MXPA97008839A - Combined multi-fuente information in a detelevis system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for merging or interleaving channel guide information in a television system, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving the channel guide information from multiple sources of television signals, the guide information of channel differs among the multiple sources of television signals, store the channel guide information in the television system, mix and classify the channel guide information received from the multiple sources of television signals in the desired order, generate a presentation with the channel guide information presented in the desired order, and present the presentation with the channel guide information on a television

Description

MULTI-SOURCE INFORMATION UNITED IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The state of the art includes various arrangements for presenting information associated with a television guide schedule. This information is frequently used to provide a display in the form of a grid on the screen, of the available channels with their related television shows. Commonly, a list of available channels is shown above the "and" and the time slots occupy the "x". These listed channels may appear sequentially or in any preferred preferred order within the display on television. U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,121 is representative of such systems, and has found wide success in the industry. U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,121 is incorporated herein by reference.

Many different transmission schemes are available to provide the information required for a television schedule guide. For example, a Direct Satellite Broadcasting System (DBS) can provide television programs and schedule information of television programs, via satellite together with a superior receiver. DBS systems are commercially available in, for example, Hughes and Primestar. In addition, satellite dishes, coaxial cables, telephone lines, fiber optic cable, antenna, etc. they are used to distribute the television program and / or the schedule information of the programs.

If the D BS is subscribed by a user, then a separate IRD (integrated receiver decoder) box with a deployment generator is generally provided. An IRD box commonly includes a receiver and a tuner at the most basic level. A DBS subscriber receives access to potentially hundreds of television channels in conjunction with a program guide provided and controlled by the DBS service provider. Unfortunately, a DBS system does not normally receive local network or local independent channels. In order to provide these local channels, some D BS receivers are able to automatically switch them between the DBS satellite input and a local input. This is done by placing the I RD box between the television (or a VCR connected to the television) and the local line (local cable or local antenna). When a local channel is selected by the user, the box of the I RD automatically removes the DBS from the service and becomes a deviation for the local input. A user can select a local channel manually or with a remote control. Access to locally available channels is crucial because most of the time-selected premiums are on those local networks.

In contrast, if a user receives television channels from both cable and local antenna sources, then the scenario is different.

If the user's television has multiple input ports, then these two sources can easily be together at the two input ports. This solution works well as long as the number of sources does not exceed the number of ports of entry.

If the user's television does not have multiple inputs, then a manual ignition is attached to the multiple sources and can be used to the television input. This solution forces the user to manually switch between one source and another depending on which channel is desired. For example, if the user wants the local news, which are available from the local antenna, and the switch is placed on the cable, then the user must manually change from the cable to the local antenna. Within a society full of remote controls and automation, this solution is unacceptable to many consumers. In addition, between manual switches and channels is more complicated as the number of channel sources increasing.

While the IRD, the multiple input ports, the manual connection unit, etc. provides non-automatic partial solutions to the aforementioned problems, a more versatile technique is needed.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this embodiment, the present invention is directed to coordinate the input signals and program information, and more particularly to (1) coordinate the information of the television guide schedule received from multiple sources, (2) automatically switch to a desired signal source; and (3) tune to the desired television program. Thus, the present invention provides a tuner model that coordinates television schedule information. This information can be received from numerous sources. Sources include a line of input cable (eg, in a coaxial cable), satellite transmitters, a dedicated telephone line (eg, twisted pair), and any other means capable of transmitting a signal.

The present invention provides a method of combining information of a channel in a television system. This method includes receiving and storing information from the channel guide. The guide information of the channel is received from multiple sources of television signal. After receiving this information from the channel, the system mixes it and classifies it in a desired order. Finally, a display of this channel information is generated and then projected onto the television in the desired order.

This and other advantages will become apparent to those versed in this field with reading the following detailed description of the invention, which should be taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1a is a block diagram of a MULTI - source of a television program and television schedule system with multiple sources, connected directly to television; Fig. 1b is a block diagram of a multi-source television program and television guide system with multiple sources connected directly to the coordinator; Fig. 1c is a block diagram of a television program and television schedule guide system with the DBS and cable as source devices; Fig. 1d is a block diagram of a television program and television guide system having DBS, the coordinator, and the television tuner all within the same IRD; Fig. 2 is an example of a screen shifter of a time guide grid that has been armed from the television guidance information; Fig. 3 is an exemplary process of the liquid screen for automatic starting; Y Fig. 4 is an exemplary process of the liquid screen for unattended and automatic registration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC MODALITIES The present invention provides a tuner project that coordinates television programs and television guide schedule information. This television guide schedule information can be received from numerous sources. As noted above, these sources include a line cable (eg, over a coaxial cable), satellite transmitter, a dedicated telephone line (eg, even cord), and any other means capable of transmitting a signal. In the preferred embodiment, channel television broadcasts are received from less than two separate sources such as (1) cable and a satellite dish, or (2) two different satellites, or (3) local cable and DBS sources. The schedule information is provided with an identifying source that identifies that schedule information as it is from a particular source. The schedule information is classified and displayed in a fashion organized to the user.

When a user selects a show or channel located on or not from the channels shown within a displayed guide, the system reads the identifying source associated with that show or channel. In the preferred embodiment, the system then performs an automatic tuner ignition process that switches the input to the television (or RF or video) to the source device. The source devices include DBS, cable box, TV tuner, etc. The system then tunes to the channel required for the desired show. further, the identifying source can be used to automatically switch between different devices when the desired VCR programming is not attended. In addition, when the program information is received from the multiple source via satellite and a desired channel is selected, the current invention can, in one mode, automatically move the satellite dish of the client such that the client receives the desired program from the associated source. . The current invention then tunes to the correct channel.

By creating a combined television guide, a channel map is created that identifies the available channels on multiple sources, and identifies its source. For example, in the case of implementations of the local DBS channel, a channel map is created with both local cable and combined DBS channels. Local channels and DBS channels are labeled with an identifying source. When the user or the consumer selects a non-DBS channel from the guide, the integrated decoder unit (IRD box) for the satellite switches the IRD couples the local cable to the receiver. The system then tunes the television tuner or other device to the required channel. If a DBS channel is then selected, the system changes the IRD to couple the decoder receiver to the receiver. The system then tunes the DBS tuner to the selected DBS channel. In the case of, for example, antenna and cable inputs, the system switches to the correct video input and then tunes the television tuner to the channel required to receive the selected source. Thus, automatic access to the multi - source television information is provided.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the user can use the system to change it between the target devices. For example, programs and information received from one of the multiple sources could be displayed on a computer screen or on a stereo. In addition, the various target devices can be used in conjunction with one another. For example, an FM station could be displayed on a computer monitor or a television display, and songs selected from that location could be recorded on a recorder. In addition, the system could be used to match audio performances of TV to the stereo system. Thus, the current invention is not limited to television systems.

Fig. 1a illustrates in the simplified form an example of a multi-source directly connected to the television 22. As shown by the mutl-source of the program and the television guide schedule system 10 it operates under the control of coordinator 20. television 22 and the VCR are provided with that input from the cable box 26 and the box of the I RD 28. The other inputs 30 may also be supplied to the television 22 and / or VCR 24. A remote control 32 is used by a viewer to tune the television and conduct the other operations. In this embodiment, the cable is provided by means of the cable box 26, and the DBS is provided by means of the IRD box 28. The antenna 34 on the television 22 can be used as an additional source of television broadcasts in conjunction with the television. cable box 26, the box of I RD 28, some other inputs 30. In a typical embodiment, antenna 34 and cable box 26 are "local" sources. The other 30 entries can include multiple satellite sources. When multiple satellite sources are present, the coordinator 20 switches between the available satellite sources by automatic movement of the user's satellite dish or by connecting it between parabolic antennas. In order for an automatic movement of the satellite dish, a memory inside the case of I RD 28 investigates the position of the satellite dish DBS in relation to the satellite sources that are available by means of the dish DBS. The box of I RD 28 then automatically places the DBS satellite dish such that the desired satellite source is received by the I RD 28 box.

The coordinator 20 includes a processor (CPU) 36 and memory (RAM) 38. The coordinator connects to and controls the infrared emitter (s) 40. The receiver I R 39 is connected to the coordinator 20 and receives inputs from the remote. The emitter (s) I R 40 may be relocated in, for example, the truck's interface or an RF transmitter. The emitter (s) IR 40 controls one or more of the boxes I RD 28, television 27, VCR 24, cable box 26 and other inputs 30. Thus, the emitter (s) IR 40 acts as a remote control device by emulating remote control signals from television 22, VCR 24, cable box 26, and / or other devices. Because the coordinator 20 has the ability to simulate a remote controller, the coordinator 20 can be placed in the cable box 26, VCR 24, the television 22, the unit 20 remains alone, or a satellite receiver.

The remote control 32 is a hand-held remote controller for the controller coordinator 20. In the preferred embodiment, the remote control 32 is provided with an IR transmitter which controls the coordinator by means of the IR receiver 39. The others remote controls, not shown in Fig. 1 a, can be used by manual controller for television 22. The VCR 24, cable box 26, IRD box 28, and other inputs 30. Although, in this embodiment, the Coordinator 20 performs all the necessary functions of system control. In a preferred embodiment, the remote 32 works with the coordinator 20 and the emitter 40 to control the various devices in Fig. 1 a. For example, as the user adjusts the remote control volume 32, the coordinator 20 broadcasts signals via the IR transmitter 40 to adjust the volume on the television 22.

The IRD box 28 receives television programs in conjunction with other information by means of, in one mode, satellite dish 29. The IRD box 28 then provides program information to the system. Program information is added to the signal transmitted by the provider's DBS service or a company under contract. Examples of DBS service providers include Direct TV and USSB. This program information (or the guide) may also include a channel map containing the channel information that is available from a particular source. In the training associated with the guide DBS it is stored in the memory of the receiver box of the RD 42 or transmitted. Similarly, the information of the program can be received through the cable box 26, other inputs 30, antenna 34, and / or through any other transmission means (eg, telephone line with even cord). Each of these sources can also be provided with television data within the signal transmitted by the provider's service.

The coordinator 20 finds and classifies the program information available in the 1 0 system. In order to receive the required information from that television guide, the coordinator 20 connects to the source (s) of this information. For example, if the channel information is provided by a dedicated pair-line telephone line, then that telephone line is input 43 to the coordinator 20. The guidance information can be provided from any commercially available means and can be applied to all or Several of the available sources. In the preferred embodiment, the television guide information is provided by means of the vertical interval on a television channel available. In Fig. 1 a, the source devices together with the coordinator 20 are coupled to the television 22. Thus, the coordinator 20 receives the program guide information via the telephone line 43, and the television 22 receives the television programs from multiple sources.

In addition, the television 22 receives the program guide information from the coordinator 20.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the coordinator 20 receives all the inputs of the source device directly. Fig. 1 b is a block diagram of a multi-source television program and the television schedule orients the system with multiple sources connected directly to the coordinator. In this mode, the coordinator 20 is connected between the multiple sources 26, 28 and 30 and then the outputs of the information from the desired source to the television 22 or to another destination device. This arrangement allows a single entry to the television 22. The coordinator 20 enters the program information guide along with television programs to the television 22 by means of the line 44 or by means of the VCR 24 by means of lines 45 and 46. Other possible target devices for the current invention are the computer monitor, audio recorders, facsimile machines, printers, memory, etc.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the DBS (by means of the I RD 28 box) and the cable (by means of the cable box 26) are source devices that are connected in series to the television 22. Fig. 1 c is a block diagram of a television program and a schedule television system with DBS and source devices such as cable. In this arrangement, the coordinator is located inside the IRD 47 box, and no IR is needed. The IRD 47 box, and the cable box 26 enter the television 22.

Fig. 1 d is a television program block diagram and the television guide system that has DBS, the coordinator, and the television tuner all within the same IRD box. In this additional mode, no cable source is present, and DBS, the coordinator and the television tuner are all located inside the IRD 48 box. Thus, no sender is necessary. The coordinator switches between DBS and the other available source (s) received on line 49. After the coordinator has changed and tuned to the desired channel, (as described below) that channel is displayed on the television show 23 or registered by The VCR 24. The VCR located forward in Figs. 1 a-1 d is optional. In addition, the DBS receiver and the tuner could be located inside the television or the VCR.

The different formats can be used for television schedule information. For example, data packets comprise a header section and a section of information that can be received and classified with the other, and more complex data formats. In the preferred embodiment, the coordinator 20 takes the television schedule information from the available source (s) or a data entry line and mixes or cuts them. For example, the coordinator 20 can receive program information by means of the vertical interval in a television channel or by means of a DBS transponder.

In order to mix and store the available spreadsheet information, the coordinator first creates a molded structure and then saves the data received in this structure. This structure includes several levels for the organized storage of data. After the levels of the structure are arranged by the coordinator 20, the indicators are used to save data within appropriate levels of the structure.

In an alternative arrangement, the classification and mixing of the program information was made in a separate location and then supplied to the system 10, for example, on a satellite channel. Thus, the program information, which has already been mixed, classified, organized, etc. , it is received in a format that is ready for immediate display. Less memory is required within the coordinator in this later situation because only the grid had the need to be saved. For example, in this later situation, if a user wants to see a guide grid which is for four hours, only four hours will require information to be stored within the RAM 38. This ready format of immediate deployment can also be provided in a movement of separate data through a different medium or on a television channel.

Fig. 2 is an example of an on-screen display of a guide grid that has been armed from the television guide information. The current intervention guide grid also refers to and includes theme guides, channel guidance, and the other exhibition program information guides. In the preferred embodiment, after the coordinator 20 has collected and classified all the guide information available from the program, the coordinator 20 generates the guide grid placed forward in Fig. 2 for the display on the television 22. This guide grid is it can also generate from the IRD box, a satellite receiver, the television, the VCR, a central office location, etc. The guide grid, generally designated with the reference numeral 50, provides a line above all the channels or a selection of channels 52 together with a description of the shows 54 available on those sometimes secure channels 56. For example, channel 2 58 has BATMAN 60 as a show from 1:00 p.m. at 2:00 p.m. and SOAP 62 as i? u a show from 2:00 p.m. at 2:30 p.m. A theme, or channel, or random, etc. when listed it can be used instead of the guide grid shown in Fig. 2.

If a guide grid is used, the row of channels 52 may be arranged such that (1) the channels are in numerical and / or alphabetical order, or (2) the channels are in an order associated with their particular source, or (3) the channels are in a programmed order and mixed by the user (4) the channels are in any other order. When multiple sources are used for receiving television channels, a channel overlay is sometimes carried out. For example, both cable and DBS can carry the network ABC, but the cable may have ABC on channel 6 and the DBS may have ABC on channel 7. Because it has the ability to clear and activate the channels shown on the grid guide 50, the user can determine if to have one of the ABC channels, both of the ABC channels, or none of the ABC channels. The selection of the user is recorded within the coordinator 20 by means of the remote control 32. In an alternative mode, the coordinator 20 can automatically annotate duplicate network names and delete one of the duplicates. In addition, coordinator 20 is able to automatically align up channels based on user habits. If this mode for automatic channel arrangement is selected by the user, an algorithm based on user habits is used to determine the can order at 52. Therefore, any desired arrangement for channel row 52 is available .

In the preferred embodiment, the user moves the guide grid 50 by pressing the button on the remote control 32. The coordinator 20 responds to the initial pressure of the guide button by automatically placing it on the channel or device carrying the guide grid 50, or superimposing a guide grid in a current broadcast. When the user has hit the guide grid 50, the user presses the guide button again (or a button exit) and the coordinator 20 (1) automatically returns to the channel or the last source viewed by the user or (2) removes the superimposed. The technique used by the coordinator 20 for the automatic tuner is described below.

In order to track the channels are available from the sources, an identifying source is located on each channel. Each of the sources identifiers can be included in the guide channel information, or the identifier sources can be added by the system based on the origin of the guide channel information. Therefore, if these data are not already provided, the coordinator 20 attaches the appropriate identifiers to the received channel information. For example, if BATMAN 60 is received through the box of the I RD 28, then BATMAN 60 will have an identifying source to identify the box of I RD 28 located on its channel 58. In the preferred embodiment, the identifying source is not shown to user . If desired, the user can program coordinator 20 to display this source of the channel that is associated with. For example, the channels which come from the i5 cable box 26 can be colored in red in the guide grid 50 and the channels available from the box in the RD 28 can be green; So, if you want, the user can easily identify the source that is associated with each channel.

The remote 32 can be used by the user to program the coordinator 20 or to move between different channels, regulates and displays on the guide grid 50. In addition, the remote control 32 can be used to select a certain show or channel (1) to display additional information associated with a particular show, (2) to tune in to the particular show or channel, or (3) to automatically play a particular show. The remote control 32 can also be used to adjust the volume or other aspects of the television 22 or other devices. Additional information associated with a particular show may include a short description of that show. For example, a short description of the story included in a sitcom can be provided. To display this additional information, the coordinator 20 accesses the desired information in RAM 38 or connects it to a different data entry, and displays the additional information in an appropriate place within the guide grid 50. In the preferred embodiment, this additional information it is displayed (1) in an envelope, or (2) as a window that pulls under the selected show, or (3) as a defined window of information to the top or bottom of the screen.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary process that runs from the map through an automatic tuner. To start with the automatic tuner, the user selects a channel or show to step 70. The selection can be made by, for example, rolling a cursor to the desired show and hitting the "input" key, or entering a channel number using remote 32. The coordinator 20 then reads the identifying source to step 72 and determines whether the current input to the television 22 is the source associated with the identifying source (see step 74). If the current input source to the television 22 is the same as the source associated with the identifying source, then the coordinator 20 tunes the particular source to the desired channel to step 84. If the current source is not the source associated with the identifying source , then the system turns on the sources to the appropriate source. For example, the processor 36 may cause the transmitter I R 40 to send out a signal which is turned on from the current source, and that activates or turns on the source associated with the identifying source. The show or desired channel then serves as the source of information input to the television 22. The Coordinator 20 then determines whether the correct television channel or input of that particular source (the source associated with the identifying source) is activated at the step 80. If the correct television channel or input is not activated, then the appropriate tuner in the system is tuned to the appropriate channel. For example, the IR transmitter 40 can be used to tune the television to the desired television channel to step 82. Alternatively, the step 80 could be removed, and the coordinator 20 would then always tune in or retune the required channel, thereby confirming that the TV 22 is on the correct channel. After (or simultaneous with) the correct input or television channel associated with the desired source, the IR transmitter 40 tunes the receiver with that source to the desired channel at step 84. The desired broadcast is then displayed on the television 22. If a program is entering the television 22 and / or the VCR 24 through the coordinator 20 (see Fig. 1 b), then no tuner is needed for the television and / or VCR. Therefore, in this later arrangement, steps 80 and 82 are not presented.

To encourage and illustrate the process located ahead in Fig. 3, the following example is provided. In this example, the box of the I RD 28 has available channels 10-200 and is currently the source of input to the television 22 (see Fig. 1 c). In addition, the cable box 26 is an entrance to the housing of the I RD 28 (see Fig. 1 c). A user selects BATMAN 60 on channel 2 58 through step 70. The selected show is available on a channel from the cable box 26. The coordinator 20 reads the identifying source associated with the selected show and determines that channel 2 which is from the cable box 26 to step 72. The coordinator 20 then determines that the current source is the box from I RD 28 to step 74. Therefore, the source of the sources is carried out. As mentioned before, when DBS is not longer than the selected source, the I RD 28 box allows the cable box 26 to send signals by internal replacement (electronic or mechanical) within the case of I RD 28 to the 22. Therefore, the coordinator 20 uses an IR 40 transmitter to deactivate or separate the DBS to step 78. The IRD box 28 is set to the television 22 via the television channel 3. In the present arrangement, the cable box 26 is also connected by the television channel 3 22. The coordinator 20 can then check the television 22 to ensure that it is on the channel 3, as required for the input from the cable box 26 (see step 80). ).

Since television 22 is ady on channel 3, no change will be made to the television channel (seen in step 84). the Coordinator 20 then uses an I R transmitter 40 to tune the cable box 26 to the desired channel 2 to the step 84. As ascertainable above, the step 82 and the step 84 can be carried out simultaneously. The program on, is then moved on television 22, and the process placed forward in Fig. 3 is complete. In other modes, the television tuner will be used to select from numerous source inputs, or a mix of the system that the television tuner is using for some sources can be provided, and the source tuner is used for other sources.

Fig. 4 is an exemplary map process that runs for unattended and automatic playback. To begin unattended and automatic playback, the user selects a television show to play with remote 32. In order to provide automatic playback of the selected program, the VCR 24 is automatically "turned on" (in conjunction with the activation of the VCR registration aspect. ) at the right time and then it "turns off" when the show is complete. The tuner process used for automatic playback is just like the forward process for automatic tuner (see Fig. 3), but the VCR is tuned to the correct channel better than television.

As mentioned later in Fig. 4, after the user selects a show at step 90, the coordinator checks to see if the time started for that show has passed (see step 92). If the initial time has not passed, the coordinator 20 waits for step 94. When the correct time (the program start time) occurs, the VCR 24 is "turned on" (see step 96) and the coordinator 20 acts but automatic tuner has been made. Therefore the coordinator 20 reads the identifying source associated with the channel that provides the selected show to step 72 (see Fig. 3). This transition between the process runs for automatic playback and the process runs by automatic tuning which is indicated by B. During the tuning sequence for automatic playback, the VCR, better than the television, is tuned to the correct channel (seen in steps 80). and 82). When the process mentioned in Fig. 3 is complete, as indicated in A, the coordinator 20 uses an IR emitter 40 to activate the reproduction aspect of the VCR to step 100 in Fig. 4. This causes the VCR 24 will register the selected program. The coordinator 20 then checks to see if the end time of the show is equal to the current time at step 102. If the show is not over, the coordinator 20 waits for step 104. When the end time for the show equals the current time, the IR 40 transmitter for the reproduction of the show and then the VCR is "turned off" to step 106. This plan allows unattended automatic playback in any available form of show any source coupled to the VCR 24.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the coordinator 20 is located inside the box of the RD 28, and the coordinator 20 handles the switch and tuner required for DBS and cable sources without using an I R transmitter. When the user or consumer select a non-DBS channel from the guide, the coordinator switches from the integrated receiver decoder to the cable (if the source is originally DBS), and proceeds to tune the television tuner, or television tuner and cable box to the required channel. If a channel DBS is selected later, the ignition system supports the integrated receiver decoder and tunes to the required DBS channel. This arrangement allows the coordination of multi - sources without the need for an I R emitter.

With the assistance of coordinator 20, a user does not have to manually select a source of a television program or manually tune the desired program or channel. In addition, with the automatic receiver, the guide grid is generating, turning on, and if turning on within the available system 10, it is little if any manual interaction is given from the end of the client or user.

While a full and complete disclosure of the invention has been provided even above, it will be obvious to that skilled in the art of various modifications and changes to be made.

Claims (37)

1. CLAIMS: 1 . A method for providing a list of consolidated channel guide information to a television system, the method comprising the steps of: receiving the listing of the individual channel guide information from at least two sources, by a combination system; combining said list of individual channel guide information to form this consolidated channel guide information; and display said list of consolidated channel guide information on a television.
2. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprises the step of transmitting said list of consolidated channel guide information on at least one television signal source prior to the step of downloading.
3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein this list of individual channel guide information are selected from the group consisting of a first type and a second type, wherein said first type of the channel information list of ndividual channel represents the information channel guide for local geographic regions and said second type of channel guide information listing represents the channel guide information for national geographic regions.
4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said sources are selected from the group consisting of cable, an emission source, a direct broadcast satellite system, a telephone line, an optical fiber, an optically registered medium, a magnetically registered medium, and a keyboard.
5. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprises the ordering step of said list of consolidated channel guidance information which is listed in a numerical order.
6. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprises the step of arranging said consolidated channel guide information which is listed according to the order scheme defined by a user.
7. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprises the step of receiving the user who defined the computer plan from a remote control in a control system.
8. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein said transmission step further comprises the step of time shifting of the consolidated list of channel guidance information by a satellite.
9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of consolidated channel guide information includes the identification of the source for each channel listed in said list.
10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the television signal source is selected from the group consisting of a cable, an emission source, a direct broadcast satellite system. eleven .
11. The method of claim 1 further comprises the step of storing the individual channel guide information listed in the television system.
12. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: monitoring the use of television system with a microprocessor within the television system; determine a profile of the viewer based on the use of the television system with said microprocessor; and the arrangement of the channel guide information listing according to the profile of the viewer.
13. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the listing of the consolidated channel guide information in the list is a grid format.
14. 14. An information of the combination system, comprises: a receiver to receive the listing of the individual channel guide information from at least two sources; a microprocessor coupled to said receiver, said microprocessor combining the list of channel guide information in a list of channel guide information; and an exhibit generator coupled to the microprocessor to generate a consolidated and listed channel guide information display.
15. The combined information system of claim 14, further comprising a transmitter coupled to said microprocessor for transmitting the display on at least one television signal source
16. 16. The information comes from the system of claim 14, wherein the sources are selected from the group consisting of a cable, an emission source, a direct broadcast satellite system, a telephone line, an optical fiber, a magnetic recording medium. , an optical registered medium, and a keyboard.
17. 17. The information comes from the system of claim 15, wherein said television signal source is selected from the group consisting of a cable, an emission source and a direct emission satellite system.
18. 18. The information proceeds from the system of claim 14, wherein said list of channel guide information consolidated and listed is ordered according to the numerical order.
19. 19. The information comes from the system of claim 14, wherein said list of consolidated channel guide information is ordered as defined by the user of the ordering scheme.
20. 20. The information proceeds from the system of claim 14, wherein said consolidated and listed channel guide information is arranged in a random order.
21. 21. The information comes from the system of claim 14, wherein said channel guide information consolidated and listed is automatically ordered by the microprocessor, said automatic ordering based on use of television system.
22. 22. The information proceeds from the re-vitalization system 1 5, additional comprising a satellite to transmit consolidated channel guide said list of transmitted guidance information.
23. 23. The information comes from the system of claim 14, wherein said list of consolidated and listed channel guide information includes source of identification for each channel listed in said list.
24. 24. The information comes from the system of claim 14, further comprises a memory coupled to the microprocessor, this memory stores the list of guide information of the individual channel listings and the channel guide information consolidated and listed.
25. 25. The information proceeds from the system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor removes the duplicate listing of channel guide information to allow only or not this list of duplicate information to be displayed in said list of consolidated channel guide information.
26. 26. A method of operation to a television system comprises; introducing and storing the channel guide information in this system for each of the multiple television signal sources, such stored guide channel information is comprised of at least one source identifier; imposing a program desired by the user; use the identifying source and the desired program to select a source from among the multiple television signal sources, and to tune a tuner to said program chosen by the user.
27. 27. The method claimed in claim 26, wherein said step of selecting a source among the multiple television signal sources comprises the selection between at least two of the cable television sources, a satellite source, a DBS. of source, and an antenna source.
28. 28. The method claimed in claim 26, wherein the tuner step comprises the step of tuning said source to receive the desired program.
29. 29. The method claimed in claim 28, is or is further comprised of the step of tuning a television to receive the desired program from the source.
30. 30. The method claimed in claim 26, the tuner wherein the tuner is a receiver and the latter tunes to a common channel.
31. 31 The method claimed in claim 26, wherein the step of entering a desired program comprises the steps of: displaying a guide program in the form of a grid, said grid and including program titles; and put this desired program with an indicator.
32. 32. The method claimed in claim 26, wherein the tuner step comprises the steps of: receiving the input from a direct control in a control system; and transmit an IR signal to the tuner to tune it to the desired program.
33. 33. A multi-source switching system, comprising: a microprocessor for switching between multiple sources within said switching system; a memory, coupled to the microprocessor, for storing the source identifiers, said source identifiers being associated with at least one station of said multiple sources, said emission including program schedule information; a remote control to impose a desired program on the microprocessor, this desired program to be provided from one of the multiple sources, and this desired program to be provided on a television channel; and an emitter, coupled to said microprocessor, to transmit a signal, said signal switches to an input on a television to one of the multiple sources, said one of said multiple sources being identified by one of said source identifiers, and said signal it is tuned au of the multiple sources to the desired program; wherein said desired program is shown on said television.
34. 34. The multi-source switching system of claim 33, wherein said transmitter transmits a signal to said VCR, and said signal causes said VCR to register the desired program.
35. 35. The multi-source switching system of claim 33, wherein one of the multiple sources is an I RD box.
36. 36. The multi-source connection system of claim 33, wherein one of the multiple sources is a cable box.
37. 37. The multi-source connection system of claim 33, wherein said source identifiers are included in said at least one emission from said multiple sources.