Abstract: A system and method to provide navigation screens during remote control of devices. A matrix is used to relate button depression and navigation screen to a particular activity. Generic buttons on the remote control can be dynamically defined according to the content of the navigation screens and the configuration of the devices under the control of the remote control.

Abstract: A method for displaying broadcast channel information in a mobile terminal is presented. The method includes entering a broadcast reception mode, and displaying channel information indicating whether each channel available for reception is a general channel or an integrated channel, wherein a general channel comprises one broadcast channel mapped onto a single broadcast path, and an integrated channel comprises at least two virtual channels mapped onto a single broadcast path.

Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel.

Abstract: There is provided a channel selection device receiving a multi-channel video including plural videos and video configuration information on each video from a head end. The channel selection device includes a first screen display unit editing the multi-channel video based on the video configuration information and searching view configuration information to generate a channel searching view and displaying the channel searching view on a sub-screen of a television; and a second screen display unit displaying on a main screen of the television a video selected by a viewer out of the videos included in the channel searching view.

Abstract: A channel-selection filter. The channel-selection filter helps a user navigate to a desired channel. In particular, the channel-selection filter presents a filtered channel list to the user when the user issues one or more channel-filtering commands. The filtered channel list narrows a list of all available channels to those channels that correspond to the channel-filtering commands issued by the user. When presented with a filtered channel list, the user can select a channel from the filtered channel list. The user can also issue additional channel-filtering commands to further narrow the list of channels presented in the filtered channel list.

Abstract: A TV channel search method and device is provided, wherein the method comprises (a) snatching screenshots of real time video signals of frequencies to generate snatched screenshots; (b) establishing and storing correspondence relationship of the snatched screenshots and frequencies; (c) providing the snatched screenshots for user selection and obtaining a snatched screenshot selected by the user; and (d) obtaining a frequency corresponding to the snatched screenshot selected by the user based on the correspondence relation of the snatched screenshots and frequencies, and then performing aimed TV channel switch and play. According to the method and device of the invention, the user can quickly and visually search a TV channel independent on EPG information after the correspondence relationship of images and frequencies has been established by snatching screenshots of real time TV pictures, and the method and device is applicable in both analog TV and digital TV.

Abstract: A multimedia control system presents program schedule information to a user in a visually and intellectually-intuitive manner. The multimedia control system can be used to display programming information, control multimedia devices, control home automation devices, etc. In one embodiment, a control screen used to display programming information is configured as a touch screen to allow the user to select programming, control multimedia devices, or perform other functions by touching the screen. In one embodiment, the system uses a consistent, user-selectable, intuitive user interface. In one embodiment, programming information is dynamically updated to provide the user with current programming information, such as, for example, sports scores, commercial breaks, news stories, documentary contents, etc.

Abstract: A receiver includes: first and second tuners configured to select respectively different broadcast channels; first and second AGC control circuits configured to generate first and second AGC control signals configured to respectively control gains of first and second AGC amplifiers based on output signals of the respective tuners; first and second predetermined voltage generating circuits configured to generate first and second predetermined voltages configured to respectively suppress AGC gains of the first and second AGC amplifiers; and a control section configured to control to selectively apply the first AGC control signal and the first predetermined voltage to the first AGC amplifier, and control to selectively apply the second AGC control signal and the second predetermined voltage to the second AGC amplifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a minor channel selection method for digital televisions. The method comprises storing a major channel number in response to an input of the major channel number, followed by determining whether or not the major channel number is consistently input for a first preset time; determining whether or not a minor channel number is input before an elapse of a second preset time after a complete input of the major channel number, if the major channel number is consistently input for the first preset time; and selecting a minor channel corresponding to the minor channel number, if the minor channel number is input before the elapse of the second preset time. With this method, it is possible to conveniently select a minor channel since no delimiter is needed to be inputted between major and minor channel numbers to divide them from each other.

Abstract: A system, software and method capable of communicating with a device coupled to the system via a network such that the tuning capabilities of the device can be made available for access and control via the system's program guide through placement of the device's tuning capabilities as a channel selection on the system's program guide.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely accessing user equipment implementing an interactive media guidance application are provided. In particular, a method includes the steps of receiving user equipment identification information and receiving a user request from a user device indicating instructions for the user equipment. The user request is cross-referenced with an action request in a user equipment format selected from a plurality of formats to be compatible with the user equipment. The action request is transmitted for receipt by the user equipment for enabling execution of the indicated instructions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing network content are provided. An apparatus for reproducing network content includes a first content list queue storing a content list received from content providing servers; a content list queue management module changing a content list stored in the first content list queue according to a user's command to change the content list; a second content list queue storing the content list changed by the content list queue management module; a content pre-fetch module pre-fetching at least one element of content from the content providing servers based on the second content list queue and storing the content in a local storage unit; and a content reproduction module seamlessly reproducing the at least one element of content stored in the local storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel searching system including: a head end broadcasting a broadcasting signal over a broadcasting medium, the broadcasting signal including a multi-channel video containing a plurality of videos and video configuration information on the videos; and a receiver receiving the broadcasting signal over the broadcasting medium and showing a viewer a channel searching view edited from the multi-channel video based on the video configuration information and searching screen configuration information.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of providing a personal broadcasting service according to scheduling are provided. The system for providing a personal broadcasting service includes a producer client which produces and transmits a broadcasting schedule, a broadcasting server which establishes a broadcasting channel according to the broadcasting schedule and provides broadcasting content produced by the producer client through the broadcasting channel, and a viewer client which receives the broadcasting content through the broadcasting channel.

Abstract: A program drawing-up apparatus can provide information effectively and efficiently. The program drawing-up apparatus (2) comprises a program control device (3) and a narration synthesizer device (4). The program control device (3) has a delivery request acquisition section for acquiring a delivery request from a client apparatus (6), a contents data retrieval section for retrieving contents data and a program drawing-up section for drawing up a program showing the sequence of delivery of the contents data and the auxiliary data on the basis of the delivery request. The narration synthesizer device (4) has a narration synthesizing section for synthetically generating narration data to be delivered in combination with contents data. Information can be provided effectively because contents can be delivered with one or more than one narrations added thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for allowing a user to select one of an analog signal source and a digital signal source in a signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device compares an analog channel number with a digital channel list, determines based on results of the comparison if a corresponding digital channel is available, and, if available, stores a corresponding digital channel number and selects the corresponding digital channel determined from the digital channel list in response to a command from a user. A method and apparatus are also described as above but further determining based on the comparison if a corresponding digital channel is available, and, if available, prompting the user via an onscreen display (OSD) to select the digital signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tuning channels within a home entertain system by connecting multiple consumer electronics devices to a central electronics device with an internal tuner. The consumer electronics devices are connected in a hub and spoke configuration, with each one being directly connected to the central electronics device. In the hub and spoke configuration, all signals in the home entertainment system are accessible by the central electronics device. Accordingly, the central electronics device can process, route, or otherwise respond to any signal. As such, the central electronics device uses an electronic programming guide (EPG) to differentiate scrambled signals from non-scrambled signals. The scrambled signals are routed to an electronics device, such as a cable box, for descrambling and are sent back to the central electronics device. The non-scrambled signals are tuned by the tuner within the central electronics device.

Abstract: A device and a method for providing information of image data stored in a digital image display apparatus and a recording medium recorded with a program for realizing the same are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device for providing information of image data stored in the digital image display apparatus can include a channel list generating unit, which searches for a broadcast channel received through the digital image display apparatus and generates channel list data, and a link unit, which links image data and information data, respectively, included in broadcast data, stored in the digital image display apparatus according to a broadcast selecting signal and a broadcast data storing signal, with the channel list data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a broadcasting channel list provided in a digital broadcasting service by a user are provided. The method of providing a channel list of digital broadcasting in a mobile terminal includes providing a setting screen of the channel list according to a request for setting the channel list; receiving a digital broadcasting channel selected by a user in the channel list; allocating a predetermined sky wave broadcasting channel number to a virtual channel of the selected digital broadcasting channel according to the user's request; and completing setting of a channel list including the allocated virtual channel information.

Abstract: In a method capable of notifying and buffering predetermined events in a program, a first program is broadcast on a first channel. While broadcasting the first programs, it is determined whether a predetermined event occurs in a second program broadcast on a second channel. If the predetermined event occurs in the second program, related contents of the predetermined event are buffered and a notification message is displayed on the first channel.

Abstract: Within a personal computer media center, a user interface module generates graphical commands representing a user interface. A network interface then sends the graphical commands via a home network to a media center extension, where a display interface renders the graphical commands into the user interface on a television. In one configuration, the user interface includes a focus area intersected by a first axis, as well as a first sequence of cards displayed along the first axis, each card graphically representing an available option, one card being displayable within the focus area. The first sequence of cards is to be scrolled along the first axis in response to an initiating action to progressively change the card within the focus area. Furthermore, the scrolling of cards is to be halted in response to a terminating action to show a selected card from the first sequence within the focus area.

Abstract: A channel selection order to receive, from each channel, program data corresponding to a designated partial period is determined based on the start timing of the reception and the receiving timing of each of N program data received for each channel. A channel is selected in accordance with the determined order, and program data transmitted from the broadcast device of the selected channel is received.

Abstract: A method for displaying broadcast-related information and a mobile terminal capable of receiving broadcasting implementing the same, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method for displaying broadcast-related information, in a mobile terminal capable of being operated in a broadcast receiving mode and a normal mode comprises: checking broadcast-related information when entering the normal mode, and displaying the checked broadcast-related information on a screen display in the normal mode.

Abstract: Provided are a digital broadcasting receiving device and method for audibly informing a user of a channel change. The method includes searching for channel information and channel audio guide signal premapped to the channel information, upon sensing a channel change, selecting a channel audio guide signal corresponding to the channel information, if channel information about a changed channel exists, and outputting the selected channel audio guide signal through an audio output unit. Thus, the method is capable of informing a user of a channel change by outputting a channel audio guide signal, allowing the user to audibly check a changed channel.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for allowing improved selection of program guide information. Program guide information includes channel, time, and program listing information. In particular examples, each program listing is associated with a time slot having beginning time slot boundary and an end time slot boundary. Program listing information can be viewed even after a current time passes an end time slot boundary. In some examples, program listing information may be removed after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined period of disuse.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast program recording/playback apparatus that starts playback of a recorded broadcast program from a desired scene, so that a user can specify a precise position of a desired scene in a recorded broadcast program and start playback. The apparatus comprises a recording control unit and a playback control unit. The playback control unit obtains information for feature data belonging to a referential feature frame and a relative time difference between the feature frame and an objective frame including the desired scene as position specifying data for determining the desired scene position. The playback control unit searches for the feature frame having the feature data from recorded broadcast program data, determines the objective frame position by adding the relative time difference to the position of the feature frame searched out, and controls to start playback from the determined objective frame position.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and method for controlling the apparatus includes selecting a channel from a plurality of channels included in a broadcast signal, an outputting channel selection information specifying a selected channel, outputting video of the selected channel to a display device, outputting channel information related to the selected channel to the display device, and controlling selection of the channel and outputting of the channel information based on the outputted channel selection information specifying a selected channel and a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Receivable channels in a program guide G used for selecting a program are arranged using the longitudinal axis of the program guide G itself as a time base and using the horizontal axis as a channel axis. A channel being currently viewed is disposed at the left end. From the right side of the channel, the other channels are arranged in decreasing order of the viewing frequency from left to right, and programs of the other channels are disposed along the time base.

Abstract: The availability of television channels today may easily be overwhelming for a user and the use of conventional linear zapping when a user switches sequentially between channels arranged in a list as a method of finding interesting content becomes still more inefficient. Thus, a method of automatically determining a channel content for multi-media, audio, and video channels distributed to or acquired by an electronic device is provided, the method comprises the steps of collecting channel data, analyzing the data using statistical methods to determine a channel content, and categorizing the channels into predetermined clusters depending on the channel content. The determination may be made dynamically so that the clusters reflect the specific day and/or time of the day at which the electronic device is used. Also a system for providing such a method is provided.

Abstract: A television menu system generates a television menu that is context sensitive based upon a service currently being provided to a user. In one implementation, a type of television service currently being viewed by a user determines whether particular menu items are presented to the user. In another implementations, determining which channel is being provided dictates whether particular menu options are included.

Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.

Abstract: A digital TV and a method of switching a channel automatically thereof provides a viewer with advance notice of an automatic channel switch using linkage descriptor information on HD broadcasting. Providing the viewer with notice of the switched channel reduces viewer confusion. The method includes the steps of determining whether a linkage descriptor is included in additional information regarding a broadcast program whether the broadcast program regardless of whether the broadcast program is selected by a viewer, checking the remaining time of the broadcast program if the linkage descriptor is included in the additional information, displaying a channel switch notice message on a screen, determining whether or not the broadcast program has ended, switching a channel of the broadcast program to a designated channel when the broadcast program ends, and displaying a channel switch confirmation message on the screen.

Abstract: In a receiver, when a channel is registered on the channel map 15, the receiver 1 registers the channel by the unit of a physical channel, and when a channel is deleted from the channel map 15, the receiver 1 deletes the channel by the unit of a sub-channel. A common user has a tendency of watching most of a plurality of sub-channels contained in one physical channel and a tendency of not watching a portion of the plurality of sub-channels which the user does not like.

Abstract: User interfaces for a number of services offered by an information distribution system. In one method, first (e.g., interactive program guide) and second (e.g., video-on-demand) applications are provided to support a first and second user interfaces for first and second services, respectively. A control mechanism coordinates the passing of control between the applications. A root application supports communication between the first and second applications and a hardware layer. The control mechanism may be implemented with first and second message queues maintained for the first and second applications, respectively. Control may be passed to an application via a (launch) message provided to the associated message queue. Each application is operable in an active or inactive state. Only one application is typically active at any given moment, and this application processes key inputs at the terminal. The transition between the active and inactive states may be based on occurrence of events.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver that uses a channel map containing broadcast information such as channel numbers and virtual channel numbers is described. When a user selects a certain digital channel number, a control unit consisting of a CPU makes a search as to whether or not the number exists in the channel map. If the number does not exist, “No Signal” notice is displayed on a display and if the user selects a scan instruction then, the entire range of frequency band of the broadcasting signal is scanned. If a signal that corresponds to the digital channel number exists, its broadcast is received. Therefore, a search is possible even when the user knows only a virtual channel number and the digital channel number entered by the user is not registered in the channel map.

Abstract: Other receivable subchannels S in addition to a major channel M and a subchannel S in selection now are displayed. Further, the subchannel S in selection now is differentiated (for example, changed in color) from the other receivable subchannels S to be displayed.

Abstract: A video frame is captured from a television broadcast on each of a plurality of channels. The captured video frames are provided to a display interface, which successively displays the captured video frames within a focus area of a user interface in response to an initiating action by a user. The display interface then discontinues the successive display of video frames to show a particular video frame corresponding to a selected channel in response to a terminating action by the user.

Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of communicating audio/video programs (e.g., television content associated with a plurality of channels) includes receiving the audio/video programs over a transport medium. A stream of ancillary data portions associated with a plurality of audio/video programs (e.g., a plurality of television channels or transport stream programs) may be received over a separate delivery mechanism. The ancillary data may include announcements associated with enhancement data according to an Advanced Television Enhancement Forum Specification, for example. One of the audio/video programs is tuned to, with one or more ancillary data portions located and identified with the tuned audio/video program. A special announcement in the ancillary data portions delivered to an expected location is used to locate announcements for the tuned audio/video program.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A viewer-defined group of channels allows a viewer to quickly navigate through the channels in the group. A channel matrix is used to display channels having program types or transmission characteristics that are selected by a user in a manner that allows the viewer to quickly select one of these channels. The channel matrix includes rows and columns of channel numbers, each corresponding to one channel in a group of channels. Channels having any of the selected program types or features are highlighted in the matrix. The viewer selects a program type or transmission characteristic using a menu. The program types may be predefined or defined by the viewer according to a set of parameters.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) browsing system and method for its operation are disclosed. A viewer navigates this EPG using traditional up, down, left, right commands. But unlike the prior art, which responds to these commands by moving a selection area across a display of program titles, this EPG responds by scrolling the display while leaving the program selection area fixed. This can improve viewer interaction and the display of information for an EPG display, as paging can be avoided and the display scrolling motions correspond with the user's control manipulations. In a preferred embodiment, the program selection area is expanded such that additional details are displayed for a program when it enters the program selection area.

Abstract: An electronic program guide system has a grid displayed on a display area. The grid has horizontal and vertical axes. The grid includes a plurality of cells. Each cell contains information of a program. Means to visually indicate one action cell contained within the grid. An underlying focal point located at a constant stable point in relation to the horizontal and vertical axes. At least one portion of the active cell corresponds to the underlying focal point.

Abstract: A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electronic program guide for television or radio programs includes presenting listings of present or future programs on-screen, presenting listings of past programs on-screen an indicating whether the past program is available again at a future time. Also, a system and method for handling information controllable from an electronic program guide for television or radio programs comprises receiving information in a user's system, storing the received information in the user's system, displaying access to the stored information by means of a user interface and enabling the user to select one of a plurality of management options for controlling the operation of the stored information through the user interface.

Abstract: A channel matrix for use with a television receiver includes rows and columns of channel numbers, each corresponding to one channel in a group of channels. The matrix includes a group selector that is activated to display different groups of channels. The channel matrix is used to tune the television receiver, to perform other functions such as channel locking and favorite channel selection or to display channel status such as including minor channels or having certain V-chip ratings. A desired channel may be selected by navigating a cursor across the rows and columns of the matrix until the desired channel is beneath the cursor and then pressing a selection key. A channel status display, associated with the matrix, displays information about the selected channel or about the channel under the cursor before it is selected. Display enhancements include visual cues such as highlighting, underlining, and displaying of icons; audio cues; and the ability to select an entire group of channels.

Abstract: A method of displaying rating information comprises the step of tuning in to a designated channel when a program selecting operation is performed and acquiring rating information, and the step of displaying the acquired rating information, together with a program image obtained by the tuning, on a display device.

Abstract: Remotely controlling content receiver wherein a channel guide is displayed to a user. A channel selection control is activated when a channel selection activator is actuated by the user. The channel selection control comprises an overlay window that can be repositioned on a presentation screen. The channel guide is preserved under the overlay window when the overlay window is repositioned by the user.

Abstract: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: A user interface and software for enabling or performing functions on programs contained within program scheduling information. The user selects a program from the program scheduling information, and the system determines if a function can be enabled for the selected program by determining the differences between the recurring periods of the selected program and the function.