Abstract: Example systems and methods for switching television inputs involve receiving a remote control input for switching a remote control mode from controlling a first device to controlling a different, second device and automatically generating, in response to the remote control mode switching input, an input switch command for switching an input of the television to an input to which the second device is coupled.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for powering down a consumer electronic device such as a television provide for an ON state, a partial standby state and a full standby state. The ON state is when the television is fully powered ON, as when a user is watching television. In the partial standby state, the display is powered OFF, but all CPUs and tuners are still powered. In the full standby state, nearly all circuits, tuners, CPUs and the like are powered OFF. Only the infrared receiver sub-micro and related circuits have power in order to receive power on signals from the remote control.

Abstract: A system and method permits time-shifting or recording for any tuner input, regardless of whether the tuner input is being used for POP (or PIP) or main viewing window. This allows POP (or PIP) video modes and recording to an external recording device to be carried out simultaneously. In one example system and method, a switch is controlled in accordance with a control program of the television to dynamically select which inputs are routed to the main and sub viewing windows.

Abstract: A video device for connection to an external device includes an interface for connecting to the external device and software and/or firmware for functions of the external device. A control system is responsive to detection of a connection of the external device to the interface for automatically activating the software and/or firmware to enable use of the external device functions.

Abstract: A system and method permits time-shifting or recording for any tuner input, regardless of whether the tuner input is being used for POP (or PIP) or main viewing window. This allows POP (or PIP) video modes and recording to an external recording device to be carried out simultaneously. In one example system and method, a switch is controlled in accordance with a control program of the television to dynamically select which inputs are routed to the main and sub viewing windows.

Abstract: A computer system and method for providing digital video and data capitalizes on a bus, or broadcast backplane, created by circuitry contained within the central office. The broadcast backplane enables a plurality of video program data to be available to each end user, and allows a plurality of end users access to a plurality of video programming content without the necessity of delivering the entire program content to each end user. A user requests a particular program and, if authorized, receives at least that program over the communication channel. Simultaneous with the digital video content supplied on the channel is both bi-directional data service (such as for example, Internet data) and POTS (plain old telephone service). In this manner, a communication channel that is presently available to a large percentage of the population may be used to deliver digital video content, bi-directional data and POTS simultaneously.

Abstract: A novel system and method for maintaining timing synchronization in a digital video network, in conjunction with a digital video and data delivery system, makes possible the delivery of digital video content, bi-directional data services, such as Internet data, and plain old telephone service (POTS) to an end user over a communications channel. The channel is typically the copper wire pair that extends between a telephone company central office and a residential premises, but may be any communication medium that supports the communication of compressed digital video, bi-directional data, such as Internet data, and POTS, and indeed, may be a wireless connection. The digital video and data delivery system capitalizes on a bus, or broadcast backplane, created by circuitry contained within the central office.

Abstract: A novel digital video and data delivery system makes possible the delivery of digital video content, bi-directional data services such as Internet data, and plain old telephone service (POTS) to an end user over a communications channel. The channel is typically the copper wire pair that extends between a telephone company central office and a residential premises, but may be any communication medium that supports the communication of compressed digital video, bi-directional data, such as Internet data, and POTS, and indeed, may be a wireless connection. The digital video and data delivery system capitalizes on a bus, or broadcast backplane, created by circuitry contained within the central office. The broadcast backplane enables a plurality of video program data to be available to each end user, and allows a plurality of end users access to a plurality of video programming content without the necessity of delivering the entire program content to each end user.