Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for producing an output signal suitable for coupling to a display device to produce a displayed image, the video processing system having a system which blocks viewing of programs which are broadcast with ratings or spending information which is outside a profile set by a supervisor who has entered a password accepted by the control system, and which permits the supervisor to temporarily modify the ratings profile according to a set of override parameters. After completion of the time period(s) or supervisor-designated television broadcast(s), the system automatically returns to the normal ratings profile but retains the set of override parameters for easy reimposition by the supervisor.

Abstract: The invention provides an information playback apparatus and method by which enjoyment of a DVD can be restricted with certainty. A disk ID of a DVD video whose enjoyment is to be restricted and a password are stored in a corresponding relationship to each other in a flash ROM. When the DVD video of the disk ID stored in the flash ROM is loaded, a controller permits playback of the DVD video only if the corresponding password is inputted.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet.

Abstract: A video reproduction apparatus includes a video player 3 which reproduces a video signal, a V-chip signal for restricting a display of a specific image being added to the video signal; a video processing circuit 5 which processes the video signal from the video player 3; a CRT 7 which displays the video signal that is processed by the video processing circuit 5; a control section 10 which reads out the V-chip signal and judges whether a screen is to be blocked or not; and a memory 11 which stores a result of the judgment. When a mode is transferred to a special play mode, a judgment result which immediately precedes the mode transfer is read out from the memory 11. If the judgment result is that the blocking is to be blocked, the screen of the CRT 7 is set to a blocked state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purchase of lottery tickets via a television terminal. A lottery interface is provided to enable communications between the television terminal and a lottery system. A lottery application residing on the television terminal enables communication of a lottery ticket purchase request to the lottery interface via an upstream television path. A user interface is provided which is capable of accessing the lottery application residing on the television terminal. A lottery ticket purchase request is initiated via the user interface. The user interface accesses the lottery application in order to generate the purchase request. The purchase request is then communicated over an upstream television path from the lottery application to the lottery interface. The purchase request is forwarded from the lottery interface to the lottery system, where a purchase of the lottery ticket is completed.

Abstract: Detecting tampering of an incoming cable to which a network interface unit (NIU) is connected by testing for the reflected signal that is present when the signal being transmitted to the head end is not connected to a properly terminated coaxial cable. In particular, by comparing the phase of the transmitted signal from the NIU with that of the reflected signal, a distinction can be made between a signal that travels many feet before being reflected back and a signal that reflects back right or near the connector of the NIU. Only the latter is used as a stimulus to indicate tampering since the first is likely caused by cable personnel disconnecting the cable further into the network. The key difference between the two types of reflected signals is the time delay of the reflect signal with respect to the transmitted signal from the NIU.

Abstract: A device for limiting the use of electronic appliances is disclosed. A timer is set inside an electronic appliance such as a television or personal computer. A three-stage conversion switch capable of selecting one of the continuous use of the electronic appliance, the use of the appliance for a period of time set by the timer, and suspension of the use of the appliance. In case of the selection of timer mode, the electronic appliance can be used only for a predetermined period of time set by the timer. During a period of time other than the set time, the electronic appliance may be continuously used or its operation is stopped according to a selected mode. A warning means warns that the end of the time set by the timer is approaching before the completion of the set time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional refrigerator, and more particularly, to a multifunctional refrigerator capable of preventing private information from being leaked through external hacking in the refrigerator which can communicate images with an external device. The multifunctional refrigerator of the present invention is constructed to selectively drive a camera signal processing portion and a microphone signal processing portion which are provided for an image communicating function, and thus, information inside the houses can be prevented from being leaked to the outside. The selective drive of the camera signal processing portion and the microphone signal processing portion is carried out by controlling electric power supplied thereto. It is constructed such that the control of the supplied power can be made only by a manual switch mounted in the refrigerator and not by a control signal through an external communication means.