Abstract: A system for processing a television signal including a data component, such as extended data services data, includes a decoder for processing the data component to provide data representing time information. A control device responds to the data for modifying time information, e.g., time of day, that is maintained in the system. The time information decoded from the video signal is compared to the time information maintained in the system to determine a time difference. If the time difference is in a predetermined range, the time difference indicates that the time information from the television signal is invalid. The control device responds to the time difference being in the predetermined range by preventing modification of the time information maintained in the system. A user may provide an input via a device such as a remote control to control the manner in which the control device responds to the time difference.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a decoder for decoding a data component of a television signal, such as extended data services (EDS) data. The data component includes data representative of time of day information. A controller in the receiver processes the time of day information to set the time of day stored in the television receiver to a time value that is accurate to seconds.

Abstract: To accomplish automatic error correction in an electronics instrument, the instrument includes a controller, coupled to at least one peripheral unit via a communications bus for bidirectional communication with the peripheral unit, coupled to a memory circuit for storing data indicative of the operational status of the peripheral unit, and coupled to a power supply which supplies power to the peripheral unit. The controller reads the operational status data from the peripheral unit and upon detection of an error condition, writes data indicative of status to the memory circuit and causes a removal of power, for a predetermined time, from said peripheral unit, followed by the reapplication of the power. The power supplies themselves are also monitored and, in the event of a detected error in power supply output, the power supply is turned off and turned on in an attempt to clear the problem.

Abstract: In a television system including closed caption circuitry for receiving and decoding closed caption data, a controller continually monitors the closed caption circuitry for an indication of the presence of any of a plurality of predetermined valid closed caption data codes. Every time any of the predetermined valid closed caption data codes is detected, a timer is reset to begin timing a predetermined time interval, and an on-screen display indicating that closed caption data are available is enabled. If a subsequent one of the predetermined valid closed caption data codes is not detected before the expiration of the time interval, then the on-screen display indicating that closed caption data are available is disabled. In another embodiment of the invention, a lamp is illuminated to indicate the availability of useful closed-caption data.

Abstract: A system for processing audio and video components of a television signal provides for automatic control of closed caption signal display in response to the status of an audio muting feature. The system includes an operating mode in which enabling audio muting also enables the closed caption display and disabling muting disables generation of the closed caption display.