KR20020000602A - Digital setbox capable of memorizing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A digital set-top-box capable of storing program is provided to include a storage such as hard disk for storing program and to store a program that a subscriber wants to store in it. CONSTITUTION: A digital set-top-box(100) includes a demodulator(110) for receiving broadcasting signals transmitted through media to demodulate the signals into baseband, a processor(120) for dividing MPEG-2 signal sent from the demodulator into a video signal, audio signal and other service signals and processing the signals, and a controller(150) for outputting a control signal according to a signal applied from a user interface delivering the operation of a user. The digital set-top-box further has a storage(130) for storing the digital broadcasting signals according to the control signal generated by the controller, and an output unit(140) for decoding the audio data, video data and other data output from the processor to output a digital signal or analog signal.

Description

Programmable digital set-top box {DIGITAL SETBOX CAPABLE OF MEMORIZING PROGRAM}

The present invention relates to a digital set-top box, and more particularly, to a digital set-top box capable of storing a program to allow a viewer to store and output a desired broadcast in the digital set-top box.

At the present stage of the advanced information age, nations are building information highways to promote national informatization and social informatization to enhance national competitiveness. In Korea, new media services such as comprehensive cable broadcasting and satellite broadcasting have begun, and the multi-media multi-channel era has arrived. Accordingly, technology development for introducing interactive multimedia services such as video-on-demand (VOD) or game-on-demand (GOD) using CATV or telephone line is actively progressing.

CATV, which uses broadband cable as a medium, is widely gaining popularity because it can provide interactive multimedia services with little facility investment thanks to the development of digital communication technology. Data compression and digital transmission methods, servers, video switches, set-top boxes, and communication protocols should be developed.

The interactive CATV system provides various video information services such as movies, games, home shopping and home banking in real time by using optical and coaxial transmission networks, which are broadband bidirectional communication networks, and is compatible with the analog CATV system currently being broadcast. To this end, the 54MHz ~ 450MHz frequency band is allocated to the analog CATV, the 450MHz ~ 750MHz frequency band is assigned to the digital CATV channel, and the 5MHz ~ 40MHz frequency band is allocated to the uplink communication channels of analog and digital CATV. In this case, the conventional analog CATV uses 17.9 MHz to 29.6 MHz for the uplink frequency band and 126.15 MHz to 137.85 MHz for the downlink frequency band for communication and control.

On the other hand, the set-top box is composed of a complex that can receive services for interactive services and digital / analog networks at the same time.

Referring to FIG. 1, the general set top box 10 includes a demodulator 20, a processor 30, an output 40, and a controller 50.

The demodulator 20 includes a QPSK demodulator 21 for demodulating a satellite signal transmitted from a broadcast satellite so as to receive each broadcast signal transmitted through each medium (broadcast satellite, terrestrial, cable) and demodulate it to a baseband, And a VSB demodulator 22 for demodulating the terrestrial signal transmitted from the broadcasting station, and a QAM demodulator 23 for demodulating the cable signal transmitted from the cable broadcasting station.

The processor 30 outputs the MPEG-2 signal transmitted from the demodulator 20 into a video signal, an audio signal, and other service signals (program guide, text information, and other additional services) to be processed separately from the demodulator 20. CAS (Conditional Access), which controls the MPEG-2 demultiplexer (31) and MPEG-2 demultiplexer (31) for separating digital broadcast signals into audio and video data and other data, and is responsible for the paid reception function of digital satellite broadcasting. System) 32.

The output unit 40 includes an MPEG-2 video decoder 41 which decodes a signal for outputting video data separated and transmitted from the MPEG-2 demultiplexer 31 of the processor 30 to a display device (not shown). , An MPEG-2 audio decoder 42 for decoding a signal to output audio data transmitted separately from the MPEG-2 demultiplexer 31 to a display device, and a D / A converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal ( 43 and a plurality of output ports 44.

The control unit 50 outputs a control signal in accordance with a signal input from the user interface unit 51 for transmitting a user's operation, and the central processing unit 52 for overall control of each component. And a modem 53 capable of transmitting data through communication.

However, such a conventional digital set-top box has a problem that the subscriber can watch the program only during the broadcast time because the program can be viewed only in real time.

In addition, the conventional digital set-top box does not have a recording function, there was another problem that can be recorded only by connecting an external recording device (VCR, etc.).

In addition, the conventional digital set-top box has another problem that can not watch multiple channels at the same time because only one channel can be tuned to watch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and includes a storage means such as a hard disk capable of storing a program in a digital set-top box, and enables the subscriber to store a program to be stored in the storage means. It is for convenience.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a user with convenience by allowing the digital set-top box to have a plurality of outputs within the allowable limits of the system so that the program can be viewed in real time and stored programs simultaneously.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a conventional digital set-top box

2 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital set-top box capable of storing a program according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

100: digital set-top box 110: demodulator

120: processor 121: MPEG-2 demultiplexer

130: storage unit 131: storage controller

132: hard disk 140: output unit

142: MPEG-2 Video Decoder 143: MPEG-2 Audio Decoder

150: control unit 151: user interface unit

152: central processing unit

Features of the present invention for achieving the above objects,

A demodulator configured to receive respective broadcast signals transmitted through the respective media and demodulate them into base bands;

A processor for separating and processing the MPEG-2 signal transmitted from the demodulator into a video signal, an audio signal, and other service signals;

A control unit for outputting a control signal according to a signal input from a user interface unit for transmitting a user's operation;

A storage unit for storing a digital broadcast signal input from the demodulator according to a control signal generated and output from the controller in order to store a program, and separated by audio and video data and other data in the processing unit;

And an output unit for decoding the audio and video data and other data output from the storage unit or the processing unit and outputting the decoded digital signal or an analog signal.

Here, the control unit,

Displaying a program schedule using the other data according to the user's operation, and when the user sets a program that you want to save, the program is controlled in the storage time zone to store the program in the storage unit, the storage unit Lists a plurality of stored programs and displays them to the user, and displays them when the user selects a particular program.The program that the user periodically watches after collecting statistics of the program watched by the user is collected by the user Even if it is not delivered, it is stored in the storage unit, and a program broadcast in real time according to a user's selection is also stored in the storage unit for a predetermined time.

Here also the storage unit,

A hard disk storing the digital broadcast signal;

And a storage controller selectively outputting the digital broadcast signal to the hard disk or a plurality of output units under the control of the controller.

Here, the output unit,

A plurality of output means comprising a pair of an MPEG-2 video decoder for decoding the video data and an MPEG-2 audio decoder for decoding the audio data;

A D / A converter connected to each said MPEG-2 video decoder and said MPEG-2 audio decoder of each said output means;

It consists of an output port connected to each said D / A converter.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a digital set-top box capable of program storage according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the digital set-top box 100 according to the present invention includes a demodulator 110, a processor 120, a storage 130, an output 140, and a controller 150. .

The demodulator 110 includes a QPSK demodulator 111 for demodulating a satellite signal transmitted from a broadcast satellite so as to receive each broadcast signal transmitted through each medium (broadcast satellite, terrestrial, cable) and demodulate it to a baseband; And a VSB demodulator 112 for demodulating the terrestrial signal transmitted from the broadcasting station, and a QAM demodulator 113 for demodulating the cable signal transmitted from the cable broadcasting station.

The processor 120 outputs the MPEG-2 signal transmitted from the demodulator 110 into a video signal, an audio signal, and other service signals (program guide, text information, other additional services), and processes the MPEG-2 signal. An MPEG-2 demultiplexer 121 for separating digital broadcast signals into audio and video data and other data, and a CAS 122 for paying reception function of digital satellite broadcasting by controlling the MPEG-2 demultiplexer 121. It consists of.

The storage unit 130 includes a storage controller 131 and a hard disk 132. When the user wants to store a program and the control signal is input from the control unit 150, the storage controller 131 is input from the demodulator 110 and is separated from the audio and video data and other data by the processor 120. A hard disk 132 or a plurality of output units 140 connected to an output terminal of the MPEG-2 demultiplexer 121 to store a signal and storing digital broadcast signals according to a control signal output from the controller 150. Output

The output unit 140 includes a plurality of output means 141, a plurality of D / A converters 144, and a plurality of output ports 145.

The plurality of output means 141 decodes a signal to output video data output from the hard disk 132 to the display apparatus (not shown) through the storage controller 131 of the storage 130. An MPEG-2 audio decoder 143 which decodes a signal for outputting audio data output from the hard disk 132 to the display apparatus through the video decoder 142 and the storage controller 131 of the storage unit 130. Each pair is provided. Each D / A converter 144 is connected to each MPEG-2 video decoder 142 and MPEG-2 audio decoder 143 of each output means 141 to convert a digital signal into an analog signal. Each output port 145 is connected to each D / A converter 144 to output digital signals and analog signals.

The controller 150 includes a user interface unit 151, a central processing unit 152, and a modem 153. The user interface unit 151 transmits a user's operation. The central processing unit 152 controls each component as a whole, and in particular, when a control command is transmitted from the user interface unit 151 according to the user's operation, the program processing table is displayed by using other data, and the user wishes to store it. When the program is set, the storage unit 130 is controlled in the broadcast time zone thereof to store the program in the hard disk 132 of the storage unit 130. In addition, the central processing unit 152 lists a plurality of programs stored in the hard disk 132 and displays them to the user, and displays them when the user selects a particular program. In addition, the central processing unit 152 collects the history of the program watched by the user and collects statistics, and the program that the user periodically watches is stored in the hard disk 132 even if the user does not transmit a separate storage command. According to the selection of the program is broadcast in real time is also stored in the hard disk 132 for a predetermined time. The modem 153 transmits or receives data through communication.

Hereinafter, the operation of a digital set-top box capable of storing a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

First, when a user operates a remote controller (not shown) or an operation panel (not shown) to view a broadcast channel schedule (program name, start date and time, end date and time), the central processing unit 152 of the controller 150 controls the hard disk 132. Is displayed on a display device such as a television.

When the user selects a program to be stored, that is, recorded, the central processing unit 152 controls the storage controller 131 to serve as an MPEG-2 of the processing unit 120 through the demodulator 110 at the broadcast time of the corresponding program. The digital broadcast signal output from the neutralizer 121 is stored in the hard disk 132.

In this state, when the user again transmits an operation command to view a program stored in the hard disk 132 using a remote controller or the like, the central processing unit 152 lists the programs stored in the hard disk 132 and displays them. When the user selects a specific program, the digital broadcast signal is output so that the user can watch the stored program through the display device. At this time, the central processing unit 152 outputs a control signal and displays on the screen whether the broadcast program is a live broadcast or a recorded broadcast.

Meanwhile, the central processing unit 152 collects the history of programs watched by the user, collects statistics, selects programs to be watched mainly, and automatically stores the programs on the hard disk 132, or the current viewing according to a user's selection. The program being stored may be stored in the hard disk 132 for a predetermined time.

In addition, the central processing unit 152 simultaneously outputs a plurality of programs stored in the hard disk 132 and programs currently being broadcast to a plurality of display apparatuses through respective output means 141 of the output unit 140 according to a user's selection. Output to another storage medium.

As described above, according to the digital set-top box capable of storing a program according to the present invention, the digital set-top box may include a storage means such as a hard disk capable of storing a program in the digital set-top box, and store a program desired by the subscriber in the storage means. By doing so, the subscriber's convenience can be achieved.

In addition, according to the present invention, a digital set-top box may be provided with a plurality of output units within the allowable limit of the system, thereby providing convenience to a user by simultaneously viewing a program that is broadcast in real time and stored programs.

Claims (5)

A demodulator configured to receive respective broadcast signals transmitted through the respective media and demodulate them into base bands; A processor for separating and processing the MPEG-2 signal transmitted from the demodulator into a video signal, an audio signal, and other service signals; A control unit for outputting a control signal according to a signal input from a user interface unit for transmitting a user's operation; A storage unit for storing a digital broadcast signal input from the demodulator according to a control signal generated and output from the controller in order to store a program, and separated by audio and video data and other data in the processing unit; And an output unit for decoding the audio and video data and other data output from the storage unit or the processing unit and outputting the decoded audio and video data as a digital signal or an analog signal. The method of claim 1, The control unit, Displaying a program schedule using the other data according to the user's operation, and when the user sets a program that you want to save, the program is controlled in the storage time zone to store the program in the storage unit, the storage unit A digital set-top box capable of storing a program that lists a plurality of stored programs and displays them to the user and displays the selected program when the user selects a specific program. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit, After collecting the history of the program watched by the user, and collecting statistics, the program that the user periodically watches is stored in the storage without the user transmitting a separate storage command, and the program broadcasted in real time according to the user's selection A digital set-top box capable of storing a program, characterized in that for storing for a predetermined time. The method of claim 1, The storage unit, A hard disk storing the digital broadcast signal; And a storage controller for selectively outputting the digital broadcast signal to the hard disk or a plurality of output units under the control of the controller. The method of claim 1, The output unit, A plurality of output means comprising a pair of an MPEG-2 video decoder for decoding the video data and an MPEG-2 audio decoder for decoding the audio data; A D / A converter connected to each said MPEG-2 video decoder and said MPEG-2 audio decoder of each said output means; Digital set-top box capable of program storage consisting of output ports connected to each of the D / A converter.