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System for acquiring and processing broadcast programs, program guide and channel identification data

  • US 7,024,676 B1
  • Filed: 02/16/2000
  • Issued: 04/04/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a video decoder, a system for tuning to acquire packetized program information comprising a program conveyed on one of a plurality of broadcast channels identified by a physical transmission number corresponding to a virtual channel and a virtual channel identification number of said virtual channel including a major number associated with an information provider and a group of sub-channels and a minor number identifying a sub-channel from among said group of sub-channels, comprising the steps of:

  • navigating within a first list, including a plurality of broadcast channels, to identify and select a broadcast channel and an associated virtual channel identification number, in response to user activation of a first navigation control, wherein the physical transmission number corresponding to said virtual channel identified number is displayed with said virtual channel identification number;

    navigating within a second list of a group of sub-channels associated with said selected broadcast channel to identify and select a sub-channel and an associated minor number, in response to user activation of a second navigation control;

    tuning to receive a selected broadcast channel using said selected virtual channel identification number; and

    acquiring packetized program information comprising a program conveyed on said broadcast sub-channel using said minor number.

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