Receivers for television signals

Abstract

A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device ( 28 ). The receiver includes a processor ( 23 ) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen. The processor is arranged to respond to user manipulation of the control device by storing data for subsequent viewing of user selected programs. The decoder may further comprise a modem ( 32 ) and a CD-ROM drive ( 25 a ).

1 . A receiver for receiving a television signal comprising video data defining a video picture and information data defining information relating to user selectable services, the receiver being arranged to produce output signals defining an image representing available services for display on a television screen, the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select a displayed service and a modem responsive to such user selection for establishing a connection via a telephone line to a provider of the selected service.  
     
     
         2 . A receiver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein output signals are produced from received video data for display of the video picture represented thereby on a television screen while the connection is established by the modem.