). The level detector (202) and the compensator (204) receive the digital sample through the input (200). The level detector (202) determines whether the digital sample requires compensation. The compensator (204) generates a compensated sample at least when the digital sample requires compensation. The output (208) selectively outputs either the digital sample or the compensated sample.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the read-to-write offset of a disk drive system in respect of a track is provided. In one aspect the method includes the step of determining a first read position amongst a range of test positions offset relative to the track on the basis of read signal strength. The method further includes the steps of calculating a subrange of test positions about the first read position, selecting a second read position from the subrange on the basis of bit error rates and setting the read-to-write offset as a function of the second read position. In addition a disk drive system including means for optimally setting the read-to-write offset in respect of a track is provided.