MXPA97005547A - Apparatus and method for controlling the presentation of the electr program guide - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved apparatus is provided to achieve improved convenience for controlling the presentation of an electrical program guide with a smaller number of tamper keys. An EPN mode for presenting the electric program guide includes a main mode for presenting the program information in a main window, a command mode for presenting the EPN control icons in a command window, and an entry mode for present an entry window for entry manipulation that corresponds to a specific command article. And the operation is movable towards any of these modes selected by the manipulation of a command key or an EXE key. In the main mode, either a mode is set to present the information of the broadcast program or a way to present the information of the registered program on the basis of the data of the library of the

Description

"APPARATUS AND METHOD TO CONTROL THE PRESENTATION OF THE ELECTRICAL PROGRAM GUIDE" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electric program guide presentation control apparatus and a method for controlling the presentation of the electric program guide to manage the information of a multiplicity of broadcast programs and also the information of programs registered by a VTR (Video Tape Registration Device) and then play a presentation output of this information administered as a program box. 2. Description of Related Art Television broadcast programs and so on are transmitted to users through space or through cable television (CATV) via cable. A user then selects a desired program from those of the transmission channels and sees the selected program in a television receiver or registers it by means of a VTR. In this case, it is usually customary for the user to make a selection of the desired program, while reading a printed program box. However, as seen in a cable television broadcasting system, for example, the number of transmission channels rises to a maximum of 150 or so and it is not easy for the user to search for a desired program of a program box where they list programs of v.gr., 150 channels. For the purpose of performing an easy search for a desired program, a technique of inserting the data of a program box of each channel and a vertical suppression interval of a video signal of a specific channel is proposed so as not to cause no disturbance to the television signal of the program. Meanwhile, on the receiving side, the user presents the data of the program picture transmitted on a television screen and after the search of the channel, selects a desired program of the channel. This data of the program picture is also called an electric program guide. The program information in this electric program guide includes, for example, names of programs intended to be broadcast from the receiving stations and broadcast time intervals corresponding to the programs, respectively.

The user selects a desired program, while observing the electric program guide presented on the screen, and then receives and views the selected broadcast program or reserves a timed record of the selected program. It can be considered in a natural way that, in relation to any video tape (cassette tape) where some broadcast programs have been registered, the user wishes to refer to them, as a guide to the electrical program, with respect to the information of the program that represents the names of the registered programs and the order of registration of the same. To fill this requirement, an apparatus is proposed where, on the VTR side for example, the information related to the program recorded on the videotape is stored in a predetermined area on the magnetic tape, and subsequently the area of this information The program is played back so that the program information recorded on the videotape is presented. However, the aforementioned function is an independent one that is additional to the VTR and is different from the presentation function of the aforementioned electric program guide. For any user that uses an AV system equipped with this function of presenting the electric program guide, for example it is preferred that the functions are handled integrally, since the presentation function of the electric program guide and the presentation function of the program information registered in VTR are mutually identical at the point of presentation of the information in relation to the programs. For exampleIf the presentation functions of two programs are treated comprehensively as a guide to the electrical program, the user is able to refer more easily to the information in relation to all the programs. In any of the electric program guides that are known up to now, the presentation of an electric program picture is carried out using the entire presentation screen. In this case, when the functions supplied to service an electric program guide are carried out by command manipulation to carry out a change of the content of the presented program information, the recovery thereof and several graduations in accordance with the items of the classified program information, the entire image on the screen is changed according to the content of this command and therefore, it is done quite differently from the previous content presented previously to it, thus causing a problem of inconvenience for the user. This problem becomes more conspicuous with the advanced diversification of information that will be presented as a guide to the electric program or with accelerated diversification of functions. As regards the control of several graduations and so on in a guide of the electric program, it has become customary that first an individual button or cursor is presented corresponding to the function to be controlled, and then that a manipulation retained in the image by using a remote controller or similar. In this case, the number of buttons that will be presented or the number of keys on a remote controller manipulated by the user is increased in accordance with the anticipated diversification that functions to complicate consequently manipulation. In order to avoid this intricate manipulation, a technique of using a common button for a plurality of functions can be devised. However, in this case also, there are some difficulties for the appropriate operation of the key to be manipulated if the presentation format is not taken into consideration, whereby the user can be confused.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to obtain an improved apparatus and method adapted to achieve improved convenience for controlling the presentation of an electric program guide. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for presenting the electric program guide comprising: a means of storing information of the broadcast program for storing, with information of the broadcast program, the related information with the broadcast programs extracted from predetermined positions of the video signals; a means of storing information of the registered program for storage, such as registered program information, information relating to the broadcast programs registered in the recording medium; another means of storing information of the registered program for storing the recorded program information produced including the record history information in relation to the broadcast programs registered in the record medium; and a presentation control means capable of presenting, as a guide of the electric program to provide information related to the program, the information of the program in relation both to the broadcast programs and to the registered programs on the basis of the information of the program of diffusion stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program and also the registered program information stored in the storage medium of the registered program information. In this apparatus, the display control means is capable of presenting, as a guide to the electrical program, at least one program information area in the form of a window for presenting the program information, a control area in the form of a window to present articles to select a manipulation command in relation to the program guide, and an entry area in the form of a window to present articles to admit a required parameter corresponding to the selected manipulation command. The apparatus of the present invention further comprises a manipulation means for controlling the manipulation required in the presented image of the electric program guide. This manipulation means comprises a first mode change manipulator for selectively changing the operation to a display mode of the electric program guide or a normal picture display mode; a second mode change handler for selectively changing the operation in a way where manipulation in the information area * of the program becomes active in the electric program guide presentation mode, or a mode in which manipulation in the command area it becomes active in the presentation mode of the electric program guide; a third mode change manipulator for selectively changing the operation to a mode where a manipulation in the control area becomes active, or to a mode where a manipulation in the entry area becomes active; and a cursor movement manipulator adapted for manipulation in relation to at least the movement of a cursor or the graduation of the parameters in the program information area, the control area and the input area. And according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for presenting the electric program guide that carries out the presentation control: storing the information of the broadcast program in relation to the broadcast programs extracted from predetermined positions of the video signals; store, as the information of the registered program, the information related to the broadcast programs registered in the registration medium; and present, as a guide to the electric program to provide information related to the program, the program information related to both the broadcast programs and the registered programs based on the information of the stored broadcast program and also the information of the related registered program. In the aforementioned constitution, both the information of the broadcast program and the information of the program registered in the similar videotape can be processed by a single function of the electric program guide. The presentation format of the electric program guide is different from that known where the program guide presented in the entire image on the screen is completely changed in accordance with the presentation content, and instead, the guide is divided in a presentation area of the program guide, a command presentation area and an input presentation area on the screen. And it becomes possible to carry out the different control manipulations with respect to the electric program guide in any of the presentation areas. In addition, the manipulation means may be composed only of a small number of keys, such as those necessary to shift the operation in a selected graduated mode in the electric program guide, and address indicator handlers such as cursor keys to support indications towards up, down, to the left and to the right. The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which will be provided with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a functional diagram showing a structural example of a display control apparatus of the electrical program guide according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a handling portion of the EPN control key in a remote controller; Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram, similar to a graph showing the transitions of the modes in the EPN; Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the transitions of the modes in EPN with presentation formats; Figures 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the content of the presentation in a MAIN window; Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the examples of concrete presentation formats of a MAIN window and a FOB window; Figures 7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams showing the functions assigned to the keys in a MAIN mode; Figures 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams showing the content of the presentation in the command window; Figures 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing the content of the presentation in an ENTRY window; Figures 10A to 10E are explanatory diagrams showing the examples of manipulations in the EPN; Figures HA to 11F are explanatory diagrams showing other examples of manipulations in the EPN; Figure 12 is a flow chart showing a processing operation for presenting the EPN; Figure 13 is a flow chart showing another processing operation for presenting the EPN; Figure 14 is a flow chart showing an additional processing operation for presenting the EPN; and Figure 15 is a flow chart showing a still further processing operation for presenting the EPN.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 15. Explanations thereof are given in the following order. 1. Structural example of the presentation control device of the electric program guide according to the modality. 2. Transition of the EPN mode in mode 3. Explanation of the main window 4. Explanation of the command window 5. Explanation of the input window 6. Examples of handling in the EPN 7. Explanation of the processing operation. 1. Structural example of the presentation control device of the electric program guide according to the modality. Figure 1 is a functional diagram showing a structural example of an electric program guide presentation control apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this modality, as will be described later, the information of the broadcast programs and the information of the programs registered in a video tape through a VTR, are sent to be presented as a guide of the electric program. This program guide will be referred to as EPN (Electric Program Navigator), which is presented below. In Figure 1, the diffusion waves received by an antenna 1 are supplied to a tuner 2, wherein a received channel is selectively tuned. A video signal in the channel selected in this way is supplied to both the video processor 4 and an EPN controller 8, while an audio signal is supplied to an audio processor 3. The audio signal supported in the audio processor 3 is processed in a predetermined manner and then supplied as a audio signal, Audio Output therefrom. The audio processor 3 is connected to an audio recording / playback head H ^ in a VTR 11. And in a recording mode, the audio signal processed in the audio processor 3 is supplied to the recording head H ^ / audio playback, which then records the audio signal on the magnetic tape. Meanwhile, in the playback mode, the audio processor 3 is supplied with the audio signal reproduced from the magnetic tape T by the head E ^ of audio recording / playback and, after processing the input signal in a manner default, it supplies an audio output signal, Output Audio, from it. The video processor 4 is capable of processing the input video signal in a predetermined manner and then supplying the processed video signal to a video registration / playback HV head in the VTR 11 and also to a presentation 5 on the screen (OSD). In this case, as a registration operation of the VTR 11 in the registration mode, the video signal processed in the video processor 4 is supplied to the video recording / playback head HV in order to be registered in the tape Magnetic T Meanwhile, in the playback mode, the video processor 4 is supplied with a video signal reproduced from the magnetic T-strip by the HV video recording / playback head, and after processing the input signal, it supplies the signal processed and the presentation device 5 on the screen (OSD). In the display device 5 on the screen, a video signal representing a required character, symbol or the like is superimposed on the video signal supplied from the video processor 4, whereby the character, symbol or the like is superimposed. in a predetermined position on the image that is being presented in a monitor unit 12. A video switch 6 selectively switches or composes the normal video signal sent from the display device 5 on the screen (the video signal obtained through the reception and selection of channel in the tuner 2, or the reproduced video signal in the VTR 11) and the video signal of the EPN image sent from an EPN controller 8 mentioned below. In the video switch 6 employed in this mode, it is possible to compose the video signal of the EPN image sent from the EPN controller 8 with the video signal sent from the display device 5 on the screen, imposing in this way the EPN video signal in the normal image on the display screen of the monitor unit 12 to consistently present the EPN image in the form of a window. The monitor unit 12 presents the video signal supplied thereto from the video switch 6. In the VTR 11, the audio and video signals supplied respectively from the audio processor 3 of the video processor 4 are recorded on the magnetic tape T by the audio recording / playback head Hj ^ and the recording / playback head Hy of video, respectively. In addition, the audio and video signals recorded on the magnetic video tape T are reproduced therefrom by the audio record / play head H ^ and the video recording / playback head Hy, respectively, and are then supplied to the video recording / playback head. audio processor 3 and video processor 4, respectively. In this embodiment, a control action is performed for recording and playback in the VTR 11 in a controller 7 of the tuner / timer, and the program of the channel received and selected by the tuner 2 can be recorded through the action of controller 7 control of the tuner / timer. Also, due to the control action of the tuner / timer controller 7, the broadcast program (of the channel received and selected by the tuner 2) can be recorded with timed reservation based on a designated selection channel, a time of reserved record and so on. A control head of the VTR 11 registers and / or reproduces a control signal generated in response to a vertical synchronization signal and used to achieve synchronism in the playback modeIn addition, it records, in this mode, a data signal in the information of the registration program sent from a controller 9 of the system in such a way as to superimpose this data signal on the control signal. And in the reproduction mode, the control head He reproduces the data signal of the recorded registration program information together with the control signal in the control track of the magnetic tape T, and then supplies the reproduced data signal to system controller 9. The tuner / timer controller 7 serves to control a selection of the tuner channel 2, and a timer registration reservation of the VTR 11. The EPN controller 8 performs control of the output of the EPN display device and the presentation of the same. In this embodiment, the data signals of the electric program guide used as guidance information in relation to the broadcast programs are inserted in predetermined horizontal lines during the vertical suppression interval of the video signal sent from the transmitting side. Then, the EPN controller 8 is supplied with the video signal obtained through the reception and selection of channel by the tuner 2 and, after extracting the component of the signal from the electric program guide data from the signal of video, decodes the component of the extracted signal in order to acquire the data of the electric program guide. The data of the electric program guide decoded in this way is stored in a data memory 10. If necessary, an EPN video signal is produced by reading the data from the electric program guide stored in the data memory 10 (and the data from the tape library mentioned below) and then supplied to the switch 6 of video, whereby the EPN is presented in unit 12 of the monitor. The controller 9 of the system consists of a microcomputer for example and serves to control the processing of each function circuit. The system controller 9 is equipped with a receiver not shown receiving an input signal transmitted from a remote controller 13 as the command information. And in response to this command information, the controller 9 of the system carries out a control action for each of the function circuits described above. The data memory 10 consists of a non-volatile memory for example and has an area for storing the data of the electric program guide in relation to the broadcast program obtained in the EPN controller 8 as mentioned. This modality is constituted in such a way that, when the registration dissemination program via VTR 11, required data (which will be referred to below as the tape library data) in relation to the registration program, occurs in the EPN controller 8 as a registration event in such a way as to ensure proper reciprocity to the video tape when the program is recorded, and this tape library data is stored in the data memory 10. For this purpose, the data memory 10 includes a tape library memory 10a as an area for storing the data of the tape library. Next, the data of the "electrical" program guide in relation to the broadcast programs and the tape library data will be referred to jointly as an EPN data.

Regarding the content of the tape library data, the data required to achieve the appropriate reciprocity to the videotape registered in the program includes the data of the cassette number of the videotape registered in the program and also the data indicating the order of registration of the programs recorded on the videotape. In the case of this modality, it is necessary to provide, by means of the aforementioned control head He, at least the data of the cassette number and the program data representing the identities of the registered programs and the registration initiation positions of the program. the same ones in the videotape. Regarding the information related to each of the registered programs, several data can be considered including the name of the program, the times of initiation and termination and so on. This information related to the programs can be produced on the basis of the data of the electric program guide that corresponds respectively to the registered programs. The remote controller 13 is equipped with different keys to carry out the required manipulations with respect to the respective operations of the function circuits shown in this diagram, and a command signal composed of infrared rays or electric waves is transmitted by means of One manipulation of each key. Figure 2 illustrates the positions of the keys placed on a key board of the remote counter-carrier 13 to carry out the different manipulations as will be described later, in an EPN image according to this embodiment. In this diagram, an EPN key 13-1, a control key 13-2 and a game lever 13A are shown. The EPN key 13-1 is used to selectively change the operation to a "normal mode" to present a normal picture (image obtained through the reception and selection of channel by tuner 2, or the image reproduced by the VTR 11). ), or to an "EPN mode" to present an EPN image. The key 13-2 is provided to move the operation in the "EPN mode" to the MAIN window (MAIN mode) or a COMMAND window (FOB mode). The game lever 13A comprises four direction indicator keys including an up key 13A-1, a down key 13A-2, a right key 13A-3 and a left key 13A-4, and an EXE key 13A-5. The keys that indicate the four directions are used to move a bar or cursor of mentioned color that is presented in the EPN image in accordance with the handling direction of each key, and also to increase or decrease a numerical value of input or On / off setting using the up key 13A-1 or the down key 13A-2. Next, these four-way indicator keys will be referred to together as cursor keys since they are used primarily to move a color bar or cursor. And the EXE key 13A-5 is used to move the operation with an EPN image to the COMMAND window (COMMAND mode) or an ENTRY window (INPUT mode) as will be described later. 2. EPN Mode Transition in Mode Referring next to Figures 3 and 4, an explanation will be provided in a mode transition of the EPN in this mode. Figure 3 is a graph showing the concept of a transition of the EPN mode in this mode, and Figure 4 shows a transition of the EPN mode together with the presentation of a window in an EPN image. In Figures 3 and 4, the normal mode is a regular one to present an image obtained through the reception and selection of channel by the tuner 2 or the video image reproduced by VTR 11 as described. In this mode, an EPN mode is graduated to present an EPN image in contrast to the normal mode. The selective change of the operation to the normal mode or the EPN mode is carried out by manipulating the EPN key 13-1 shown in Figure 2. In the EPN mode, there is also a MAIN mode, a COMMAND mode and an INPUT mode. In this mode, when you change the state from the normal mode to the EPN mode by manipulating the EPN key 13-1, the operation first enters the MAIN mode as seen in Figures 3 and 4. In the MAIN mode , for example, a MAIN Wl window is displayed inside the P image on the screen, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the image in the normal mode for example is continuously displayed in any other area of the image P , other than the Wl PRINCIAPAL window. In a modification, a blue background will also be presented. In the Wl MAIN window, the program information of the electric program guide (program information of the planned broadcast) is presented in accordance with a presentation mode based on a presentation format, and also the program information already registered in the VTR video tape 11 of the related apparatus is presented in accordance with a navigation mode. In this case, the navigation modes selectable in the MAIN mode include as shown in Figure 3, "All the channel navigates", "This channel navigates", "All the tape navigates" and "This tape navigates", of the which definitions will be described later. If the 13-2 command key causes manipulation during the MAIN mode that is selected in the EPN mode, the operation changes from a MAIN mode to the COMMAND mode as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this state, the WAND window W2 is also displayed in addition to the MAIN Wl window, as shown in Figure 4. This FOB mode is selected when a specific desired manipulation is carried out in relation to the EPN, and the various control items are they are presented inside the WAND window W2 to carry out the specific manipulation. In the display state of Figure 4 during the COMMAND mode, the content in the MAIN Wl window is represented by oblique lines, while the content in the COMMAND W2 window is expressed in white characters in a colored background, giving to understand that the WAND window W2 is an active one where a certain presentation is carried out to indicate that a manipulation is effective with the cursor key shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, a total of six articles of description are described. manipulation with respect to the WAND window W2, such as [source change / extension change] [establishment of EPN], which will be mentioned later. Then, when the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulated during this FOB mode in the EPN mode and in the state where a certain specific handling item is selected, the operation is shifted from the FOB mode to the LOAD mode. INPUT as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this INPUT mode, an INPUT window W3 is also presented in addition to WID windows W1 and W2 as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the W3 window of ENTRY becomes active as seen from the content of the presentation device in the W3 window of ENTRY alone that is expressed with white characters in a colored background. The INPUT mode is selected to support a similar required parameter that pertains to the manipulation article specified in a WAND window W2, for example, and a presentation is made in the INPUT W3 window in order to admit the input of this parameter. In Figure 3, a total of six input items are described with respect to the W3 window being ENTERED, such as [rec entry] ... [tape editing], which will be mentioned below. Upon completion of the appropriate input of the required parameter or after a manipulation of the EXE key 13A-5 during the INPUT mode, the operation is shifted to the COMMAND mode. When the EPN key 13-1 is manipulated during any mode that is selected in the EPN mode, the operation is returned directly to the normal mode. 3. Explanation of the MAIN window An explanation of certain specific presentation formats of the MAIN Wl window, the WAND window W2 and the W3 window of ENTRY, each presented as an EPN image as described in Figures 3, will be provided below. and 4. First, the MAIN Wl window will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 5A shows the divided presentation areas of the MAIN Wl window illustrated in the Figure. As shown in this diagram for example, the MAIN Wl window is divided into five display areas of the current status area (Al), prog info area (A2), time info area (A3), listing area (A4) and Detail box (A5). Figure 5B shows the contents of the display device in the respective display areas of the MAIN window Wl in the individual modes. As described, four navigation modes of "All channel navigates", "This channel navigates", "All tape navigates" and "This tape navigates" are graduated in the mode PRINCIPAL. First, the definitions of these navigation modes will be explained below. "The whole channel navigates" is a way to provide all the information related to the programs that are being broadcast or those intended to be subsequently disseminated during the current time, and "This channel navigates" is a way to provide information regarding a program that is being broadcast or programs intended to be subsequently broadcast to the current time on a certain channel specified by a predetermined manipulation. Meanwhile, "All the tape navigates" is a way to provide, with reference to all the data of the tape library stored up to then in the tape library memory 10a, the information related to all the programs registered in all the cassettes of videotape up to then by the VTR 11. And "This tape navigates" is a way to provide the information related to the programs recorded in a cassette of the selected video tape by a predetermined manipulation out of all the cassettes of the tape of video recorded up to then by the VTR 11. In this way, the content of the EPN display device is appropriately changed through the selective switching of four navigation modes to consequently switch the function of an electrical program guide relative to the programs of diffusion of all the channels or any specific channel of the same ones, or to commute the function com or a guide to the electrical program in relation to the programs recorded in all the tape cassettes or any specific thereof recorded up to then by the VTR 11.

This mode switching operation can be carried out by selecting a desired FOB item in the FOUND window W2 carrying out a required manipulation. According to Figure 5B, the current status area (Al) is a region to present the current state (of the navigation mode) in the EPN, thus implying which of the four navigation modes mentioned above is graduated nowadays. The prog info area (A2) is a region to present the information related to the program (where the cursor is placed) that is currently selected in the list area (A4). And when the operation is in the "All channel navigates" mode or in the "This channel navigates" mode, the channel number corresponding to the broadcast program, the program initiation / termination times and so on are presented . Meanwhile, if the operation is in the "All tape navigates" mode or in the "This tape navigates" mode, the information is presented including the number assigned to the video tape recorded in the program (ie, the tape number), the inication / termination positions of the program on the tape and so on.

The time info area (A3) is used to present the current time independently of any mode. The listing area (A4) is a region to display the program information by row in accordance with the mode attribute presented in the current status area (Al). In the "All channel navigates" mode or "This channel navigates" mode, including program name information, program length (or initiation time) and broadcast channel is presented in a visually recognizable manner . Meanwhile, in the "All tape navigates" mode or "This tape navigates" mode, the information including the program name, the length of the program (or start position) and the number of the videotape recorded with program is presented. The detail box (A5) is used to present a certain comment about the program selected in the list area (A4). In this case, if the operation is in the "All channel navigates" mode or the "This channel navigates" mode, the character presentation is carried out (first detail) implying the summary content of the program on the base of the electric program guide data. In this mode, however, it is defined as no-show in the "All tape navigates" mode or in the "This tape navigates" mode.

Figure 6 shows an example of a specific presentation of the MAIN window. In this case, an icon that means the "All channel navigates" mode is displayed in the current status area (Al) and the initiation / termination times of a name of the "Sisters" program selected in the list area ( A4) are presented with bars in the prog info area (A2) and in addition, the current time is presented with characters in the time info area (A3). A name of the program, a time of initiation of the broadcast and the name of the broadcast station are presented in the list area (A4). In this exemplary diagram, a colored CB bar (corresponding to a cursor) is placed in the name column of the "Sisters" program to indicate the "Sisters" program is currently selected. And a comment that represents the summary content of the "Sisters" program is presented in the detail box (A5). Figures 7A to 7D show the functions assigned to the EPN key 13-1, the control key 13-2 and the cursor keys (13A-1 - 13A-4) in the MAIN mode. The EXE key 13A-5 is not used in the MAIN mode and its manipulation is invalid in this mode. Figures 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, represent examples of "All channel navigates" mode "This channel navigates" mode, "All tape navigates" mode and "This tape navigates" mode, respectively . In any of the four modes selected "in the MAIN mode, as will be seen from these diagrams, the operation is returned to normal mode in response to a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1 that moves to the FOB mode in response to a manipulation of the control key 13-2.When the upward key 13A-1 or the downward key 13A-2 is manipulated as a cursor key, the colored CB bar in the indexing area (A4) is displaced by column, in accordance with the direction of the key manipulated in order to change the selected program, meanwhile, when you press the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4 as a cursor key, the definition of it is different depending on the navigation mode that is selected in the MAIN mode In the "All channel navigates" mode, as shown in Figure 7A, a "next time interval" function is assigned to the key 13A-3 right, and a function d e "previous time interval" to the left key 13A-4, respectively. In this case, when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, the programs in the next broadcast time interval are presented as a list in the list area (A4). Meanwhile, when the left key 13A-4 is manipulated, the programs in the previous broadcast time interval before the program is currently being presented, are presented as a list in the list area (A4). In "This channel navigates" mode, as shown in Figure 7B, a "next channel interval" function is assigned to the right key 13A-3, and a "previous channel interval" function is assigned to the key. 13A-4 left, respectively. In this case, when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, the programs of the next channel number subsequent to the channel currently being specified are presented as a list in the list area (A4). Meanwhile, when the left key 13A-4 is manipulated, the programs of the previous channel number before the channel is currently specified are presented as a list in the list area (A4). In the "This tape navigates" mode as shown in Figure 7D, a "next tape interval" function is assigned to the right 13A-3 key, and a "previous tape interval" function is assigned. to the left key 13A-4, respectively. In this case, when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, the programs recorded on the videotape of the next number subsequent to the number of the videotape that is currently being specified are presented as a list in the area of list (A4). Meanwhile, when the left 13A-4 key is manipulated, the programs registered in the videotape with the previous number before the video tape number that is currently being specified are presented as a list in the list area. (A4). 4. Explanation of the COMMAND window Next, a complete presentation format of the WAND window W2 will be explained, referring to Figures 8A to 8C. Figure 8 shows the divided presentation areas in the WAND window W2. As shown in this diagram, WAND window W2 is divided into eight presentation areas A10 - A17 and where the control icons are to be presented. In this mode, two modes of presentation of a command_0 mode and one of command_l are prepared for the WAND window W2. The command mode_0 and the command mode_l are defined in such a way that the control icons presented in the presentation areas A10 - A17 become mutually different. More specifically, in command mode 0, the command icon 0 0 - command icon 0_7 are displayed in areas A10 - A17, respectively; while in command mode l, the control icon 1_0 - control icon 1_7 are presented in areas A10 - A17, respectively. Therefore, it is possible in this mode to adjust and present a maximum of sixteen control icons in the WAND window W2 that have eight presentation areas so that more functions can be presented in the WAND window W2 within the limited presentation space according to this modality. The change of control mode_0 and control mode l is carried out by manipulating the control key 13-2, as shown in Figure 8C. For example, when manipulating the control key 13_2 in the MAIN mode, the operation is shifted to the command mode, where the command mode_0 is selected. If the control key 13-2 is operated in this state, the control mode is maintained while the command mode_0 is changed to control mode_l. In addition, during another manipulation of the command key 13-2 in this state, the operation is returned back to the main mode. Figure 8B shows the content of the definition (control icons) of the presentation areas in the WAND window W2 corresponding to the control numbers. In this diagram, the Command Numbers 0 0 - 0_7 and 1_0 - 1_7 are included. These Command Numbers correspond to the control items represented respectively by the control icons 0_0 - 0_7 and 1_0 - 1_7 described with reference to Figure 8A. According to this diagram, the command Number 0_0 is defined as [source change] which is an article to change the way the channel is navigated and the way the tape is navigated. The command Number 0_1 is defined as [change of extension] which is an article to change "All" and "This" modes in the mode of navigating the channel of the way to navigate the tape. The command Number 0_2 is defined as [connection / disconnection display detail] to connect or disconnect the presentation in the detail box (A5). The command Number 0_3 is defined as [change of presentation attribute] which is an article to selectively change the presentation of information in relation to the time of the program in the listing area. The command Number 0_4 is defined as [change of presentation setting] to change the order of presentation of the programs in the list area. Command number 0_5 is defined as [change of presentation object] to select a source in the list area.

The command Number 0_6 and the command Number 0_7 are not defined. The command Number 1-0 is defined as [see] which is an article to see the selected program in the list area. The command Number 1_1 is defined as [rec] for the execution of the video record (including the reserved record) of the selected program in the list area. The command Number 1_2 is defined as [set the EPN] which is an article to establish an EPN image in several ways. As will be described later, when this article is selected in the command mode, the operation is moved to the INPUT mode to present an INPUT window where the required establishment parameters are presented. Command number 1_3 is defined as [edit the program] to edit the program that is selected in the list area; and the command Number 1_4 is defined as [edit the tape] to edit the selected video tape in the list area. When any of these control items is selected for editing, the operation is moved to the input mode to present an ENTRY window where the required editing parameters are presented.

The commands Numbers 1_5 to 1_7 are not defined. More specifically in the COMMAND mode, the control items defined in the Command numbers 0_0 -0_7 and 1_0 - 1_7 are assigned respectively to the command mode_0 and the command mode_l. In this command mode_0 and command_l mode, the icons used in the items of command numbers 0_0 - 0_7 and 1_0 - 1_7 are displayed in areas A10 - A17 and in window W2 of COMMAND. The display area corresponding to any undefined Command Number is not displayed in the WAND window W2. Figure 6 shows a concrete presentation example of the WAND window W2. In this diagram, the exemplary control icons used in command_0 mode are presented in areas A10 to A15. In the COMMAND mode, where the WAND window W2 is presented as shown in Figure 6, a user can select a desired control article by manipulating eg, the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A -4 and moving the cursor to the related display area in the WAND window W2. And if the key 13A-5 EXE is manipulated in this state, the function corresponding to the selected control article is carried out. Otherwise, the operation shifts the INPUT mode to present an INPUT window W3 where a parameter corresponding to the selected control article is presented.

. Explanation of the ENTRY window Then, a specific presentation format of the W3 window of ENTRY will be explained referring to Figures 9A to 9C. The entire display area of the W3 window of ENTRY is defined as an area an entry, which is presented under the WING window W2 as shown for example in Figure 4. A displacement to the mode of operation is shown in Figure 9C. ENTRY. In the COMMAND mode, for example, when manipulating the key 13A-5 EXE to enter a state where a cursor is placed on a desired control icon (command article) by manipulating the cursor key or similar, the operation moves to the INPUT mode to present the W3 window of ENTRY, where a parameter corresponding to the selected command is presented. In the INPUT mode, the W3 input window becomes active. When the key 13A-5 EXE is made after any parameter is changed in the W3 window of ENTRY, for example that is changed by a predetermined manipulation, then the W3 window of ENTRY is deleted and instead of this it becomes activates WIND window W2. That is, the operation is shifted from the INPUT mode to the COMMAND mode. Figure 9B shows definitions of the contents of the parameters presented in the W3 window of ENTRY with respect to four navigation modes of "All channels navigate", "This channel navigates", "All tapes navigate" and "This channel navigates". ribbon sails ". In this diagram, the command items (see Figure 8B) that are selected in the FOB mode are shown in the column to the left (vertical). For example, when a command object of [display object change] is selected in FOB mode, it follows that a source is selected in the listing area. In this case, if the "This channel navigates" mode or the "This tape navigates" mode is set as shown in Figure 9B, the W3 INPUT window is presented where the Channel Number is supported as a source selected When a command article for [change of presentation object] is selected in the "All channel" mode (tape) navigates ", the W3 window of ENTRY does not appear (that is, the operation does not move to the mode of ENTRY) .

When a command item of [rec] is selected in the "All (This) channel navigates mode, the parameters that represent the speed of the tape, the Tape number and record initiation position on the tape are presented in the W3 window of ENTRY. When selecting a command item from [rec] in: "All (This) tape navigates" mode, the parameters representing the registered program, the speed of the tape and the start position of record in the tape are presented in the W3 window of ENTRY. In this mode, when you select a command item of [edit the program] or [edit the tape], the operation does not move to the INPUT mode in the present state, that is, any editing function for the program or tape is being selected in the listing area does not fit. Regarding the future, however, this editing function can also be provided, and in this case, the parameters corresponding to the command article of [edit the program] or [edit the tape] in the ENTRY window are presented. When you select an item of command from [set the EPN] in the COMMAND mode, the W3 window of ENTRY for the establishment of EPN is presented either in the "All (This) channel navigates" mode or in the "All (This) tape navigates" mode. The parameters presented during this moment in the W3 window of INPUT are in such a way as for example, the adjustment of the automatic clock, the adjustment of the automatic channel, the adjustment of the cable box, the adjustment of the reception time of the data and the channel jump. The user is enabled to carry out the adjustment of connection / disconnection of the functions or to admit the numerical values by manipulating predetermined keys that are placed in the remote controller 13 corresponding to the parameters in the INPUT window presented in the mode of ENTRY as described. The keys that are to be manipulated for this parameter on / off setting or the input of numerical values by several, including ten numeric keys, it is possible to constitute the apparatus in such a way as to carry out the adjustment of connection / disconnection of the functions or change the input numerical values by means of the ascending key 13A-1 and the descending key 13A-2, for example. That is, the apparatus can be constituted in such a way that in the EPN mode, all the control actions are able to be carried out by manipulating only a few keys shown in Figure 2 of all the keys that are provided in the 13 remote controller, thus eliminating the confusion in the manipulation of the keys by the user. 6. Examples of handling in the EPN Some examples of handling in the EPN according to this embodiment will be explained below, with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10A to 10E illustrate, together with the images presented, the examples of manipulation to select a desired program that will be viewed from now on by the user, when a picture of the program was presented in an EPN image. Figure 10A represents an image in the normal mode. In this state, in reality an image of the broadcast program via the tuner 2 or an image of the video tape that is reproduced by the VTR 11, is presented as an image P on the screen. If the key EPN 13-1 is manipulated in this state, the operation is shifted to the MAIN mode where, as shown in FIG. 10B, a MAIN Wl window is presented. It is assumed here that, in the Wl MAIN window, the mode of All (This) channel navigates in relation to the broadcast program. In the Wl MAIN window of Figure 10B, a colored CB bar is placed in the column of a "Sisters" program, in the listing area. After finding a desired program in this state, the user can place the colored CB bar in it by manipulating the cursor keys. Suppose here that, for example, the user wants to see a "Splash" program. In this case, the user makes manipulate the ascending key 13A-1 or the descending key 13A-2 of the cursor keys in order to place the CB bar in colors in the "Splash" program column as shown in the Figure 10C. And if the control key 13-2 is made to manipulate in this state, a WAND window W2 is presented as shown in Figure 10D. Since the operation has been moved from the MAIN mode to the control mode during this time, the WIND window W2 becomes active. Under the condition of presentation of Figure 10D, the user manipulates the control key 13-2 if necessary to adjust the command mode_l. Then the user places the cursor on a command article of [see] that corresponds to the Command Number 1_0, by manipulating the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4 (in this case, the cursor position is represented with white characters on a colored background). If the key 13A-5 EXE is manipulated in this state, the "Splash" program selected in the EPN image by the user is adjusted to be presented in this way. Actually, it is presented in a "Splash" program image as a selected P image shown in Figure 10E. In this case, the operation naturally moves to the normal mode due to the execution of the command article [see]. If a necessary manipulation is carried out according to the same procedure as in Figure 10 after the mode of "All (This) tape navigates" is set in a state where the cassette of the tape containing the recorded data As the video from the tape library is loaded into the VTR, then it is possible to search and play the registered program selected by the VTR 11. This playback control is possible by detecting a signal that is recorded in the control track of the magnetic T-band and indicates the registration initiation position of the registered program. Figures HA to 11F illustrate, together with the images presented, the manipulation examples that are to be carried out when the user reserves the registration of a desired program with reference to a program box presented in the EPN image. Similar to the preceding case of Figures 10A to 10B, the operation is shifted to the MAIN mode to present a MAIN window by manipulating the EPN key 13-1 during the presentation of an image P in the normal mode of the Figure HA, and a desired program is selectable by manipulating the cursor keys in this state. Suppose here that the user wishes to register a "Splash" program with reservation. Differing from the previous case of Figure 10 where the "Splash" program is currently being disseminated, it is assumed in Figure 11 that this program is not being broadcast now and is scheduled to be subsequently disseminated. First, the user places a colorful CB bar in the "Splash" program column as shown in Figure 11C by manipulating the ascending key 13A-1 and the descending key 13A-2. And if the control key 13-2 is manipulated in this state, it represents a window W2 of. command as shown in Figure 11D. Under the condition of presentation of Figure 11D, the user manipulates the control key 13-2 if necessary to adjust the command mode l. Then, the user places the cursor on a command item of [rec] that corresponds to the command number 1_1, by manipulating the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4. If the user has manipulated the key 13A-5 EXE in this state, it represents an W3 window of ENTRY corresponding to the handheld item [rec] (that is, the operation moves to the input mode where the W3 window of ENTRY is becomes active), as shown in Figure HE. Then the user performs the default setting in the W3 window of ENTRY for the reserved registration of the desired program. And if you do manipulate the 13A-5 EXE key in the input mode, the operation is moved to the COMMAND mode and then the reserved record of the "Splash" program selected in the EPN image by the user, is carried out from then. In this case, it actually represents an image in the FOB mode as the selected P-image shown in Figure 11F. 7. Explanation of processing operations Referring now to the flow charts of Figures 12 • to 15, an explanation will be given in the processing carried out to obtain control actions in response to the manipulations of the keys (shown in Figure 2). ) in each mode, the system controller 9 carries out this processing operation. Figure 12 shows a processing operation in the normal mode. In this routine, when the normal mode is set in step S101, a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1 is expected in step S102. To make a decision which means a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1, the operation continues to step S103 to move to the MAIN mode. Figure 13 shows a processing operation in the MAIN mode which is selected as the EPN mode. . First, during the shift to the main mode in step S201, a decision is made in step S202 of whether the key 13-1 of EPN has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1, the operation proceeds to step S203 to move to the normal mode, so that the operation passes through this routine. Meanwhile, if the result of the decision in step S202 means that there is no manipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S204 where another decision is made as to whether the control key has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means a manipulation of the 13-2 command key, the operation advances to the COMMAND mode. However, when the result of the aforementioned decision means that there is no manipulation of the control key, the operation proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, a decision is made as to whether the key 13A-1 asserted or the down key 13A-2 has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means a manipulation of the ascending key 13A-1 or the descending key 13A-2, the operation proceeds to step S207 where a colored bar (see Figure 6) placed in the A4 area of listing it moves up or down under the control, and then the operation proceeds to step S208. Meanwhile, if the result of the decision in step S206 means that there is no manipulation of the up key 13A-1 or the downward key 13A-2, the operation proceeds directly to step S208. In step S208, a decision is made as to whether the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4 has been manipulated or not. And the result of this decision means that there was no manipulation of either the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4, the operation returns to the process of step S202. Meanwhile, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that a manipulation of the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4 is made, the operation proceeds to step S209 where the presentation is changed (see Figure 7) by the function of the interval (see Figure 7) according to the mode of All (This) channel navigates or the mode of "All (This) tape navigates". And then, the operations return to step S202.

Figure 14 shows a processing operation in the COMMAND mode that is selected as an EPN mode. First, during the movement to the COMMAND mode in step S301, a decision is made in step S302 of whether the EPN key 13-1 has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means a manipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S303 to move to the normal mode. However, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that there was no manipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S304. In step S304, another decision is made as to whether or not the control key has been manipulated. If the result of this decision means that a manipulation of the control key is made, the processes of steps S305, S306 and S307 are carried out for the transition of the mode described with reference to Figure 8C. Meanwhile, if the result of the decision in step S304 means that there was no manipulation of the control key, the operation proceeds to step S308 where a decision is made as to whether the right key 13A-3 has been manipulated or not. or the left key 13A-4. And if the result of this decision means that manipulation was made of the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4, the display is controlled in such a way as to move the cursor between the display areas in accordance with the address of manipulating the key and then the operation proceeds to step S310. However, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that there was no manipulation of the right 13-3 key or the left 13A-4 key, the operation advances directly to S310. In step S310, a decision is made as to whether or not the 13A-5 EXE key was manipulated. And if the result of this decision means that there was no manipulation of the EXE key, the operation returns to step S302. However, if the result of the aforementioned decision means a manipulation of the key 13A-5 EXE, the operation proceeds to step S311. In step S311, a # 1 process or a # 2 process is carried out in accordance with the selected control article class. Process # 1 is carried out to effect direct control of the operation according to the function of the command article that is currently being selected. More specifically, for example, this process corresponds to a control action to present a selected program as shown in Figures 10D to 10E, selecting a command item [see] in the WAND window W2 and manipulating the key EXE Meanwhile, process # 2 is carried out after the shift to the entry mode to present an ENTRY window that conforms to the command article that is currently being selected. More specifically, this process corresponds to a presentation operation shown in Figures 10D to 10E. Figure 15 shows another processing operation in the INPUT mode that is selected as the EPN mode. First, during the movement to the INPUT mode in step S401, a decision is made in step S402 of whether the EPN key 13-1 has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means that a manipulation of the EPN key has been made, the operation proceeds to step S403 to move to the normal mode. However, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that there was no manipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S404. In step S404, another decision is made as to whether any entry has been admitted by manipulation of the predetermined key to change the parameter. And if the result of this decision means a manipulation of the predetermined key, the operation proceeds to step S405 where a process of changing the parameter of compliance with the manipulation of the key entry is carried out. And then the operation proceeds to step S406. Meanwhile, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that there was no manipulation of the key to change the parameter, the operation proceeds directly to step S406. In step S406, a decision is made as to whether the EXE key has been manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision means that there was no manipulation of the EXE key, the operation returns to step S402. However, if the result of the aforementioned decision means that there was a manipulation of the EXE key, the operation proceeds to step S407. Subsequently in step S407, if there is any parameter changed by the process of step S405, the EPN setting is changed in accordance with the parameter. Then, the operation moves to the control mode in step S408 and then goes through this routine. Thus, as explained above, the present invention is constituted in such a way as to be able to present, in accordance with each mode of an electric program guide, the program information in relation to broadcast programs and also the information of the registered program in relation to the diffusion programs, registered in the tape cassettes so that a user is trained to acquire the information of both the broadcast programs and the registered programs in a single guide system of the electric program whereby, advantageous effects for acquiring an additional useful electrical program guide are achievable. In accordance with this electrical program guide, it is possible to present, in window formats, a program information area (MAIN window), a command area (FOB window) and an input area (ENTRY window) in the image on the screen. Consequently, deviating from the known conventional presentation format, there is never an inconvenience that the entire content of the presented electrical program guide is commuted completely with each mode change, thus ensuring an improved convenience during use. In addition to the aforementioned, when the different control actions or input manipulations are carried out in the electric program guide presented in the present invention, each manipulation is possible by means of the use of the cursor keys (keys indicating four directions ) to move up, down, left or right, and a small number of keys for mode transition. Therefore, in the event that the apparatus is equipped with a multiplicity of functions such as the electric program guide, the user is enabled to carry out an appropriate manipulation that conforms to each desired object without any confusion. While the present invention has been described above, with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment only, and that a variety of modifications can also be obtained. For example, the specific presentation formats of the windows in the EPN mode or the display items defined in each window can be modified according to the current conditions of use. Therefore the scope of the invention should be determined only by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An apparatus for controlling the presentation of an electric program guide comprising: a means of storing the information of the broadcast program for storing, as the information of the broadcast program, the information related to the broadcast programs extracted from the predetermined positions of the video signals; a means of storing the registered program information to store, as registered program information, the information related to the broadcast programs registered in the recording means, and a presentation control means capable of presenting, as a program guide to provide the information related to the program, the program information in relation to both the broadcast programs and the registered programs based on the information of the broadcast program stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program and also the Registered program information stored in the storage medium of the registered program information.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means is capable of presenting, as a guide to the electrical program, at least one program information area in the form of a window for presenting the program information , a command area in the form of a window to present articles to select a manipulation command in relation to the program guide, and an entry area in the form of a window to present articles to admit a required parameter corresponding to the selected handling command.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a manipulation means for controlling the manipulation required in the presented image of the electric program guide, the manipulation means comprising: a first mode change handler for selectively changing operation to a guide presentation mode of the electric program or a normal picture display mode; a second mode change handler for selectively changing the operation to a mode wherein a manipulation in the program information area becomes active in the electric program guide presentation mode, or to a mode wherein a manipulation in the command area it becomes active and in the presentation mode of the electric program guide; a third mode change manipulator for selectively shifting the operation to a mode where manipulation in the control area becomes active, or to a mode where manipulation in the entry area becomes active; and a cursor movement manipulator adapted for manipulation in relation to at least the movement of a cursor or the adjustment of the parameters in the program information area, the control area and the input area.

4. A method for controlling the presentation of an electric program guide by: storing, as the information of the broadcast program, the information related to the broadcast programs extracted from predetermined positions of the video signals; store, as registered program information, the information related to the broadcast programs registered in the means of registration; and submit, as a guide to the electrical program to provide related information, the program, program information related to both the broadcast programs and the registered programs based on the information of the stored broadcast program and also the program information Registered stored.

5. The method according to claim 4, further being able to present, as an electric program guide, at least one program information area in the form of a window for presenting the program information, a command area in the form of a window to present articles to select a manipulation command in relation to the program guide, and an entry area in the form of a window to present articles to admit a required parameter corresponding to the selected handling command.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recorded program information stored in the recorded information storage medium includes the registration initiation positions of the broadcast programs in the recording means.

7. The registration apparatus in accordance with the subdivision 1, wherein the presentation control means presents the program information related to both the broadcast programs and the registered programs in a way to superimpose this information on a normal image.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means presents the program information related to both the broadcast programs and the registered programs in a way to superimpose this information on a still image. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control means has a way to present the program information in relation to the broadcast programs based on the information of the broadcast program stored in the medium of storage of broadcast program; and a way to present the program information related to the registered programs on the basis of the registered program information stored in the storage medium of the registered program information. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control means has a way to present the program information related to the complete broadcast programs that are currently broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast, based on the information of the broadcast program stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program, a way to present the program information related to the specified broadcast program of the complete programs that are currently being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast, on the base of the broadcast program information stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program; and a mode for presenting the broadcast information in relation to all registered programs on the basis of the registered program information stored in the storage medium of the recorded program information; and a mode for presenting the program information related to the programs registered in the recording medium specified by a predetermined manipulation, on the basis of the registered program information stored in the storage medium of the registered program information. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control means is able to discriminate an area that becomes active by the handling means different from any other area. 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display control means presents the mode, which is currently set, in a portion of the program information area. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the presentation means is adjusted in the mode to present the program information related to the complete broadcast programs that are currently being broadcast or programs to be broadcast on the basis of the information of the broadcast program stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program, the left and right directions of the address indicator handlers of the handling means respectively correspond to the above time intervals before the broadcast time interval of the program that is currently being presented and at the successive time intervals after the broadcast time interval of the program is currently being presented. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the presentation means is set in the mode to present the program information related to the specified broadcast program of all the programs that are currently being broadcast or programmed to be broadcast on the basis of information of the broadcast program stored in the storage medium of the broadcast program, the directions to the left and to the right of the direction indicator manipulators of the manipulation medium correspond respectively to the channels before the program is currently presented and to the successive channels after the program has now been presented. 15. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the display means is set in the mode to present the program information related to the programs registered in the recording medium specified on the basis of the stored registered program information. in the storage medium of the recorded program information, the directions to the left and to the right of the handling indicators of the manipulation medium correspond respectively to the previous number recording medium before the medium has currently been specified and to the record means of successive numbers after the medium is currently specified. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display means has a plurality of modes with respect to the display of the control area, and has control icons corresponding to each selected mode.