Abstract: A high definition television monitor adapted to display a program guide, for example an electronic program guide demonstration, in low definition mode (1H) and automatically switch to high definition mode (2H) upon completion of the program guide display.

Abstract: A television monitor display with video signal processing comprises a source (SM) of a video display signal (Y) including a sync component (S). A video processor (U1) is coupled to process the video display signal (Y). A sync separator (SS) is coupled to generate separated synchronizing signals (Sy) from the sync component (S) of the video display signal (Y). A video amplifier (100) is coupled to the sync separator (SS) and the video processor (U1) and generates an output video signal (Ys+) wherein a sync component (S+) of the output video signal is increased in amplitude in accordance with the separate synchronizing signals (Sy) coupled to the video amplifier (100).

Abstract: A remote control is operative to transmit a remote control signal composed of a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are typically a pulse and a space. The pulse has a pulse width of a given duration within a pulse width range, while the space has a space width of a given duration within a space width range. An interrupt signal provided to indicate the end of transmission of the remote control signal is disabled when a space portion requires a space width greater than the space width range. The interrupt signal signaling the end of the remote control transmission is then disabled for a predetermined period of time essentially equivalent to a length of time that the additional space exceeds the space width. During the predetermined period of time, the remote control thus transmits a space. The interrupt signal is then re-enabled after expiration of the predetermined period of time in order to allow for another remote control transmission.

Abstract: A television monitor display comprises a first selectable source of a first video display signal and a second selectable source of a second signal for video display. A video processor receives signals from the first and second selectable sources and controllably combines the second signal with said first video display signal. A sync separator is coupled to receive the combined signal and generate therefrom separated synchronizing signals. A controller is responsive to user selection of the first selectable source and generates a disable signal for controlling the video processor to inhibit combining of the second signal for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A television monitor display with video signal processing comprises a source (SM) of a video display signal (Y) including a sync component (S). A video processor (U1) is coupled to process the video display signal (Y). A sync separator (SS) is coupled to generate separated synchronizing signals (Sy) from the sync component (S) of the video display signal (Y). A video amplifier (100) is coupled to the sync separator (SS) and the video processor (U1) and generates an output video signal (Ys+) wherein a sync component (S+) of the output video signal is increased in amplitude in accordance with the separate synchronizing signals (Sy) coupled to the video amplifier (100).

Abstract: A remote control is operative to transmit a remote control signal composed of a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are typically a pulse and a space. The pulse has a pulse width of a given duration within a pulse width range, while the space has a space width of a given duration within a space width range. An interrupt signal provided to indicate the end of transmission of the remote control signal is disabled when a space portion requires a space width greater than the space width range. The interrupt signal signaling the end of the remote control transmission is then disabled for a predetermined period of time essentially equivalent to a length of time that the additional space exceeds the space width. During the predetermined period of time, the remote control thus a space. The interrupt signal is then re-enabled after expiration of the predetermined period of time in order to allow for another remote control transmission.

Abstract: A watchdog arrangement advantageously provides systems, such as television signal processing apparatus, with a reliable, cost effective means by which to maintain consistent, stable operation. According to at least one embodiment, a hardware watchdog circuit receives regular pulses from a software timer in an integrated circuit (IC) to refresh itself. In the event that the watchdog circuit is not refreshed, it provides a predetermined logic signal to a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) terminal of the IC to generate a reset similar to what is generated by an internal IC watchdog.

Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus having parental controls includes steps of providing access to the parental controls of the apparatus, determining whether at least one setting of the parental controls is changed during the access, and providing a notification to a user when at least one setting of the parental controls is changed during the access. According to an exemplary embodiment, the notification is provided to the user via an electronic mail message and/or is provided via a message stored in a memory of the apparatus which is retrievable by the user.

Abstract: A television monitor display comprises a first selectable source of a first video display signal and a second selectable source of a second signal for video display. A video processor receives signals from the first and second selectable sources and controllably combines the second signal with said first video display signal. A sync separator is coupled to receive the combined signal and generate therefrom separated synchronizing signals. A controller is responsive to user selection of the first selectable source and generates a disable signal for controlling the video processor to inhibit combing of the second signal for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A high definition television monitor adapted to display a program guide, for example an electronic program guide demonstration, in low definition mode (1H) and automatically switch to high definition mode (2H) upon completion of the program guide display.