WO2005076595A2

WO2005076595A2 - Method and apparatus for providing automatic format switching according to input aspect ratio

Info

Publication number: WO2005076595A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/002334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Janghwan Lee; James Duane Tenbarge; Carlton Jethro Simmons; Ronald Thomas Keen
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
Priority date: 2004-02-02
Filing date: 2005-01-24
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Also published as: WO2005076595A3

Abstract

A video apparatus (20) such as a television signal receiver is capable of automatically switching video output formats based on the detected aspect ratio of an input video signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the video apparatus (20) includes a memory (25) operative to store software code, and a processor (24) operative to execute the software code to detect an input format of an input video signal. The processor (24) is further operative to process the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and to process the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AUTOMATIC FORMAT SWITCHING ACCORDING TO INPUT ASPECT RATIO

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to and all benefits accruing from a provisional application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 2, 2004, and there assigned serial number 60/541 ,145.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to video apparatuses such as television signal receivers, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus capable of automatically switching video output formats based on the detected aspect ratio of an input video signal.

Background Information Video apparatuses such as television signal receivers are capable of providing video displays via an integrated and/or non-integrated display device. Such video displays have a characteristic known as an "aspect ratio" which refers to the ratio between the width of the display and the height of the display. For example, standard definition video displays may have an aspect ratio of 4x3 (1.33:1), while high definition video displays may have an aspect ratio of 16x9 (1.78:1). Other types of video displays may have different aspect ratios, such as 4x3 letterbox, 16x9 pillar, 16x9 stretched, Cinemascope, etc.

With currently available video apparatuses, input video signals received from different signal sources may have different aspect ratios. For example, an input video signal received from one signal source may have an aspect ratio of 4x3 or 4x3 letterbox, while an input video signal received from another signal source may have an aspect ratio of 16x9, 16x9 pillar, or 16x9 stretched. Such video apparatuses may provide users with a menu option that enables selection of a video output format for each input aspect ratio. For example, for each input aspect ratio, users may select a desired video output format such as stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non-linearly, etc. This type of manual selection process may be confusing for users since they may have difficulty understanding the relationship between input aspect ratios and video output formats. As a result, users may have difficulty selecting the video output format that provides the best fit for each input aspect ratio.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus which avoids the foregoing deficiencies, and is thereby capable of automatically switching video output formats based on the detected aspect ratio of an input video signal. The present invention addresses these and/or other issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for processing an input video signal to generate an output video signal is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises steps of detecting an input format of the input video signal, and processing the input video signal to generate the output video signal in a first output format determined according to the input format of the input video signal and a format of an associated display. According to another exemplary embodiment, the method comprises steps of detecting an input format of the input video signal, processing the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and processing the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a video apparatus is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the video apparatus comprises memory means for storing software code, and processing means for executing the software code to detect an input format of an input video signal. The processing means processes the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and further processes the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a television signal receiver is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver comprises a memory operative to store software code, and a processor operative to execute the software code to detect an input format of an input video signal. The processor is further operative to process the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and to process the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram providing further details of the video apparatus of

FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to a first aspect of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to a second aspect of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to a third aspect of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 , an exemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the present invention is shown. As indicated in FIG. 1 , environment 100 comprises a user input device 10, and a video apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, video apparatus 20 is embodied as a television signal receiver having an integrated display device, but may be embodied as any type of video apparatus or device, including one that does not include an integrated display device (e.g., set-top box, etc.).

User input device 10 is operative to generate and output control signals that control the operation of video apparatus 20 and/or other devices.

According to an exemplary embodiment, user input device 10 includes a plurality of input keys and outputs control signals in a wired and/or wireless (e.g., via infrared or radio frequency (RF) link, etc.) manner responsive to user depression of its input keys. User input device 10 may for example be embodied as a hand-held remote control device, wired and/or wireless keyboard, integrated control panel of video apparatus 20, and/or other user input device.

Video apparatus 20 is operative to receive signals including audio, video and/or data signals having one or more types of analog modulation (e.g., NTSC, PAL, SECAM, etc.) and one or more types of digital modulation (e.g., QPSK, QAM, VSB, etc.) from one or more signal sources such as cable, terrestrial, satellite, internet and/or other signal sources and to provide aural and/or visual outputs corresponding to these received signals. Video apparatus 20 is also operative to process received signals and provide the resulting processed signals to one or more other devices, and to receive signals from other devices.

Video apparatus 20 is further operative to detect an input format including the aspect ratio of an input video signal, and to automatically switch video output formats based on the detected input format of the input video signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, video apparatus 20 processes the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and processes the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal. Further details regarding these aspects of video apparatus 20 will be provided later herein. Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram providing further details of video apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Video apparatus 20 of FIG. 2 comprises front panel means such as front panel assembly (FPA) 21 , amplifying means such as amplifier 22, and input/output (I/O) means such as I/O block 23, processing means such as processor 24, and memory means such as memory 25. Some of the foregoing elements of FIG. 2 may be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs), and some elements may for example be included on one or more ICs. For clarity of description, certain conventional elements associated with video apparatus 20 such as certain control signals, power signals and/or other elements may not be shown in FIG. 2.

FPA 21 is operative to receive user inputs from user input device 10, and to output signals corresponding to the user inputs to amplifier 22. According to an exemplary embodiment, FPA 21 receives signals, such as IR and/or RF signals, from user input device 10 and generates corresponding signals which are output to amplifier 22. Amplifier 22 is operative to amplify the signals provided from FPA 21 for output to processor 24.

I/O block 23 is operative to perform I/O functions of video apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, I/O block 23 is operative to receive signals such as audio, video and/or data signals in analog and digital modulation formats from one or more signal sources such as cable, terrestrial, satellite, internet and/or other signal sources. Although not expressly shown in FIG. 2, I/O block 23 may include a plurality of input terminals each designated to receive signals from a given signal source. For example, I/O block 23 may include separate input terminals for receiving signals from cable, antenna (i.e., terrestrial), satellite, internet and/or other signal sources. I/O block 23 is also operative to output processed signals to one or more other devices, and to receive signals from such devices. Processor 24 is operative to perform various signal processing and control functions of video apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 processes the audio, video and/or data signals provided from I/O block 23 by performing functions including signal tuning, analog and digital demodulation, and other functions to thereby generate data representing audio, video and/or data content. The data produced from such processing functions may be provided for further processing (e.g., MPEG decoding, etc.) and output. Also according to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 detects and processes user inputs provided via user input device 10, and may control its own operations and/or output control signals to control other elements of video apparatus 20 (including elements not shown in FIG. 2) responsive to such user inputs.

Processor 24 is also operative to execute software code that enables it to detect an input format including an aspect ratio of an input video signal. This software code further enables processor 24 to process the input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to the input format of the input video signal, and to process the input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate the output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to the input format of the input video signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may select between the aforementioned first and second modes of operation during a user setup process via user input device 10 and an on-screen menu. In particular, a user may select the first mode of operation, referred to herein as an automatic format switching (AFS) mode, if he/she wants video apparatus 20 to automatically switch between video output formats (e.g., stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non-linearly, etc.) based on the detected aspect ratio (e.g., 4x3, 4x3 letterbox, 16x9, etc.) of the input video signal. In this manner, video apparatus 20 can automatically select an appropriate video output format for each input aspect ratio. The determination of which video output format corresponds to each input aspect ratio in the first mode of operation is a matter of design choice, but should preferably be selected to ensure the best picture fit for the given display device associated with video apparatus 20. For example, if the detected aspect ratio is 16x9 and the aspect ratio of the associated display device is 16x9, the input format should be used as the output format because it is the best picture fit. If the detected aspect ratio is 4x3, the output format may be automatically selected as one of the several formats, such as 4x3, 16x9 stretched horizontally, and 16x9 stretched horizontally and vertically, for display on the 16x9 display device. The aspect ratio of the associated display device may be entered by the user, so that the video apparatus 20 can determine the output format based on the entered aspect ratio of the associated device and the detected aspect ratio of the input video signal. Alternatively, a user may select the second mode of operation, referred to herein as a manual user mode, if he/she wants to manually select a particular video output format for each input aspect ratio. Accordingly, the present invention enables users to select between the AFS mode (i.e., first mode) and the manual user mode (i.e., second mode) based on their preference. Processor 24 is also operative to perform and/or enable other functions of video apparatus 20 including, but not limited to, detecting inputs to video apparatus 20, enabling display of on-screen menus, reading and writing data from and to memory 25, and/or other functions.

Memory 25 is operative to perform data storage functions of video apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory 25 stores data including, but not limited to, software code, on-screen menu data, user setup data (e.g., mode selection data) for video apparatus 20, and/or other data. Memory 25 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory regions.

To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, an example will now be provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, there are four different aspects of the present invention represented in FIGS. 3 to 6, respectively. For purposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 3 to 6 will be described with reference to video apparatus 20 as previously described herein. The steps of FIG. 3 to 6 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart 300 illustrating exemplary steps according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, flowchart 300 of FIG. 3 illustrates a process for detecting an aspect ratio of an input video signal having analog modulation (e.g., NTSC, PAL, SECAM, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As will be described later herein, input video signals having digital modulation (e.g., QPSK, QAM, VSB, etc.) are not detected using the process of FIG. 3, but are detected using the process of FIG. 6. At step 305, the process for detecting the aspect ratio of an input video signal having analog modulation starts. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads certain software code from memory 25 and executes the same to start the aspect ratio detection process at step 305 by processing an input video signal to video apparatus 20.

At step 310, a determination is made as to whether the aspect ratio of the input video signal (i.e., "the input aspect ratio") is 16x9. In general, techniques for detecting input aspect ratios are known in the art, and such techniques may be employed at step 310. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 treats input video signals such as 720p, 1080i, VGA, SVGA, XGA and Cinema (e.g., 1:2.21) signals as having a 16x9 aspect ratio at step 310. Moreover, processor 24 may check the input video signal for its ratio of horizontal picture size to vertical picture size to determine the input aspect ratio at step 310. Those input video signals defining square pixels and having a ratio greater than or equal to 1.5 may be treated as having a16x9 aspect ratio at step 310. The input aspect ratio may also be determined at step 310 by examining data in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the input video signal.

If the determination at step 310 is positive, process flow advances to step 315 where the input aspect ratio is set to 16x9. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 stores data in memory 25 at step 315 to indicate that the input aspect ratio is 16x9.

If the determination at step 310 is negative, process flow advances to step 320 where a determination is made as to whether the aspect ratio of the input video signal is 4x3 letterbox ("LB"). As previously indicated herein, techniques for detecting input aspect ratios are generally known in the art, and such techniques may be employed at step 320. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 may check the input video signal for its ratio of horizontal picture size to vertical picture size to determine the input aspect ratio at step 320. For example, those input video signals having a ratio less than 1.5 may be treated as having a 4x3 or 4x3 letterbox aspect ratio, and a 4x3 aspect ratio may be distinguished from a 4x3 letterbox aspect ratio at step 320 by examining data in the VBI of the input video signal.

If the determination at step 320 is positive, process flow advances to step 325 where the input aspect ratio is set to 4x3 letterbox. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 stores data in memory 25 at step 325 to indicate that the input aspect ratio is 4x3 letterbox.

If the determination at step 320 is negative, process flow advances to step 330 where a determination is made as to whether the aspect ratio of the input video signal is 4x3. As previously indicated herein, techniques for detecting input aspect ratios are generally known in the art, and such techniques may be employed at step 330. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 may check the input video signal for its ratio of horizontal picture size to vertical picture size to determine the input aspect ratio at step 330. For example, those input video signals having a ratio less than 1.5 may be treated as having a 4x3 or 4x3 letterbox aspect ratio, and a 4x3 aspect ratio may be distinguished from a 4x3 letterbox aspect ratio at step 330 by examining data in the VBI of the input video signal.

If the determination at step 330 is positive, process flow advances to step 335 where the input aspect ratio is set to 4x3. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 stores data in memory 25 at step 335 to indicate that the input aspect ratio is 4x3.

If the determination at step 330 is negative, process flow advances to step 340 where the input aspect ratio is set to a default aspect ratio.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the default aspect ratio may be a matter of design choice and processor 24 stores data in memory 25 to set the input aspect ratio to the default aspect ratio at step 340.

From steps 315, 325, 335 and 340, process flow advances to step 345 where an event is generated in software for starting a video format mode decision process of FIG. 4. From step 345, process flow advances to step 350 where the process of FIG. 3 ends. It is noted that any data indicating an input aspect ratio detected in the process of FIG. 3 is passed on to the video format mode decision process of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 illustrating exemplary steps according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, flowchart 400 of FIG. 4 illustrates the video format mode decision process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At step 405, the video format mode decision process starts. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads certain software code from memory 25 and executes the same to start the video format mode decision process at step 405.

At step 410, the current video format mode of video apparatus 20 is detected. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads certain user setup data from memory 25 at step 410 to thereby determine whether the video apparatus 20 is set to the first mode referred to as the AFS mode, or the second mode referred to as the manual user mode. As previously indicated herein, a user may select the AFS mode or the manual user mode through a user setup process of video apparatus 20. In particular, a user may select the AFS mode if he/she wants video apparatus 20 to automatically switch between video output formats (e.g., stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non-linearly, etc.) based on the detected aspect ratio (e.g., 4x3, 4x3 letterbox, 16x9, etc.) of the input video signal. Alternatively, a user may select the manual user mode if he/she wants to manually select a particular video output format (e.g., stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non- linearly, etc.) corresponding to each input aspect ratio (e.g., 4x3, 4x3 letterbox, 16x9, etc.).

Next, at step 415, data indicating the video format mode detected at step 410 and any input aspect ratio detected in the process of FIG. 3 is sent to a video format decision making process of FIG. 5. From step 415, process flow advances to step 420 where the process of FIG. 4 ends.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart 500 illustrating exemplary steps according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, flowchart 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates the video format decision making process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At step 505, the video format decision making process starts. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads certain software code from memory 25 and executes the same to start the video format decision making decision process at step 505.

At step 510, a determination is made as to whether AFS values are initialized. According to an exemplary embodiment, the AFS values are predetermined values used to establish video formats for video output signals of video apparatus 20 when the AFS mode has been selected by a user. Each input aspect ratio includes a set of AFS values. The actual values used for AFS values are a matter of design choice, but should preferably be selected to ensure the best picture fit for the given display device associated with video apparatus 20. According to this exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads data from a predetermined memory region of memory 25 to determine whether the AFS values are initialized at step 510.

If the determination at step 510 is negative, process flow advances to step 515 where the AFS values are read and initialized. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads the AFS values from a non- volatile memory region of memory 25 and causes these values to be initialized in a predetermined memory region of memory 25 at step 515.

From step 515, or if the determination at step 510 is positive, process flow advances to step 520 where a determination is made as to whether the input video signal is an analog modulation signal (e.g., NTSC, PAL, SECAM, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 makes the determination at step 520 by detecting which input terminal of I/O block 23 receives the input video signal. According to this exemplary embodiment, certain input terminals of I/O block 23 may be dedicated to receiving analog modulation signals and other input terminals of I/O block 23 may be dedicated to receiving digital modulation signals. If the determination at step 520 is negative, process flow advances to step 525 where an internal aspect ratio detector is used to detect the aspect ratio of the input video signal. Further details regarding the internal aspect ratio detector of step 525 will be provided later herein with reference to FIG. 6.

From step 525, or if the determination at step 520 is positive, process flow advances to step 530 where a determination is made by processor 24 as to whether the video format mode is set to the AFS mode. As previously indicated herein, a user may select the AFS mode or the manual user mode through a user setup process of video apparatus 20, and data indicating this selection is stored in memory 25. In particular, a user may select the AFS mode if he/she wants video apparatus 20 to automatically switch between video output formats (e.g., stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non-linearly, etc.) based on the detected aspect ratio (e.g., 4x3, 4x3 letterbox, 16x9, etc.) of the input video signal. Alternatively, a user may select the manual user mode if he/she wants to manually select a particular video output format (e.g., stretched horizontally, stretched vertically and horizontally, stretched non-linearly, etc.) for each input aspect ratio (e.g., 4x3, 4x3 letterbox, 16x9, etc.).

If the determination at step 530 is positive, video apparatus 20 is set to the AFS mode (i.e., the first mode), and process flow advances to step 535 where the video format for the video output signal of video apparatus 20 is selected by processor 24 using the AFS values for the input aspect ratio detected using the aspect ratio detection process of FIG. 3 or FIG. 6. As previously indicated herein, the AFS values are predetermined values used to establish video formats for video output signals of video apparatus 20 when the AFS mode has been selected by a user. Each input aspect ratio includes a set of AFS values. The actual values used for the AFS values are a matter of design choice, but should preferably be selected to ensure the best picture fit for the given display device associated with video apparatus 20. As an example, assume that the television is a widescreen TV. If the detected input aspect ratio is 4x3, the set of AFS values may be normal, i.e., using an output format of 4x3, 16x9 stretched horizontally, 16x9 stretched horizontally and vertically, and 16x9 nonlinearly stretched either horizontally or vertically, or both. However, the processor 24 automatically selects one of the AFS values, such as 16x9 stretched horizontally, as the output format. If the detected input aspect ratio is 4x3 letterbox, the same set of AFS values applies, but the processor 24 may select the same or a different output format as in the case for a detected aspect ratio of 4x3. If the input aspect ratio is 16x9, the processor 24 should automatically select the output format of 16x9, which is the best picture fit for the widescreen TV. The format of an associated display device can be a default format, entered in a factory setting, or entered by a user, so that the video apparatus 20 can determine an output format based on the aspect ratio of the associated device and the detected aspect ratio of an input video signal. If the determination at step 530 is negative, video apparatus 20 is set to the manual user mode (i.e., the second mode), and process flow advances to step 540 where a determination is made as to whether the aspect ratio of the input video' signal ("the input aspect ratio") is 16x9. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 has previously made the determination of step 540 using the aspect ratio detection process of FIG. 3 or FIG. 6. If the determination at step 540 is positive, process flow advances to step 545 where the video format manually selected by the user during the user setup process to correspond to an input aspect ratio of 16x9 is selected by processor 24. If the determination at step 540 is negative, process flow advances to step 550 where a determination is made as to whether the input aspect ratio is 4x3 letterbox. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 has previously made the determination of step 550 using the aspect ratio detection process of FIG. 3, as previously described herein. If the determination at step 550 is positive, process flow advances to step 555 where the video format manually selected by the user during the user setup process to correspond to an input aspect ratio of 4x3 letterbox is selected by processor 24. If the determination at step 550 is negative, process flow advances to step 560 where the video format manually selected by the user during the user setup process to correspond to an input aspect ratio of 4x3 is selected by processor 24. From steps 535, 545, 555 and 560 process flow advances to step 565 where the display generated by video apparatus 20 is reinitialized with the applicable updated video format under the control of processor 24. From step 565, process flow advances to step 570 where the process of FIG. 5 ends. Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 illustrating exemplary steps according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, flowchart 600 of FIG. 3 illustrates a process for detecting an aspect ratio of an input video signal having digital modulation (e.g., QPSK, QAM, VSB, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The steps of FIG. 6 are performed by an internal aspect ratio detector of processor 24, and represent the sub-steps of step 525 of FIG. 5.

At step 605, the process for detecting the aspect ratio of an input video signal having digital modulation starts. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 reads certain software code from memory 25 and executes the same to start the aspect ratio detection process at step 605 by processing an input video signal to video apparatus 20.

At step 610, a determination is made as to whether the input video signal includes an MPEG data stream. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 processes the input video signal to make the determination at step 610. For example, processor 24 may look for certain pre-defined data fields in the input video signal to make the determination at step 610.

If the determination at step 610 is positive, process flow advances to step 615 where a determination is made as to whether the MPEG picture header or display extension of the MPEG data stream indicates an aspect ratio of 16x9. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 processes the MPEG data stream by examining the picture header and/or display extension fields to make the determination at step 615.

If the determination at step 615 is positive, process flow advances to step 620 where processor 24 stores data in memory 25 to indicate that the input aspect ratio is 16x9. Alternatively, if the determination at step 615 is negative, process flow advances to step 625 where processor 24 stores data in memory 25 to indicate that the input aspect ratio is 4x3.

Referring back to step 610, if the determination at step 610 is negative, process flow advances to step 630 where a determination is made as to whether the input video signal to video apparatus 20 is an HDMI signal or other input signal having a detectable aspect ratio. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 is able to detect the input aspect ratio of various different types of signals including HDMI signals. Accordingly, processor 24 determines whether it is able to detect the input aspect ratio of the input video signal at step 630. If the determination at step 630 is negative, process flow advances to step 635 where the input aspect ratio is set to the default aspect ratio. As previously indicated herein, the default aspect ratio may be a matter of design choice and processor 24 stores data in memory 25 to set the input aspect ratio to the default aspect ratio at step 635.

If the determination at step 630 is positive, process flow advances to step 640 where the input aspect ratio is set to the detected aspect ratio. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 24 stores data in memory 25 to set the input aspect ratio to the detected aspect ratio at step 640. From steps 620, 625, 635 and 640 process flow advances to step 645 where the process of FIG. 6 ends. Although the steps of FIGS. 3 to 6 specifically refer to aspect ratios of

16x9, 4x3, and 4x3 letterbox, it will be intuitive to those skilled in the art that the inventive concepts of the present invention can also be applied to other aspect ratios such as 16x9 pillar, 16x9 stretched, and other aspect ratios. As described herein, the present invention provides a method and apparatus capable of automatically switching video output formats based on the detected aspect ratio of an input video signal. The present invention may be applicable to various apparatuses, either with or without an integrated display device. Accordingly, the phrases "video apparatus" or "television signal receiver" as used herein may refer to systems or apparatuses including, but not limited to, television sets, computers or monitors that include an integrated display device, and systems or apparatuses such as set-top boxes, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, video game boxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), computers or other apparatuses that may not include an integrated display device. While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing an input video signal to generate an output video signal, comprising: detecting an input format of said input video signal; and processing said input video signal to generate said output video signal in a first output format determined according to said input format of said input video signal and a format of an associated display.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of receiving said format of said associated display.

3. A method for processing an input video signal to generate an output video signal, comprising: detecting ah input format of said input video signal; processing said input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate said output video signal in a first output format determined in response to said input format of said input video signal; and processing said input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate said output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to said input format of said input video signal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said input format includes an aspect ratio.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said aspect ratio includes one of 16x9, 4x3, and 4x3 letterbox.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said detecting step includes examining data in a vertical blanking interval of said input video signal.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein said detecting step includes examining data in a packet header of said input video signal.

8. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of enabling a display using said output video signal.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said processing step during said first mode of operation determines said first output format according to said input format and a format of the display.

10. A video apparatus (20), comprising: memory means (25) for storing software code; processing means (24) for executing said software code to detect an input format of an input video signal; and wherein said processing means (24) processes said input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to said input format of said input video signal, and further processes said input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate said output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to said input format of said input video signal.

1 1. The video apparatus (20) of claim 10, wherein said input format includes an aspect ratio.

12. The video apparatus (20) method of claim 11 , wherein said aspect ratio includes one of 16x9, 4x3, and 4x3 letterbox.

13. The video apparatus (20) of claim 10, wherein said processing means (24) detects said input format by examining data in a vertical blanking interval of said input video signal.

14. The video apparatus (20) of claim 10, wherein said processing means (24) detects said input format by examining data in a packet header of said input video signal.

15. The video apparatus (20) of claim 10, wherein said processing means (24) further enables a display using said output video signal.

16. The video apparatus (20) of claim 15, wherein said processing means

(24) determines said first output format according to said input format and a format of the display.

17. A television signal receiver (20), comprising: a memory (25) operative to store software code; a processor (24) operative to execute said software code to detect an input format of an input video signal; and wherein said processor (24) is further operative to process said input video signal during a first mode of operation to generate an output video signal in a first output format determined in response to said input format of said input video signal, and to process said input video signal during a second mode of operation to generate said output video signal in a second output format selected by a user to correspond to said input format of said input video signal.

18. The television signal receiver (20) of claim 17, wherein said input format includes an aspect ratio.

19. The television signal receiver (20) method of claim 18, wherein said aspect ratio includes one of 16x9, 4x3, and 4x3 letterbox.

20. The television signal receiver (20) of claim 17, wherein said processor (24) detects said input format by examining data in a vertical blanking interval of said input video signal.

21. The television signal receiver (20) of claim 17, wherein said processor (24) detects said input format by examining data in a packet header of said input video signal.

22. The television signal receiver (20) of claim 17, wherein said processor (24) is further operative to enable a display using said output video signal.

23. The television signal receiver (20) of claim 22, wherein said processor (24) determines said first output format according to said input format and a format of the display.