Abstract: A television system (2) and method of using the same is provided. The television system (2) includes a display screen (6) and a broadcast data receiver (BDR) (4) for receiving data from a broadcaster and generating audio, visual and/or auxiliary data therefrom. At least part of the data relates to television programme and/or channel information. The television system (2) is provided with a search facility, typically in the BDR (4), to search and analyse the programme and/or channel information, relating to a programme and/or channel which is selected for viewing by a user, for pre-determined criteria. The system generates an indication, which in one form can be in the form of a warning, if the pre-determined criteria are detected in the programme and/or channel information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television system of the type which includes a display screen, a broadcast data receiver for the reception of video, audio and auxiliary data from a broadcast service provider and the generation of television programmes therefrom for display on the display screen and via speakers. The system allows a user to select a viewing time period in which they wish to watch a programme, typically in its entirety. The system identifies those of the available programmes at the start of the viewing time period which can be watched in their entirety in said period and indicates the same to the user who can then select to watch the same or one of the same. The user can therefore quickly select a television programme for a given period of time thereby greatly reducing the time which may be spent flicking through channels to find a suitable programme.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television or electronic program guide (EPG) of the type which is displayed on the screen of a television set to indicate channels, and programs, which are available for viewing over a time period indicated by a time bar (4). In accordance with the invention the length of the program is indicated by a cell in a displayed grid (2) and, if the program has started or will finish prior to or after the time period displayed, a display is generated which indicates to the viewer the time which has lapsed since the program started or the time remaining of the program.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus including a display screen and receiver apparatus for the reception of broadcast data from a remote location. The receiver is typically provided with a range of user selectable options which are selectable with reference to a display generated on screen. The invention allows for the generation of a number of displays of options and, furthermore for the generation of at least one display icon to indicate that further displays of options are available to be viewed thereby ensuring that the viewer can be aware of and view all of the available options. In a further embodiment a second set of icons are generated for those options in the first display which can be selected and the icons in the second set are each positioned with respect to an available icon in the display and indicate the action required by the user to select the said option.