Abstract: A program guide is displayed which lists the availability of information for a program listed in the guide, where such information is obtained from a source accessible through the Internet, where the guide uses first color to indicate the availability of such information and a second color when such information is not available.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus may be controlled in response to selecting an advertisement displayed in connection with a productivity or communication application software program being operated on a video processing apparatus. The advertisement includes control information, which is used by the video processing apparatus to control an operating mode thereof. The control information may include both time and channel data as well as a recording data for programming a timer. Alternately, the control information may only include program data, which is passed to the electronic program guide to determine the time and channel information associated with the program data.

Abstract: A video decoder system collates program guide information acquired from a variety of local and remote sources. Program guide information is received from a first source and a selectable program guide menu icon is displayed. A category of program guide information items from the first source is collated by a display attribute in response to selection of the menu icon and the collated program guide information items are displayed. The display attribute allocated to the category of program guide information items is common to both the category of items and to the menu icon. Codes identifying program categories may be converted to other codes using equivalence mapping information for classifying programs according to a master set of program categories. Composite program map information may be formed including new data identifiers allocated to program guide information items for use in retrieving the items from a second source.

Abstract: A system and a method is disclosed which allows both advertisement and program information to be shown on a channel banner, while user changes channel. In another embodiment, an “advertisement channel” is inserted into an active channel list (e.g., scan list), so that when a user is changing channel, a selected ad will be displayed. In yet another embodiment, a method for tracking and collating advertisement display activity in a video system supporting composite display of image data associated with different multimedia functions and advertisements is disclosed.

Abstract: A video decoder system automatically acquires program guide information from local and remote peripheral devices to form a composite program guide. Program guide information is received from a first source and access data is retrieved from memory. The access data is used to initiate communication automatically between the video decoder and a second source external to the video decoder. Program guide information retrieved from the second source together with program guide information provided by the first source is incorporated into a composite program guide for display. The communication may be initiated upon different conditions and a peripheral device and associated communication protocol may be identified from various sources of configuration information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for creating an Edit Manipulation List for selectively manipulating (e.g., playing back) portions of previously recorded media content. In one embodiment of the present invention, the creation of an Edit Playback List for selectively playing back portions of previously recorded media content includes delimiting key events in said previously recorded media content by identifying media segments within the previously recorded media content that are capable and desirable of being selectively played back and enabling a selective playback of the identified media segments. In an embodiment of the present invention, a user interface is provided for enabling a user to select which ones of the identified media segments are to be played back, thus creating an Edit Playback List.

Abstract: A video decoder system collates program guide information acquired from a variety of local and remote sources. Program guide information is received from a first source and a selectable program guide menu icon is displayed. A category of program guide information items from the first source is collated by a display attribute in response to selection of the menu icon and the collated program guide information items are displayed. The display attribute allocated to the category of program guide information items is common to both the category of items and to the menu icon. Codes identifying program categories may be converted to other codes using equivalence mapping information for classifying programs according to a master set of program categories. Composite program map information may be formed including new data identifiers allocated to program guide information items for use in retrieving the items from a second source.

Abstract: A video decoder system collates program guide information acquired from a variety of local and remote sources. Program guide information is received from a first source and a selectable program guide menu icon is displayed. A category of program guide information items from the first source is collated by a display attribute in response to selection of the menu icon and the collated program guide information items are displayed. The display attribute allocated to the category of program guide information items is common to both the category of items and to the menu icon. Codes identifying program categories may be converted to other codes using equivalence mapping information for classifying programs according to a master set of program categories. Composite program map information may be formed including new data identifiers allocated to program guide information items for use in retrieving the items from a second source.

Abstract: A system and a method is disclosed which allows both advertisement and program information to be shown on a channel banner, while user changes channel. In another embodiment, an “advertisement channel” is inserted into an active channel list (e.g., scan list), so that when a user is changing channel, a selected ad will be displayed. In yet another embodiment, a method for tracking and collating advertisement display activity in a video system supporting composite display of image data associated with different multimedia functions and advertisements is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and interface for linking terms in an electronic message to program information, are provided. The method of linking terms in an electronic mesage to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG) comprises the steps of receiving an electronic message, comparing terms in the electronic message to terms in the program information of the EPG, and displaying the electronic message so that any terms in the electronic message which have a match in the program information based on the step of comparing terms, are distinguishable from terms which have no such match. The electronic message interface is adapted to link terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG). The electronic message interface comprises a receiver, a comparison unit, and a display device. The receiver is adapted to receive an electronic message.

Abstract: A program guide is displayed which lists the availability of information for a program listed in the guide, where such information is obtained from a source accessible through the Internet, where the guide uses first color to indicate the availability of such information and a second color when such information is not available.

Abstract: The method of linking terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG) comprises the steps of receiving an electronic message, comparing terms in the electronic message to terms in the program information of the EPG, and displaying the electronic message so that any terms in the electronic message which have a match in the program information based on the step of comparing terms, are distinguishable from terms which have no such match. The electronic message interface is adapted to link terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG).

Abstract: A disclosed processing device, including an on-screen User interface display, incorporates a means for generating a display of a plurality of hierarchically ordered menus. The menus include a current menu) and a preceding parent menu showing a selection path from the parent menu to the current menu. Also a menu selection item within the hierarchical menu display provides a User at least one of, a) a display of control information for the device, and b) control parameter data entry capability. The processing device also incorporates a means for updating the on-screen display in response to User menu item selection. The processing device may also include a means for altering the device operation in response to an updated operating parameter value. Also, the selection path may indicate menu entry and exit points separated by at least one intervening menu item.

Abstract: An interface and a method for incorporating program information into an electronic message are provided. According to the method, a menu of programs is generated by displaying program identifiers on a display device. At least one of the program identifiers representing a program of interest is selected. An electronic message display is generated with program text indicative of that program incorporated into a message portion of the electronic message display. The message portion is sent by electronic message to a recipient, with the program text in the message portion. Preferably, selection of the program text by a recipient of the electronic message causes the respective program to be implemented or causes certain choices on how to implement the program to be presented to the recipient.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting characteristics of a television receiver, such as the video and audio settings, based on characteristics of the program being viewed. The system accesses a pre-defined list of program topics and themes stored in a television database. For each topic and theme, settings for picture quality such as contrast, color and brightness and settings for audio such as audio processor type, bass, and treble are stored. When the system is able to match the currently viewed program with one from the database the audio and video settings are automatically adjusted for that program. If the viewer switches to another program or if one program ends and another begins then the acquisition and adjustment process is repeated. The system can be disabled by the viewer if desired.