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Integration of off-air and satellite TV tuners in a direct broadcast system

  • US 5,790,202 A
  • Filed: 12/19/1996
  • Issued: 08/04/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An improved system for the integration of off-air and satellite TV tuners in a direct broadcast satellite system, comprising:

  • a) a source of an RF television signal;

    b) a TV tuner coupled to the RF television signal source for demodulating the RF television signal;

    c) a satellite antenna for receiving a data stream from a satellite consisting of direct broadcast satellite signals and an electronic program guide;

    d) a direct broadcast satellite tuner coupled to the satellite antenna for converting and demodulating the incoming satellite data stream;

    e) a microprocessor coupled to the direct broadcast satellite tuner for conditioning the electronic program guide from the satellite data stream;

    f) an output device for displaying or otherwise using signals from the TV tuner and the satellite tuner;

    g) a multiplexer which is coupled to the TV tuner, the direct broadcast satellite tuner, the electronic program guide, and the output device, the multiplexer being arranged to switch all of signals being sent to the output device; and

    h) a unified control means for controlling the selection of signals from the RF television signal source and from the satellite antenna to be displayed on the output device.

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