Abstract: A signal distribution apparatus having a learning feature for recognizing a remote control device code associated with a particular signal source and coupling the associated signal source to an output in response to receipt of the device code. The remote control device code may be transmitted using a universal remote control device or a dedicated remote control device associated with the particular signal source. The present invention allows a user to couple a plurality of signal sources and a display device, such as a television set, to the present signal distribution apparatus and thereafter couple a selected one of the signal sources to the display device using the universal remote control device or the dedicated remote control device. The learning feature obviates the need for a dedicated remote control for the signal distribution device.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing the content information contained in the digital broadcast received by an STB, in which flexible printing is achieved efficiently at a low cost. The digital broadcast is received by an STB 30 and demonstrated on a display device 31 as the contents information comprehended in the ddb is printed by a printer 32. The contents information comprehended in the digital broadcast is converted by a contents information conversion unit 68 into contents suited for printing.

Abstract: A computer system with a remote television display converts output signals from a computer to video signals to be displayed on at least one television set and transmits the output signals from the computer along with broadcast and cable video signals to the at least one television set so that one or more televisions may be used as remote display devices.

Abstract: A computerized advertisement broadcasting system that employs the technical conventions lay down by the motion picture expert group (MPEG). The system comprises a console and separable data memory cards, where the advertising program is stored within the data memory card in an MPEG compressed data stream format. The advertising program can be broadcast repetitively by the console Since the advertising program is stored digitally within a data memory card, programs can be changed simply by inserting a new data memory card. Furthermore, the system is assembled from a group of electronic devices.

Abstract: A cable/satellite/Internet-ready television set. The main satellite chassis is incorporated into the television set and is linked to the inputs and outputs on the main television chassis. A cable/satellite/Internet control panel is integrated into the television cabinet and is accessible to the user on the front of the cabinet. The cable/satellite/Internet control panel has a satellite access card slot and control buttons, as well as an infrared signal input for a remote control device. The television set comes equipped with a single remote control device that will allow the user to select the mode of transmission (radio frequency broadcast, cable, satellite, broadband data, etc.) and the channel, as well as control other television functions such as controlling the volume and turning the television set on or off. In several embodiments, a credit/debit card reader is incorporated within the television set either in the cabinet or the remote control device.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, selectively cause the separated associated data to be stored, and selectively cause the stored associated data to be rendered on a number of attached clients. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: An Internet access terminal automatically manages telephone communication with an Internet service provider to reduce inactive telephone line usage when the user toggles from the Internet mode to the television mode. A user who has been browsing the Internet can toggle the terminal to the television mode from the Internet mode, which has a particular state relating to the Internet page that is being viewed. The terminal saves state information representing the Internet state and monitors the time that elapses after the terminal is toggled. If a first period of time elapses, the telephone connection is dropped. If a longer, second period of time also elapses, the state information is discarded. Upon toggling back to the Internet mode, communication is resumed using the telephone connection and the Internet state is restored if the first period has not elapsed.