Abstract: A method for enabling channel selection for an electronic apparatus such as a television signal receiver is performed via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes enabling selection of a plurality of channel numbers to form a group, enabling a first one of the channel numbers to be selected as a initial channel number in response to the selection of the plurality of channel numbers in the group, enabling display of the initial channel number, enabling display of a second one of the channel numbers that is larger than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a first direction, enabling display of a third one of the channel numbers that is smaller than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a second direction, and tuning to one of the initial channel number, the second channel number and the third channel number responsive to depression of the key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a picture cropping function enables users to crop pictures in a convenient and direct manner using discrete navigation keys of a user input device. According to an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a first processor operative to provide at least one of an audio and video output during a first mode. A second processor is operative to provide a picture cropping function during a second mode by enabling a user to crop a picture using discrete navigation keys of a user input device of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for enabling channel selection for an electronic apparatus such as a television signal receiver is performed via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes enabling selection of a plurality of channel numbers to form a group, enabling a first one of the channel numbers to be selected as a initial channel number in response to the selection of the plurality of channel numbers in the group, enabling display of the initial channel number, enabling display of a second one of the channel numbers that is larger than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a first direction, enabling display of a third one of the channel numbers that is smaller than the initial channel number if the key is rotated in a second direction, and tuning to one of the initial channel number, the second channel number and the third channel number responsive to depression of the key.

Abstract: A recorder, method, device, and interpretation apparatus for executing code commands. The invention is a device which functions in response to code commands comprising: means to execute a function in response to a code command having a format for the device; and means to execute the function in response to a code command having a format for a different device. The invention is also a recorder comprising means to execute a first type of recorder function corresponding to a second type of recorder commands. In another aspect, the invention is a method of controlling a recorder comprising: receiving a second type of recorder command; mapping the second type of recorder command into a corresponding first type of recorder function; and executing the corresponding first type of recorder function. In yet another aspect, the invention is an interpretation apparatus for receiving a second type of recorder command and outputting a corresponding first type of recorder.

Abstract: A multi-media content playback method comprising: detecting a user request to play-back stored multi-media content for a selected program; determining whether a loss of signal (LOS) condition is associated with the stored multi-media content; and if a LOS condition is determined to be associated, alerting the user, prior to play-back of the stored multi-media content, that at least a portion of the multi-media content for the selected program is missing.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for recording media content include an input in communication with a content source for receiving media content therefrom. An input sensor detects whether a signal indicative of the media content is present on the input for a scheduled event. If no signal is detected at the input by the input sensor, a command module communicates a power-toggle control signal to the content source to activate the content source such that the input receives the content signal which is then sensed by the input sensor.

Abstract: A television apparatus according to the principles of the invention supports two or more display windows but accepts channel changing control signals for changing channels in all windows only from one set of keys from a remote control. The television apparatus includes at least two tuners with respective windows and a processor for receiving control signals for instructing the two tuners to change channels. When the processor receives a first control signal, the processor displays and selects a first window for future channel changing. If the first window has been displayed when the first control signal is received, the processor selects a window no currently selected for channel changing. Advantageously, no additional key in the remote is used to share the same set of channel changing keys among multiple windows supported by the television apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a picture cropping function enables users to crop pictures in a convenient and direct manner using discrete navigation keys of a user input device. According to an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a first processor operative to provide at least one of an audio and video output during a first mode. A second processor is operative to provide a picture cropping function during a second mode by enabling a user to crop a picture using discrete navigation keys of a user input device of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling recording in a digital recording apparatus enables users to create improved video recordings and also conserves memory space of the recording apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of detecting a first user input during recording representing a command to stop recording, enabling display of a first predetermined message responsive to the first user input, receiving a second user input representing a response to the first predetermined message, and controlling the digital video recording apparatus to generate a single program recording and a single program listing for the single program recording in response to the second user input.

Abstract: A keyboard layout and a method of data entry utilizing the keyboard layout is provided. In one form, the present invention is a data entry device having a plurality of user selectable keys wherein the keys are arranged about a central point or key such that each key is at a minimum distance from the central point or key relative to each other key. Each key represents a character and/or symbol. In the case of an alphabet, the keys representing the characters of the alphabet may be arranged alphabetically. In another form, the present Invention provides a system and method for data entry wherein the distance between input keys or choices of an input device are minimized by providing a central reference point wherein a selection medium returns to the reference point after each input/key selection.