Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for selecting a channel in a digital television. In one implementation, selecting a channel includes: receiving a major and minor channel number sequence, including a major channel number, a delimiter, and a minor channel number, where the delimiter separates the major channel number and the minor channel number; identifying a physical channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence by accessing a channel look up table, where the channel look up table includes correspondences between major and minor channel number sequences and physical channels; identifying a virtual channel table which corresponds to the physical channel, where the virtual channel table indicates a virtual channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence; tuning to the physical channel to receive a signal carried on the physical channel; and decoding the virtual channel from the tuned signal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus computer program, and storage medium for storing the computer program for downloading a data program to a computing device are provided. The method comprises the steps of designating a data program; receiving the designated program at a set top box; and transferring the received data program from the set top box to the computing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for selecting a channel in a digital television. In one implementation, selecting a channel includes: receiving a major and minor channel number sequence, including a major channel number, a delimiter, and a minor channel number, where the delimiter separates the major channel number and the minor channel number; identifying a physical channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence by accessing a channel look up table, where the channel look up table includes correspondences between major and minor channel number sequences and physical channels; identifying a virtual channel table which corresponds to the physical channel, where the virtual channel table indicates a virtual channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence; tuning to the physical channel to receive a signal carried on the physical channel; and decoding the virtual channel from the tuned signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for selecting a channel in a digital television. In one implementation, selecting a channel includes: receiving a major and minor channel number sequence, including a major channel number, a delimiter, and a minor channel number, where the delimiter separates the major channel number and the minor channel number; identifying a physical channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence by accessing a channel look up table, where the channel look up table includes correspondences between major and minor channel number sequences and physical channels; identifying a virtual channel table which corresponds to the physical channel, where the virtual channel table indicates a virtual channel which corresponds to the major and minor channel number sequence; tuning to the physical channel to receive a signal carried on the physical channel; and decoding the virtual channel from the tuned signal.

Abstract: A television set-top box used as a point of sale terminal at a retail establishment such as a department store or kiosk. The television set-top box may include a swipe card reader and is coupled to a television display, an input device and a printer. The customer accesses a catalog database of merchandise and inventory using a user interface to point of sale software. The customer may also enter an order using order entry software forming a part of the point of sale software. The catalog database is situated on a disc drive within the set-top box and can be updated from a catalog server as required to maintain accurate inventory and merchandise information in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the set-top box operates in a client mode to access information from the catalog server.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

Abstract: An adaptive user interface and method thereof for simplifying the use of new electronic devices, such as set top boxes, by adapting the user interface on the basis of usage history. The adaptive user interface monitors input commands to the user interface and tracks usage statistics for use in determining whether to add or remove features from the interface. A ramp-up embodiment of the invention automatically adds user interface features as the user becomes more proficient with a device. A ramp-down embodiment of the invention automatically removes seldom used interface features. By tracking users' actions, the user interface can more accurately be modified to fit actual use habits of each user, rather than relying on user perception of what functionality is used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase effective data connection bandwidth by splitting/allocating data streams seamlessly and simultaneously across multiple connections. The apparatus providing for multi-tasking and switching of data between a plurality of bi-directional and/or download-only bandwidth channels for use by a plurality of end-user devices. The apparatus having decision-making means for allocating the various bandwidth channels to the appropriate data transfer tasks thereby maximizing the use of all available channels. This improves over the current prevailing scenario whereby each device has a single dedicated connection.

Abstract: An external source outputs an analog signal containing on-screen information (OSD) for the external source, which has been decoded in the external source, and an encoded high definition digital signal. A high definition television (HDTV) has separate inputs for the analog signal and the high definition digital signal, which is decoded in the HDTV to a format suitable for display on the HDTV monitor. Accordingly, both the OSD information for the external source and the high definition signal are available for use and display on the HDTV monitor.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

Abstract: A kiosk that can be placed at any convenient location for providing a user with the ability to upload information stored in portable compact memory storage media and to forward the information to a network destination thereby freeing the portable compact memory storage media for storing additional information.

Abstract: A set top box includes a designation function that provides a user with the ability to designate and store music video clips that the user is currently viewing while watching a video music channel. The user can instantly select a viewed video for storage in its entirety even after it has begun. The videos may be stored on a hard disk drive of the set top box, and may be indexed or organized by titles, artists, genre, or the like. Additionally, a user may be listening to an audio program on an audio cable channel, a radio channel, a digital or analog stereo (e.g., playback from a CD), and upon selection of a particular song, a corresponding video is downloaded to the user's designated set top box.

Abstract: An external source outputs an analog signal containing on-screen information (OSD) for the external source, which has been decoded in the external source, and an encoded high definition digital signal. A high definition television (HDTV) has separate inputs for the analog signal and the high definition digital signal, which is decoded in the HDTV to a format suitable for display on the HDTV monitor. Accordingly, both the OSD information for the external source and the high definition signal are available for use and display on the HDTV monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing indications of items such as a television program or programs watched by user, television program or programs to be watched by the user, an activity or activities in which the user has participated, and an activity or activities the user is scheduled to participated.

Abstract: An information network, such as an interactive set-top box, is provided to a subscriber. Through interaction with the set-top box, a subscriber may indicate his or her interest in a specific television or video program to be offered by a service provider and the price he or she would be willing to pay for it. This information is communicated to the service provider over a communications link, such as the Internet. The service provider uses the information to determine the offer price of the television or video program.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a user to purchase an item displayed on a display screen of a television receiver which may be located in the user's home or office. The system may include a set-top box having a processor and a back-channel and adapted to receive television signals representative of a number of items offered for sale and provide the received television signals to the television receiver so as to enable the item or items offered for sale to be displayed on the display screen, and a credit card reader adapted to read information from a credit card when the credit card is provided thereto by the user and forward the read information to the set-top box. The set-top box may process the information received from the credit card reader and supply the same to an external destination such as a store, a credit card company, a manufacturer or the like so as to enable payment for a desired item without necessarily storing such information in the STB.

Abstract: A technique for displaying a television commercial on end user equipment includes providing a plurality of commercials available to be played on the end user equipment while tuned to a television channel, e.g., by pre-storing the audio/video of those commercials on a storage medium of the user equipment. The onset of a commercial time slot on the television channel is detected; and a selection is made, at the end user equipment, of one of the plurality of commercials. The selected commercial is played during the detected commercial slot as a substitute for the commercial broadcast on the television channel.

Abstract: A method and structure for distributing hybrid advertisements, audio programming, video programming or other programming types. A set-top box is provided with two communications links, one for receiving conventional television programs including short duration advertisements and one for receiving corresponding extended length advertisements from a service provider. After viewing an abbreviated advertisement, a viewer of the system may indicate a desire to view an extended length advertisement corresponding to the abbreviated advertisement and the system will display the requested extended length advertisement for viewing by the viewer.