Abstract: A method and apparatus for compiling a repository of entertainment system data receives entertainment system data, including television program data and software application data, from at least a subset of a plurality of sources. The entertainment system data is then stored in a unitary format for subsequent access by a user.

Abstract: An interface system for a television receiver includes an interface connector having a plurality of contacts connected to various component circuits in the television receiver. In order to provide various functions for the television receiver, the interface system includes various circuit boards each having a plug connectable with the interface connector. The plug includes a number of contacts equal to or less than the plurality of contacts in the interface connector. A particular embodiment of one of the circuit boards includes circuitry for connecting the television receiver to an interconnecting network and for enabling a user to send and receive electronic mail messages using a remote control transmitter for the television receiver.

Abstract: A multi-standard television receiver in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of video signal processing blocks having tristate functions at their output terminals, at least one memory block used in common for a plurality of video signal processing blocks and a video signal processing selection means for selecting one of the video signal processing blocks and independently controlling the output terminals of the video signal processing blocks using elements having a tristate function and can reduce power consumption by working only a selected video signal processing block and stopping the other video signal processing blocks. Further, using elements having a tristate function, possibility of element breakdown at selection and control of the elements can be removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for requesting, receiving, processing, and providing local information from a single local source to a television viewer. A local information provider is accessed via a communications link and specific data, which is separate and distinct from video signals received by the television receiver, is downloaded to the television receiver. The data provided by the local source is minimally formatted without any graphical overhead. Requests for information from the local source may be on demand or at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A multi-standard receiver is which is particularly suited for reception of B/G-PAL and D/K-PAL TV signals. In the receiver, a tuner (TUN) selects a desired TV signal which is passed to a multi-standard demodulator (DEM) via an intermediate-frequency filter circuit (IFF). To obtain good performance, particularly in view of EN 55020 requirements, at moderate costs, the intermediate-frequency filter circuit (IFF) includes a main filter (FIL1) and an auxiliary filter (FIL2). The main filter (FIL1) may have a relatively narrow band, for example, just capable of passing a full B/G-PAL TV IF signal to the demodulator circuit. For D/K-PAL reception, the auxiliary filter (FIL2) is effectively switched (SW) in parallel with the main filter (FIL1). The auxiliary filter (FIL2) transfers the D/K-PAL sound carrier to the demodulator circuit (DEM), which transfer is not possible via the relatively narrow-band main filter (FIL1).

Abstract: A video display apparatus includes: storage means for holding connection information on connections between a external input terminals and external units corresponding thereto; and switching control means for performing control so that each terminal not connected to the corresponding external unit among the external input terminals is skipped based on the connection information stored in the storage means when the switching of the external input terminals is performed. The switching of the external input terminals is controlled by the steps of: previously storing the connection information on connections between the external input terminals and the external units corresponding thereto in a memory; referring to the stored connection information when the switching of the external input terminals is performed; and skipping each external input terminal not being connected to the corresponding external unit, based on the result of the referring.

Abstract: A communication system for transmitting information by digital binary signaling over an optical channel as a series of light pulses each beginning with a minimum duration and thereafter being variable to represent different binary states. Transmission is between an optical transmitter based on a portion of a display screen in a display device and a photodetector in a signal processing system. Information is recovered by finding averaged sample values, and is evaluated by comparing it against an accumulated averaged sample based threshold derived from the optical signal at a selected intensity. The information received can be used to verify user inputs to the signal processing system.

Abstract: A receiver which is tunable to any of a plurality of modulated carrier signals, said receiver comprising a tuner local oscillator the frequency of which is determined by a control circuit responsive to a user input indicating the selection of a modulated carrier signal to which the receiver should tune, and a non-volatile memory connected to said control circuit for storing information, and a real time clock connected to said control circuit for providing current time, said control circuit being responsive to a user entered channel viewing matrix which is stored in said non-volatile memory and is compared to information provided by said real time clock, said user entered channel viewing matrix defining times of certain channels of which said control circuit will be prohibited from allowing said receiver to tune, said control circuit comprising a control means for automatically changing channels to the next valid channel if the current channel is or becomes invalid, and a data entry means for entering informat

Abstract: Video adapter hardware and software permitting the display of computer information and television signals across several display devices. The video adapter hardware includes two graphics user interface accelerators, two television tuners, one or more video decoders, and one or more video multiplexers. Each accelerator is coupled to a memory unit for access to graphics data. One television tuner accepts input from an outside television source, such as a cable television company or a video cassette recorder. In addition, the video multiplexers accept input from other external video sources. Video data is output from the graphics accelerators to multiple screens. Video adapter software displays a tool window allowing the user to select first input for the first display device and a second input for the second display device. The software displays the results of the two inputs on the respective display devices. If the inputs are identical, however, the information may be displayed across both display devices.

Abstract: A method of encoding data in the visible portion of a transmitted video signal without degrading display of the received video signal, and for decoding the data in the received video signal. Each group of data bits to be transmitted, referred to a data symbol, is associated with one of a number of longer predetermined sequences of chips. Each chip sequence is divided into a multiplicity of lines of chips, and each line of chips together with its inverse are embedded, in pairwise fashion, in respective pairs of line scans of the video signal prior to its transmission. Received pairs of line scans are operated upon to detect the lines of chips they represent, and each of the number of chip sequences is correlated with the detected line of chips to derive a correlation magnitude. The chip sequence with the largest correlation magnitude is selected as the chip sequence whose data symbol was transmitted.

Abstract: A memory controller for controlling accesses to a memory storing display entities including network application data displayed on a display screen of a television system. For performing a display screen refresh operation, the network application data is retrieved with a predetermined period. Accordingly, the memory controller determines an expected time for receiving the next request for retrieving the network application data for screen refresh. The memory controller blocks any lower priority memory access requests from a few clock cycles prior to the determined expected time. As a result, the requests for retrieving network application data can be serviced in an acceptable time.

Abstract: A receiving method in the receiving equipment in, first, a service table composed of channel numbers currently on air is made and, if the channel key is judged to be pressed, a channel number searched from the service table is displayed on the screen. If the channel key is judged to be pressed continuously, only the channel numbers are changed and if the channel key is judged to be released, a channel selection is started. There is thus provideded a receiving equipment capable of swiftly selecting a desired channel of the television broadcasting.

Abstract: A television signal includes a video signal having at least luminance information and a signalling bit stream for conveying static control information bits relating e.g. to at least an aspect ratio of the video signal, in which a plurality of bits of an additional data signal are distributed over at least one bit of the signalling bit stream per frame of the video signal, whereby the signalling bit stream contains at least one varying bit in addition to the static control information bits.

Abstract: The network system has a configuration so that information supplier address data transmitted together with character broadcast data is extracted and stored in the Internet address memory. Furthermore, the Web site addresses once accessed by the user or selected on a character broadcast display can be registered in an address list as being stored in the address list area, and a desired Web site can be accessed by the Internet browser 9 according to an address selected from the address list.

Abstract: An information receiving apparatus and method are disclosed. According to such apparatus and method, a DTMF signal is received over a telephone line, and coordinate data corresponding to the received DTMF signal are obtained. A predetermined figure then is displayed in a position based upon the coordinate data.

Abstract: A television system (TV) which enables a user to view display represented by a television signal as well as to access data network applications. The TV includes an on-screen-display (OSD) controller which stores the network application data and other display entities in a memory module as separate bit maps. A single image for display on a TV display screen is generated by overlaying all the display entities (including television signal, network application data, pointer, and low resolution data) according to a predetermined priority. Display entities (other than TV signal) are stored in separate portions of the memory module as independent surfaces to enable the displays of individual display entities to be generated and modified according to the individual display entity requirements.

Abstract: Television apparatus includes first and second auxiliary data decoders for simultaneously extracting auxiliary data from respective first and second television signals to produce first and second auxiliary data. The data decoders can selectably extract data from one or more auxiliary data intervals, e.g., one or more line intervals during vertical blanking within a television signal. The first and second auxiliary data is coupled to a controller such as the main microprocessor of the television system. The second auxiliary data is coupled to the controller via an auxiliary data buffer and an I.sup.2 C serial data bus. The television signal from which the second auxiliary data is extracted can be provided by a second television signal source such as a second tuner or an external signal source (e.g., video cassette recorder, video disk player, and the like).

Abstract: An interface system for a television receiver includes an interface connector having a plurality of contacts connected to various component circuits in the television receiver. In order to provide various functions for the television receiver, the interface system includes various circuit boards each having a plug connectable with the interface connector. The plug includes a number of contacts equal to or less than the plurality of contacts in the interface connector. A particular embodiment of one of the circuit boards includes circuitry for connecting the television receiver to an interconnecting network and for enabling the television receiver to control, and to be controlled by, another television receiver also connected to the interconnecting network.

Abstract: A multi-functional monitor includes a plurality of availability of mature circuits, including a TV signal processing circuit, a signal amplifying circuit, a H/V deflection circuit, a CRT display tube, an AV switching circuit, a video and audio output/input circuit, and a FM radio receiver. The multi-functional monitor further includes the following newly designed circuits to incorporate with the above mature circuits, including a switcher A, a switcher B, a micro controller unit, a TV flyback pulse simulating circuit, and an integrated control circuit. The multi-functional monitor possesses the functions of being used either as a computer color CRT monitor or at the same time as a multi system color television. Apart from these, there are other additional functions of its such as that of Karaoke and AV output/input and FM radio receiver. It does not need for the external speaker and the input of AV signals to operate the computer in multi-media way.

Abstract: A communication control device and method which can perform communication tasks such as computer communication, facsimile transmission and reception utilizing a television receiver. A user can select one of a television mode, a computer communication mode, and a facsimile mode by means of a television/communication switching section, thereby enjoying multifunction with the television receiver. The device includes an image interface section for performing interlaced scanning suitable for television screen display. The user may enjoy computer communication and facsimile transmission and reception as well as television function by means of a remote controller and a keyboard. The facsimile data may be recorded or reproduced by an external video recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A television signal receiving apparatus and method is provided having channel decode means for receiving a signal with a video signal, a sound signal, a data signal, and additional data multiplexed to perform tuning, demodulation, and error correction on the received signal and a demultiplexor for separating the multiplexed signal to output coded data of each of the video signal, the sound signal, and the data signal and for extracting service information as one of additional data. A storage device is provided for storing the service information extracted from the demultiplexor, together with a write controller for controlling writing into the storage device, and a read controller for controlling reading of the storage device according to a user command entered by a user. A source decoder is also provided for decoding the coded data outputted from the demultiplexor using the information outputted from said storage device to output the video signal, the sound signal, and the data signal.

Abstract: A data broadcast receiving apparatus used in a system is combined with another transmission line such as telephone circuit. By receiving a television broadcast having a data broadcast signal, such as a teletext signal, superposed on the television broadcast signal, in which a first auxilliary information signal contained in the data broadcast signal and a second auxilliary information signal from the other transmission line are extracted, a control procedure is created responsive to the first and second auxilliary information signals, and the data broadcast signal and main information from the other transmission line are processed responsive to the control procedure.

Abstract: A TV set includes a tuner circuit that selects a channel and outputs video and audio signals from the channel, a first external output terminal for outputting the video signals a second external output terminal for outputting the audio signals a first external input terminal to which video signals are supplied from external AV devices, a first switch means for taking out video signals from the tuner circuit and video signals from the first external input terminal selectively, a second switch teamed with the first switch and taking out audio signals from the tuner circuit when the first switch selects the video signals from the tuner circuit, a display for displaying video signals output from the first switch as images, a speaker for outputting audio signals output from the second switch as sounds, and a control circuit for holding both first and second switches in the status for selecting video signals from the first external input terminal.

Abstract: A data broadcast receiving apparatus used in a system is combined with another transmission line such as telephone circuit. By receiving a television broadcast having a data broadcast signal, such as a teletext signal, superposed on the television broadcast signal, in which a first auxiliary information signal contained in the data broadcast signal and a second auxiliary information signal from the other transmission line are extracted, a control procedure is created responsive to the first and second auxiliary information signals, and the data broadcast signal and main information from the other transmission line are processed responsive to the control procedure.

Abstract: Video adapter hardware and software permitting the display of computer information and television signals across several display devices. The video adapter hardware includes two graphics user interface accelerators, two television tuners, one or more video decoders, and one or more video multiplexers. Each accelerator is coupled to a memory unit for access to graphics data. One television tuner accepts input from an outside television source, such as a cable television company or a video cassette recorder. In addition, the video multiplexers accept input from other external video sources. Video data is output from the graphics accelerators to multiple screens. Video adapter software displays a tool window allowing the user to select first input for the first display device and a second input for the second display device. The software displays the results of the two inputs on the respective display devices. If the inputs are identical, however, the information may be displayed across both display devices.

Abstract: A data broadcast receiving apparatus used in a system is combined with another transmission line such as telephone circuit. By receiving a television broadcast having a data broadcast signal, such as a teletext signal, superposed on the television broadcast signal, in which a first auxiliary information signal contained in the data broadcast signal and a second auxiliary information signal from the other transmission line are extracted, a control procedure is created responsive to the first and second auxiliary information signals, and the data broadcast signal and main information from the other transmission line are processed responsive to the control procedure.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving reception signals of a first type, for example, TV signals, and reception signals of a second type, for example FM-radio signals, is described. The receiver may be used in multimedia applications. In the receiver, an input section TVIN,FMIN,SWIN includes at least two inputs TVIN,FMIN to which reception signals can be applied. One input TVIN may, for example, be coupled to a cable network via which reception signals are distributed. The other input FMIN may, for example, be used to plug-in a simple wire antenna. In many cases, such a wire antenna will be sufficient to receive on-air reception signals with acceptable quality. The invention takes into consideration that on-air reception signals may not always be offered by the cable network. With at least two inputs TVIN,FMIN, there is flexibility of reception.

Abstract: A data broadcast receiving apparatus used in a system is combined with another transmission line such as telephone circuit. By receiving a television broadcast having a data broadcast signal, such as a teletext signal, superposed on the television broadcast signal, in which a first auxiliary information signal contained in the data broadcast signal and a second auxiliary information signal from the other transmission line are extracted, a control procedure is created responsive to the first and second auxiliary information signals, and the data broadcast signal and main information from the other transmission line are processed responsive to the control procedure.

Abstract: A TV graphical user interface (GUI) is provided to produce a multi-layered graphical presentation. The TV GUI operates in a channel changer mode to enable a user to tune to a required TV channel, and in a program guide mode to show TV program information. A memory for storing graphics data is capable of storing two graphics planes that represent upper and lower layers of graphics displayable on a TV screen. A graphics accelerator combines the graphics planes to produce various graphical effects on the screen. In the channel changer mode, the right hand side of the upper layer is made transparent to expose graphical buttons produced in the lower layer of graphics. In the program guide mode, the graphical buttons are partially covered by a program guide produced in the upper layer. When the user moves a cursor to the right hand side of the screen, the right hand portion of the program guide is made transparent to fully expose the graphical buttons in the lower layer.

Abstract: The field-display means of a conventional television set are used, to which the odd lines of a VGA image are transmitted during one field and the even lines during the next field, thereby providing for the use of a television set as a computer monitor.

Abstract: A computer convergence device, operable in a computer mode and, for example, a television mode, includes a computer, a display monitor for displaying images in both the computer mode and the television mode, and multiple video inputs for receiving various types of video signals, each being selectable during operation in television mode. A controller device is coupled to the computer for independently controlling and storing user selected video geometry settings for both the computer mode and the television mode, and further for independently controlling and storing user selected video quality settings for the computer mode, and each of the various video inputs.

Abstract: A single program descriptor is assigned to each program in electronic programming guide (EPG) data which is transmitted to home communications terminals in a communications network. A relationship is then separately established between these descriptors and criteria which may be used by a subscriber to search the EPG data for programs of interest to that subscriber. Data for defining this relationship is also stored in the home communications terminal. The subscriber may then provide one or more of the above-mentioned criteria to search the EPG data for programs meeting the criteria. The programs which are determined to meet the criteria may be displayed on the television of the subscriber.

Abstract: The method and apparatus identifies selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of muting the video and audio portions of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to mute the audio and video portions of the television signal during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: A data broadcast receiving apparatus used in a system is combined with another transmission line such as telephone circuit. By receiving a television broadcast having a data broadcast signal, such as a teletext signal, superposed on the television broadcast signal, in which a first auxiliary information signal contained in the data broadcast signal and a second auxiliary information signal from the other transmission line are extracted, a control procedure is created responsive to the first and second auxiliary information signals, and the data broadcast signal and main information from the other transmission line are processed responsive to the control procedure.

Abstract: A picture-display-region discriminating apparatus comprising a device for setting a number of picture detection regions on a display screen of a television receiver, a detecting device for detecting a level of a video signal corresponding to each picture detection region by utilizing two reference levels, and a device for determining whether or not a picture exists in each picture detection region based on detection results from the detecting device. One of the reference levels utilized by the detecting device is a black level of a luminance signal of the video signal and the other reference level utilized therewith is a white level of the luminance signal of the video signal.

Abstract: A memory controller for controlling accesses to a memory storing display entities including network application data displayed on a display screen of a television system. For performing a display screen refresh operation, the network application data is retrieved with a predetermined period. Accordingly, the memory controller determines an expected time for receiving the next request for retrieving the network application data for screen refresh. The memory controller bolcks any lower priority memory access requests from a few clock cycles prior to the determined expected time. As a result, the requests for retrieving network application data can be serviced in an acceptable time.

Abstract: A G-code decoder is coupled to a video tape recorder. When the G-code decoder detects that at least a portion of a G-code will be received or has been received, it checks whether a time clock has been set. If the time-setting is confirmed, the decoder decodes the G-code and terminates the decoding by a terminating means, and, if the time clock is found not to have been set, the decoder indicates the fact at least and terminates the G-code decoding.

Abstract: A television receiver (a signal processing apparatus) equipped with a microprocessor unit, wherein a high speed processing, such as video decoding, is performed by a programmable operation circuit, and a low speed processing, such as control processing, synchronous processing, or deflection processing, is performed by the microprocessor unit.

Abstract: A television receiver comprising an information extracting circuit for extracting information from a format or content of an input video signal, a video signal processing circuit for processing this video signal by a program or data, a memory for storing the program and data, a CPU for controlling, operating or driving these elements, and a display device for displaying an image. The video signal processing circuit can, under the control of the CPU, decode the signal, correct or set the picture quality such as gradation and sharpness, or adaptively process an on-screen display based on the input video signal. The television receiver is also able to adaptively extend the functions of the television receiver corresponding to various signal formats.

Abstract: In a television equipped with an image control apparatus, when a signal reception condition is deteriorated, a poor image is not displayed on the television screen by reproducing saved image data. The image control apparatus is arranged by a receiver for receiving a signal including image data, a detecting device for detecting disturbance of the; signal received by the receiver, a memory for saving the image data included in the signal received by the receiver, and a display controller for controlling display of the image data on a display unit. That image data saved in the memory is read out on the detecting device detecting the disturbance of the signal and is displayed, while the disturbance of the signal is continued.

Abstract: A microcomputer gives instructions to a sound processor to set a value of a volume prescribing a sound volume outputted through a speaker to a predetermined value as a parameter. The sound processor stores the value of the parameter in a RAM and sets a sound volume corresponding to the value of stored parameter. The microcomputer reads the value of parameter which is set practically by a sound processor, and decides whether the value of the parameter is different from the value that the setting thereof has been instructed or not, and decides that abnormality has been generated in the sound processor when they are different from each other, thus making it possible to detect generation of abnormality in an apparatus that has no function of detecting generation of abnormality.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling video/audio modes in a video/audio outputting apparatus is provided, in which the audio mode is automatically set in relation to the video mode selected by the user. A judgment is made whether an inputted working command code is a video mode code or an audio mode code. If the working command code thus judged is a video mode code, then it is judged whether it is a custom mode, a standard mode, a movie mode, a dynamic mode or a mild mode. Then a value is set to the video mode code thus judged, and at the same time, a value is set to the audio mode. Meanwhile, if the working command code thus judged is a an audio mode code, then it is judged as to whether it is a custom mode, a standard mode, a movie mode, a music mode or a soft mode. Then a value is set to the audio mode code thus judged.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a removable panel that physically supports an integrated circuit board that provides for external control of certain of the receiver functions. A telephone jack and an antenna jack are secured to the removable panel for enabling external access. The television receiver has a separate communications microprocessor that communicates with the master microprocessor controller and a power supply that provides low voltage power for external use.

Abstract: A television system (TV) which enables a user to view display represented by a television signal as well as to access data network applications. The TV includes an on-screen-display (OSD) controller which stores the network application data and other display entities in a memory module as separate bit maps. A single image for display on a TV display screen is generated by overlaying all the display entities (including television signal, network application data, pointer, and low resolution data) according to a predetermined priority. Display entities (other than TV signal) are stored in separate portions of the memory module as independent surfaces to enable the displays of individual display entities to be generated and modified according to the individual display entity requirements.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for monitoring the audio portion of a broadcast signal includes a keyword listening device. A relatively limited set of keywords are stored in a memory and the keyword listening device monitors the broadcast signal for any of these keywords. Upon recognition of any one or more of the keywords, the broadcast audio signal is recorded for a period of time and then fully analyzed. After analysis, and in dependence upon the recorded and analyzed broadcast audio signal, a number of different functions, such as connection to an external network at a specified address, or control of a video cassette recorder, may be performed.

Abstract: The present invention makes a variety of improvements on the conventional television receiver to enhance the home communication capability thereof, thereby making the television receiver available as an information terminal apparatus for household use. The novel television receiver that receives a television signal to display a television image on screen comprising: a memory; a microphone through which voice information is entered externally; writing section for writing at least one piece of the voice information entered through the microphone and additional information associated with the at least one piece of voice information into the memory; and a display device for reproducing the at least one piece of voice information stored in the memory and outputting the reproduced voice information through a speaker and displaying the additional information associated with the at least one piece of voice information onto the screen.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a broadcasting wave receiving section, image displaying and sound producing sections which operatively and respectively treat video and audio signals issued from the broadcasting wave receiving section, and a control section which controls the broadcasting wave receiving section, the image displaying section and the sound producing section.

Abstract: Digital information is encoded in the video portion of a television signal such that "n" (n is an integer) bits of the digital information are carried by each successive frame in a group of frames. The digital information is encoded by modulating a carrier signal, using, for example, either amplitude shift keying (ASK) or frequency shift keying (FSK), and the modulated carrier is then added to the video signal selectively, only in portions of the television program that (a) are not likely to be perceptible by a viewer, and (b) are of sufficient intensity to transmit the data. The video signal including the encoded digital data, may be transmitted, in real time, to a television receiver, or recorded for later playback.

Abstract: Two tuner sections are provided in a video receiving apparatus so that a first tuner receives and outputs a television broadcasting signal desired by a user, a second tuner section executes an automatic fine tuning operation at previously set time intervals to discriminate a deviation of the oscillating frequency of the local oscillating section, and when the deviation of the discriminated oscillating frequency is less than a previously set predetermined value, the local oscillating section of the first tuner section is controlled to continuously oscillate at a present oscillating frequency of the second tuner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for dynamically defining individual channel behavior from a variety of tuner sources within an integrated PC/TV apparatus. The system includes a channel server database including a master channel list of all channels provided by various tuner sources within a PC/TV apparatus. Each channel within the database list includes various parameters and data associated therewith defining the behavior of the channel independently of other channels within a listing. A number of channels server functionalities enable a user to dynamically access and alter the channel parameters and data to tailor channel behavior to a user's personal preferences.