Video input switching and signal processing apparatus
DCFirst Claim
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1. A method of automatically changing from a first TV program to an alternate TV program at a TV viewer location, comprising the steps of:
- entering, at the viewer location, information regarding a viewing preference;
transmitting a TV program from a source to a viewer location;
receiving the TV program at the viewer location over a first TV channel, the TV program including a pointer to an alternate TV channel providing an alternate TV program with subject matter directly related to the TV program; and
automatically switching the TV program to the alternate TV program using the pointer and the information previously entered by the viewer without requiring any additional viewer intervention at the time of the switching.
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Abstract
An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of automatically changing from a first TV program to an alternate TV program at a TV viewer location, comprising the steps of:
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entering, at the viewer location, information regarding a viewing preference; transmitting a TV program from a source to a viewer location; receiving the TV program at the viewer location over a first TV channel, the TV program including a pointer to an alternate TV channel providing an alternate TV program with subject matter directly related to the TV program; and automatically switching the TV program to the alternate TV program using the pointer and the information previously entered by the viewer without requiring any additional viewer intervention at the time of the switching. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification