Abstract: A signal processing method and apparatus provides a capability of storing a portion of an input signal representing a received program and accessing the stored information to provide a signal component representing a time-compressed version of the portion of the program during a playback mode of operation. When viewed, the time-compressed signal produced during playback provides the portion of the program in a fraction of the original time duration of the portion of the program. Playback occurs at a rate faster than the rate at which new data is stored and, as a result, there will be point in time at which the “past” signal produced during playback and the received signal, or original input video signal, coincide in time. This point in time is detected and the output signal is automatically switched back to the received program signal.

Abstract: An automated lip sync error corrector embeds a unique video source identifier ID into the video signal from each of a plurality of video sources. The unique video source ID may be in the form of vertical interval time code user bits or in the form of a watermark in an active video portion of the video signal. When one of the video signals is selected, the embedded unique video source ID is extracted. The extracted source ID is used to access a corresponding delay value for an adjustable audio delay device to re-time a common audio signal to the selected video signal. A look-up table may be used to correlate the unique video source ID with the corresponding delay value.

Abstract: A projection image display device capable of operating only predetermined one among a plurality of projection image displays. An AND gate 25 performs switching between first and second states, the first state being for transmitting a remote control signal received by an IR receiving section 23 to a control unit 11 according to an output of a switch circuit 24, and the second state being for transmitting no remote control signals received by the IR receiving section 23 to the control unit 11. The switch circuit 24 may be switched manually or by means of a signal from the control unit 11.

Abstract: The process is characterized in that, if: DTS_next_AUold−PCRold<DTS_first_AUnew−PCRnew, then, in a first step, the data of one or more last images of the old stream and/or one or more first images of the new stream are replaced by data of one or more new pre-encoded images of which the number is smaller so that the new value of PCRold and/or PCRnew thus obtained satisfies the relation: DTS_next_AUold−PCRold≧DTS_first_AUnew−PCRnew, in a second step, TS stuffing packets are inserted between the point of exit and the point of entry so as to make the decoding instants DTS_next_AUold and DTS_first_AUnew coincide. Applications relate to the transmission and storage of programs, as well as to the insertion of advertisements or to regional or local handover.

Abstract: An analog video network system for producing a recorded output of a video image comprises a video camera for producing an analog video signal corresponding to a video image; a video monitor for receiving the analog video signal and displaying a video image according to the analog video signal; and an analog video output device for receiving the analog video signal and producing an output according to the analog video signal, which output is a functional replica of the video image. A relay, in an inactive state, connects the video camera to the video monitor so as to cause the video monitor to display the video image, and, in an active state, connects the video camera to the video monitor through the analog video output device so as to cause the analog video output device to produce the output and the video monitor to display the video image. A controller is used for activating and deactivating the relay.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A communication unit comprised a first and second splitting/combining device, each having terminals for receiving and transmitting a CATV signal and a data signal, respectively, means for combining the CATV signal and the data signal and a third terminal for receiving and transmitting the combined signal. The first terminals of the splitting/combining devices are interconnected through a device for extracting said CATV signals and each of the second terminals is connected to a switch controlled in such a way that the second terminals are either connected to each other directly or connected to a connection device for connection to a computer. The data signal can bypass flats desiring no data connection. Also, the communication unit may be implemented in two parts: one wall mounted part and one adapter connectable to the wall mounted part and comprising the connection unit, which is needed only where a data connection is wanted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video signal switching apparatus having editing function to select an arbitrary video signal from plural video signals or carry out synthesis thereof, which allows an operation unit to be of modular configuration every respective functions to electrically connect adjacent modules of panel modules (22A to 22D) which serve as respective operation modules to each other by relay bases (23), (24) to carry out transmission of signals between both modules, and to allow connection between the panel modules (22A to 22D) and the relay bases (23), (24) to be connector connection to thereby have ability to freely change layout of the panel modules (22B to 22D) of division size in which 19 inches rack size is fundamental in accordance with fondness of operator.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model is created to represent an environment to be captured on video. A camera is fitted with pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors. An operator selects a location in the environment. The three-dimensional model is used to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the location selected by the operator. Information from the pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors is used to transform the three-dimensional coordinates to a two-dimensional position in the video from the camera. Using the two-dimensional position of the video, a graphic is properly added to the video such that the graphic appears to be at the selected location in the environment.

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: The modem fetches the information about the audience rating from the telephone line. The microcomputer/filter function part instructs the channel to be selected according to the information on the audience rating. For example, it provides instructions so as to select a program having a quite high instantaneous audience rating. The picture recording control unit controls the picture recording unit so that the program as instructed is recorded, regardless of the program currently viewed on the screen. Thus, the user can select a desired program easily without making any complicated operations even when the number of channels is increased.

Abstract: A multiple tuner arrangement is formed on a single integrated circuit having a common radio frequency input terminal. The terminal supplies a broadband input signal to a plurality of individual tuners, which may be identical to each other in construction. The tuners operate simultaneously and independently of each other to convert a channel in the radio frequency input to the appropriate output intermediate frequency and supply this to the channel output terminal. Features such as a databus interface and a common reference oscillator for channel frequency synthesisers need not therefore be duplicated.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple AV/S terminals, an RF modulator, a S/AV signal converter and multiple switches. The switches connect the AV/S terminals with the RF outputs to allow the AV/S signal from the special AV/S terminal input into the RF modulator to be converted to an RF-signal input to the ANT terminal of the TV. Besides, the present invention further has an ANT input with an electronic switch and a detecting unit having a driver, which decides whether the electronic switch turns on. If the detecting unit detects no AV-signal or S-signal input from the AV/S terminals, the detecting unit first cuts off the power to the RF modulator and then makes the electronic switch turn on. The RF-signal from the ANT input is output to the RF output.

Abstract: A method for controlling a video display device having multiple signal sources, which comprises the steps of: detecting whether a synchronous signal is input to a microcomputer; detecting a signal source selection state if the synchronous signal is not input; converting a present mode to a power-saving mode if the signal source selection state indicates the computer as the selected signal source; and maintaining the present mode if the signal source selection state indicates a signal source other than the computer to be the selected signal source.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for learning the optimal channel change instruction recognition speed for the components of a particular entertainment system. A memory provides storage for information relating to: time increments between channel change signals; pulse width of each individual digit of a channel instruction; and the duration of time between each digit pulse signal. As a function of the information stored in memory, a microprocessor constructs and sends channel change commands at a particular speed, progressively increasing the speed. A means is provided for monitoring the television receiver and for detecting whether the channel change command resulted in the change of the programming channel received by the television receiver.

Abstract: Picture quality loss is minimized and buffer underflow and overflow are prevented when extracting and recombining a plurality of consecutive scenes from an MPEG stream. The smallest number of pictures (equivalent at most to 1 second) that must be re-encoded so that the scene can be independently reproduced is detected to identify the re-encoding target picture. Then the picture type (I, P, B) after the pictures are re-encoded is determined. Buffer fullness is calculated, and the code allocation to the re-encoding range is calculated from buffer fullness and target picture count. The code allocation to each target picture is then calculated, and the target pictures are re-encoded and connected.

Abstract: An automation protocol subscription service has a new SUBSCRIBE command with subscription bits that is sent from an automation controller to a master control switcher to indicate to the master control switcher to which items of configuration/status the automation controller is subscribing. In return when one of the subscribed-to items changes, the master control switcher returns a new SUBSCRIPTION command that indicates the change to the automation controller. In this way the knowledge of the configuration/status of the master controller is maintained at the automation controller.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for receiving or transmitting signals from or to different receiving or transmitting members. More particularly, the circuit includes, a microprocessor for at least unscrambling and demultiplexing, and a switching matrix for transmitting or receiving different data flows to or from various receiving or transmitting members. The switching matrix having at least a parallel type connection formed by a plurality of conductors and a serial type connection. Certain conductors of a parallel type connection serve at the same time for the serial type connections, and the circuit is provided with logic elements for controlling the switching of the signals corresponding to serial type connections to conductors provided for the signals corresponding to the parallel type connections, as desired.

Abstract: A conference video display system is provided for allowing attendees at the conference to switch to the video images of their respective personal computers at will, and eliminating the need for determining the correlation between the personal computers and channels of a switching unit, to provide facilitated and appropriate video switching. The system has a switching unit for receiving a plurality of video signals and selectively outputting the received video signals, and a plurality of connection cables for connecting the switching unit and a plurality of personal computers. Each of the connection cables has a selection request switch near the personal computer connected thereto to make the switching unit select the video signal from the connected personal computer as an output video signal thereof.

Abstract: In a system for optimizing television reception by a television receiver receiving a diversity of input signals from a plurality of antennas, one of a plurality of combiners and television tuners selects the strongest combination of input signals for viewing and another scans the various combinations of input signals searching for a combination significantly stronger than the combination being viewed. A plurality of multiplexers selects the output signal of one combiner and transmits the selected signal to one of the tuners. A signal evaluation module evaluates the strength of the combinations of input signals and compares the strength of each combination of input signals to the strength of the viewing signal, looking for a superior signal. A control processor controls the combination of input signals selected by the combiners and the combiner output signal selected by the multiplexers.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer is provided that operates in a synchronous optical network (SONET). The multiplexer includes a plurality of inputs and a processor operationally coupled to the inputs. The multiplexer also includes a plurality of optical outputs coupled to the inputs via the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive data from at least two of the plurality of inputs. The processor is also configured to packetize the received data and route the packetized data to at least two of the plurality of optical outputs.

Abstract: A video switching system wherein an integrated circuit designed to switch video signals responsive to a first type of signal is used to switch video signals of a second type of signal which is adapted to emulate the first type of signal. Circuitry for adapting the second type of signal to emulate the first type of signal is disclosed. A plurality of the adapted signals, where each would normally be coupled to their own IC input terminal, are couplable to a single S2 protocol terminal of the integrated circuit, through a single lead.

Abstract: Decoders A and B decode MPEG-2 bitstreams A0 and B0 and re-encoders 8 and 10 re-encode them as bitstreams AI and BI comprising only I frames. A switch (S1) switches from recoded stream AI to recoded stream BI to achieve a splice AI/BI. The spliced bitstream is stored in an I-frame store (12). The stored bitstream AI/BI is re-encoded in an encoder 4. A new transitional GOP is defined beginning at the splice. The new GOP is defined by picture type decision rules which may change the length of the transitional GOP compared to the GOPs of streams A and B. The transitional GOP provides a prediction of the position in stream B where the occupancy value of stream C should coincide with that of B. A target for the new number of bits in the new GOP is calculated dependent on the difference between the occupancy value of stream C at the splice and a prediction of the occupancy of stream B at the predicted position.

Abstract: An image frame synchronizing apparatus and a method thereof which receive image signals from a plurality of image signal sources, detect a synchronous signal from the image signal of one image signal source among the plurality of image signal sources, and synchronize the image frames of image signals from the image signal sources according to the frame synchronous signal, in order to display the images in one frame unit.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming events associated with the channels of the receivers. The content services component also includes a listing of the times of programming events. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs of the audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs, at various times.

Abstract: A double-rate signal achieved by subjecting a video signal to double-rate conversion is supplied to a scan line number converter. In the converter, the portion of the effective scan lines of the double-rate signal is written into a frame memory on the basis of a signal achieved by multiplying horizontal and vertical synchronous signals based on the double-rate signal. In the effective scan line section of HDTV signal, the video signal written in the frame memory is read out on the basis of horizontal and vertical reference signals based on the HDTV signal. Out of the effective scan line section of the HDTV signal, a pedestal level signal written in a memory is read out on the basis of the horizontal and vertical reference signals based on the HDTV signal, thereby achieving HDTV signal whose vertical scan line number is equal to 1125 lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for interconnection of existing analog set-top box signal conversion hardware with new digital only set-top box conversion systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of present invention, the digital and analog set-top boxes each respectively provide both video and stereo audio outputs which feed a relay or switch. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the relay or switch is a smart switch which is configured to connect and output from the appropriate decoder or demodulator based on the user's channel selection. The output from the switch feeds a cable subscribers television. Additionally, a variety of different structures and methods are disclosed for connection of digital set-top boxes with analog demodulation hardware.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for delaying propagation time of an external synchronizing signal transmitted from a receiver to transmitters which transmit a video signal to the receiver, each transmitter has an adjustable propagation delay timer which delays propagation of the external synchronizing signal. The receiver includes a detection circuit for detecting a time coincidence or a time difference between the external synchronizing signal and a sync portion of a video signal selected by a selector to be transmitted to the receiver, and a circuit which modifies the external synchronizing signal to produce a fluctuated external synchronizing signal when the detection circuit detects the time difference between the external synchronizing signal and the sync portion of the selected video signal.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus including a plurality of jack units each of which has at least an audio signal contact piece and a control signal contact piece. A control circuit judges a kind of an audio appliance connected to each of the plurality of jack units based on a control signal obtained at the control signal contact piece, and when a function change-over command to select any one of the audio appliances is supplied, a function selecting circuit selects one of the jack units to which the audio appliance is connected. An audio appliance can be connected to any of the plurality of jack units.

Abstract: Electronic equipment switches inputs and outputs of audio-visual equipment when inputs and outputs that are not connected are selected. A microcomputer determines whether the electronic equipment is placed in a mode for automatically switching an input terminal. When the automatic mode is not set, an input terminal is switched to a designated input. When the automatic mode is set and a signal at a digital signal input terminal is detected, the input terminal is switched to the digital signal input terminal. When a digital signal is not detected, the electronic equipment sequentially selects a signal at optical, coaxial and analog terminals.

Abstract: An indoor television antenna has a bypassable amplifier circuit, which is user-controllable to switch between an amplification signal path and a unity gain signal path. The amplifier circuit, also referred to herein as a television signal switching circuit, includes a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, a third switching circuit and a switching control circuit. The first switching circuit is coupled to the second switching circuit by the amplification and unity gain signal paths, which are substantially isolated from each other. An input of the first switching circuit is responsive to an antenna, and an output of the second switching circuit is coupled to a first input of the third switching circuit. A second input of the third switching circuit is coupled to a game port signal, and an output of the third switching circuit is ultimately coupled to a television receiver.

Abstract: A programmable bi-directional external graphics/video (EGV) port for a video decode system chip having a video decoder and an internal digital display generator circuit is provided. The programmable EGV port employs a fixed number of signal input/output (I/O) pins on the video decode system chip while providing a plurality of connection configurations for an external graphics controller, an external digital display generator circuit and an external digital multi-standard decoder to the video decoder or the internal digital display generator circuit of the chip. The EGV port includes receiver/driver circuitry for accommodating in parallel a plurality of input/output signals, including pixel data signals and corresponding synchronization signals, as well as a programmable port controller adapted to be coupled between the receiver/driver circuitry and an internal bus of the video decode system allowing access to at least one of the video decoder and the internal digital display generator circuit.

Abstract: A signal distributing/synthesizing apparatus includes a 4-terminal hybrid circuit, first and second antennas, a pseudo-antenna, and first to third 4-terminal switches. The 4-terminal hybrid circuit distributes the signal input to the first terminal to the second and third terminals, and synthesizes the signals input to the second and third terminals into a signal to be output to the first terminal. The first and second antennas form a radio transmission channel for an output signal from the signal 4-terminal hybrid circuit. The pseudo-antenna forms a pseudo-radio transmission channel for an output signal from the 4-terminal hybrid circuit. The first switch complementarily switches/connects a first broadcasting unit and the first antenna to the first terminal of the 4-terminal hybrid circuit and the third switch. The second switch complementarily switches/connects a second broadcasting unit and the second antenna to the second terminal of the 4-terminal hybrid circuit and the third switch.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a video display, including the steps of providing a mathematical model of the display that relates code values to luminance output of the display, the model having a parameter that characterizes the display; displaying a reference patch and a test patch simultaneously on the display, the reference patch having a reference brightness produced by one or more luminances and the test patch having an test brightness produced by rapidly switching back and forth between two luminances; observing the display while varying one of the luminances keeping the others fixed, until the apparent brightness of the reference patch matches the apparent brightness of the test patch, and recording the code values employed to produce the luminances when a best match is made, and using the mathematical model, and the recorded code values to determine the value of the parameter that characterizes the display.

Abstract: Linking keyers to background source selections is achieved by defining a key link association table between background sources and keyers for an M/E of a production switcher. Key Add and Key Drop modifiers are provided so that the effects of the key link association table may be modified while making a background source change.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a composite audio signal clocked to a selected frequency from left and audio input signals. A video/audio signal generator transmits the left and right audio input signals, together with a video signal having a horizontal synchronization signal embedded therein. If copy protection has not been applied to the video signal, the embedded horizontal synchronization signal will have a frequency of 15.734 KHz. If applied to the video signal, copy protection techniques will shift the frequency of the horizontal synchronization signal. To avoid distortion of the composite audio signal, a switch configured to selectively couple the video signal or a secondary video signal generated by an internal video signal generator to an audio signal processor which generates the composite audio output signal from the left and right audio input signals. Embedded within the secondary video signal is a horizontal synchronization signal having a frequency of 15.734 KHz.

Abstract: A method of recalling effects between mix/effects banks of a video production switcher uses a Recall From function button on a destination mix/effects bank to copy a desired effect stored in an effects memory on another M/E bank into a working effects register of the destination mix/effects bank when the Recall function for the other M/E bank is then used. The effect from the storing M/E bank is copied into a working effects register on the destination M/E for execution while the working effects register on the storing M/E bank is not affected so that the effect stored in the working effects register of the destination M/E is not destroyed.

Abstract: Video switching and mix/effecting equipment which performs video switching and mix/effecting by a single circuit configuration on SDTV and HDTV signals.

Abstract: A system for generating a variety of solid signals and key signals. The system includes a multiple of solid generators, a multiple of key signal generators and a cross-point switch. Each of the solid generators includes a multiple of solid mixers, and each of the key signal generators includes a multiple of key signal mixers. The cross-point switch is arranged to connect any of the solid generators and key signal generators to any of the switch's main outputs, and to connect any of the solid generators to any of the key generators. The system provides for selection of preset delays to compensate for different signal routings. A timing control controls routing and delay selection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically selecting a video output from among several video input sources. In one method, one or more audio sensors are associated with each video input source. Preferably, an audio sensor is positioned to receive audio signals from directions that receive favorable coverage in the field of view of the associated video source. An autoselector calculates audio scores for each of the audio sensors over short (e.g., 0.5 seconds) examination intervals. At each examination interval, the potential exists for a different video source to be selected as the video output. The autoselector selects a video source based on the audio scores for an examination interval, as well as the recent time-history of video source selection. For instance, if a new video source has just been selected, selection of a different source may be disabled for a few seconds. The time-history is also used to increase the probability that source selection varies in a seemingly-natural manner.

Abstract: An audio reproducing apparatus including first and second audio signal transmission paths each applied with a plurality of audio signals. Each of the first and second audio signal transmission paths has a selector for selecting one of the plurality of audio signals supplied thereto and a level controller for controlling the level of the selected audio signal. The first and second audio signal transmission paths are connected to first and second speaker units respectively each for converting the audio signal selected by the corresponding selector and whose level is controlled by the corresponding level controller into acoustic power.

Abstract: A vertical synchronization separation circuit eliminates distortion in a television picture produced when the synchronization signal is complex and includes a copy guard signal.

Abstract: Optimal RF AGC points are individually set for a terrestrial digital television signal and a CATV digital signal. A switch is changed according to whether an input signal is a terrestrial digital television signal or a CATV digital signal. If the terrestrial digital television signal is input, the voltage for setting the RF AGC point is set to a reference voltage V1 output from a first reference power supply source. If the CATV digital signal is input, the voltage for setting the RF AGC point is set to a reference voltage V2 output form a second reference power supply source. A comparator then outputs an RF AGC signal according to a difference between an IF AGC signal and the reference voltage.

Abstract: An edit point of an earlier GOP1 is placed after an I picture I22. In addition, the edit point is not placed immediately after an I or P picture. Thus, the GOP1 is decoded. A stream placed after the edit point (a P picture and later pictures) is discarded. B pictures B26 and B27 placed after a P picture P25 are re-encoded with a forward moving vector Fw. The remaining pictures other than B pictures B26 and B27 are re-encoded with encoding information used in a decoding process. Since an edit point of a later GOP2 is not placed before the I picture I2, the GOP2 is decoded. A stream placed before the edit point (pictures B0 to P5) is discarded. The first P picture P8 is changed to an I picture. Thereafter, the re-encoding process is performed. The P picture P8 changed from the I picture is used as a predictive reference picture. With the P picture P8, a backward moving vector Bk is obtained. With only the moving vector Bk, the B pictures B6 and B7 placed before the P picture P8 are re-encoded.

Abstract: Linking keyers to background source selections is achieved by defining a key link association table between background sources and keyers for an M/E of a production switcher. Key Add and Key Drop modifiers are provided so that the effects of the key link association table may be modified while making a background source change.

Abstract: A signal processing device contains a plurality of processing elements with inputs and outputs coupled via a switch-matrix for communication of signal streams between a set of processes. An arbiter selects the connections made by the switch-matrix. The arbiter makes allocations of inputs and outputs that are to be connected to each other in each of successive time-slots. The allocations for communication of signal streams between the set of processes for a plurality of time-slots are made in advance. The arbiter can also receive requests for making further connections between inputs and outputs. In that case, the arbiter makes said further connection in a time-slot in which the requested inputs and outputs are not used by the set of processes. A method of planning is provided which ensures that full utilization of the switch-matrix is possible.

Abstract: A television signal processing device (12) for receiving and processing a television signal (F) and an information signal (I) which contains television program information (FPI) about future television programs. The television signal processing device (12)has television program information determining means (34) by which television program information (FPI) can be determined from the teletext information (TI) of all receivable television signals (F) and can be stored. The television program information determining means (34) are now adapted to autonomously store in a data block address memory (37) at least one teletext page number (TSN) in correlation with television signal identification information (FKI) which identifies the television signal (F) containing the received teletext information (TI). The stored teletext page number (TSN) then identifies a teletext page of the television signal (F) from which television program information (FPI) has been derived successfully the last time.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, a video signal of a high-quality format which has a first given frequency band is recorded on a standard magnetic tape designed to record a video signal of a standard format having a second given frequency band narrower than the first given frequency band. In the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, a video signal of the high-quality format is reproduced from a standard magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method for selecting signals in a television receiver is disclosed. A plurality of jacks which are provided in the television receiver are automatically selected one by one, and a judgment is made as to whether external video and audio signals are inputted through the selected jack. If it is found that external video and audio signals are inputted through the selected jack, then an A/V mode which receives and processes the external video and audio signals of the selected jack is set up. If it is found that external video and audio signals are inputted through none of the jacks, then a message reading “check the connection state of the external video and audio signals” is outputted, and a television mode is set up to receive television broadcast signals. That is, in a state with the plugs of external apparatuses inserted into the respective jacks, the relevant external apparatus is activated. Then an A/V mode is set up, and the relevant jack is automatically selected.

Abstract: When a sub-image (A) and a sub-image (B) are displayed as semi-moving pictures on a multi-screen, the fields of the input sub-images (A) and (B) are determined. By setting the field determination result as one condition for a write to the memory 114, the sub-images (A) and (B) can be stably written to the memory 114 in either odd fields (ODD) or even fields (EVEN), and can be read and displayed on the screen without flickering characters due to line flicker. Furthermore, when video signals are switched for a channel switch or an input switch, the operation remote controller 501 can issue a switch instruction so that a write to the video memory 509 is stopped according to the generated switch signal, and the image is displayed as a still image. In response to a new input video signal, the number of write increase lines or picture elements for a write to the video memory 509 is set to n. The writing operation is performed m times (m is a natural number) for every other field.