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 programmes 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 programmes. The decoder may further comprise a modem ( 32 ) and a CD-ROM drive ( 25 a ).

1 . A receiver for receiving a television signal including image data defining an image and information data defining information relating to a plurality of user-selectable services, the receiver being arranged to display an image derived from said image data and information derived from said information data, the image and information representing said plurality of user-selectable services, the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select one of said represented services, a modem selectively connectable to a telephone line and a processor responsive to such user selection for establishing a data connection to a provider of the selected service by connecting the modem to the telephone line.  
   
   
       2 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the television signal includes video data defining a video image, and wherein output signals are produced from received said video data for display of the video picture represented thereby on the television screen while the connection is established.  
   
   
       3 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the television signal includes video data, and said images include at least one video image derived from said video data.  
   
   
       4 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said images comprise a plurality of video images, each representing a corresponding one of the services, for simultaneous display in respective portions of the television screen.  
   
   
       5 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said services comprise television programs and the processor is responsive to said user selection to order the selected television program.  
   
   
       6 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said services comprise television programs and the processor is responsive to said user selection to order the selected television program.  
   
   
       7 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said services comprise television programs and the processor is responsive to said user selection to order the selected television program.  
   
   
       8 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said services comprise television programs and the processor is responsive to said user selection to order the selected television program.  
   
   
       9 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said services include interactive services and the processor is responsive to said user selection to provide the selected interactive service via the data connection to the provider of the selected service.  
   
   
       10 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said services include interactive services and the processor is responsive to said user selection to provide the selected interactive service via the data connection to the provider of the selected service.  
   
   
       11 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said services include interactive services and the processor is responsive to said user selection to provide the selected interactive service via the data connection to the provider of the selected service.  
   
   
       12 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said services include interactive services and the processor is responsive to said user selection to provide the selected interactive service via the data connection to the provider of the selected service.  
   
   
       13 . A receiver for receiving television signals defining television programs in a plurality of channels, the receiver being arranged to produce output signals defining a plurality of video clips representing television programs available in the plural signal channels which output signals are output for display of the clips in respective areas on a television screen, the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select one of the displayed clips and responding to such user selection by storing data to cause the receiver to receive the television signals when the program is transmitted in the corresponding channel for display of the program on a television screen.  
   
   
       14 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein one of the plurality of channels comprises video and information data for a plurality of video clips which video clips each represent a respective program available or to be made available for viewing.  
   
   
       15 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a processor arranged to respond to operation of the selector by storing for a selected video clip viewing data to enable the program to which the selected clip relates to be viewed when video data there for is transmitted in a channel at a scheduled time.  
   
   
       16 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the decoder signals representing a selected one of the video clips are output for display on the television screen and the information data is processed and signals representing scheduling information for the selected clip are output for display on the television screen.  
   
   
       17 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein further operation of the selector causes viewing data to be stored to enable the program represented by the clip to be viewed when video data therefore is transmitted in a channel at a scheduled time.  
   
   
       18 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the viewing data is stored in such a manner as to enable custom channel data to be defined, the receiver being arranged to operate according to the custom channel data depending on operation of the selector.  
   
   
       19 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the viewing data is stored in such a manner as to enable custom channel data to be defined, the receiver being arranged to operate according to the custom channel data depending on operation of the selector.  
   
   
       20 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the viewing data is stored in such a manner as to enable custom channel data to be defined, the receiver being arranged to operate according to the custom channel data depending on operation of the selector.  
   
   
       21 . The receiver as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the viewing data is stored in such a manner as to enable custom channel data to be defined, the receiver being arranged to operate according to the custom channel data depending on operation of the selector.