Method and apparatus for detecting an inactive channel selecting resource in a television converter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for allocating resources for a television converter having at least one channel selecting resource comprising:
- a. allocating a channel selecting resource for the receipt and display of television programming on a television display device;
b. receiving television programming via the channel selecting resource;
c. displaying said television programming on said television display device;
d. monitoring a parameter indicative of the use of said channel selecting resource;
e. determining that said channel selecting resource is inactive based on the monitored parameter; and
f. reallocating the use of said channel selecting resource based upon said determination of inactivity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and Apparatuses are disclosed that allow a television converter device to determine when a channel selector in the device is inactive.
50 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method for allocating resources for a television converter having at least one channel selecting resource comprising:
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a. allocating a channel selecting resource for the receipt and display of television programming on a television display device;
b. receiving television programming via the channel selecting resource;
c. displaying said television programming on said television display device;
d. monitoring a parameter indicative of the use of said channel selecting resource;
e. determining that said channel selecting resource is inactive based on the monitored parameter; and
f. reallocating the use of said channel selecting resource based upon said determination of inactivity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A television converter for use in a home entertainment system comprising:
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a channel selecting resource to receive and process television signals;
a remote control interface to receive a user commands from a remote controller;
a connection for connecting the television converter to a display device;
a processor coupled in communication to the channel selecting resource, the remote control interface, and the first storage device;
a first storage device coupled to the channel selecting resource, the control electronics, and the delivery device, the first storage device operable to store television programming and digital data; and
an inactivity detector that monitors at least one parameter of the home entertainment system and determines when the channel selecting resource is inactive based on the parameter. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A satellite set top box for use in a home entertainment system comprising:
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a channel selecting resource to receive and process satellite television signals;
a delivery device to deliver television programming to a connected television;
a remote control interface to receive a user commands sent from a remote control;
a connection for connecting the satellite set top box to a television;
a processor coupled in communication to the channel selecting resource, the remote control interface, the delivery device and a first storage device;
the first storage device coupled to the channel selecting resource, the control electronics, and the delivery device, the first storage device operable to store television programming and digital data; and
an inactivity detector that monitors at least one parameter of the home entertainment system and determines when the channel selecting resource is inactive based on the parameter. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification