Communication system and method

A media appliance, comprising:

• a video playback device operable to retrieve stored video data from a storage location;
• a memory storing a communication client application;
• a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the communication client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a video call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network;
• a video buffer operable to buffer video data for display on a television screen;
• and
• selection means having a first input arranged to receive stored video data from the video playback device, a second input arranged to receive video call data from the communication client, an output connected to the video buffer, and a control input connected to the communication client,
• wherein the communication client is arranged to control the selection means to output the video call data to the video buffer responsive to the communication client receiving a command to establish a video call from the user.

A method of controlling video signals in a television receiver system having a processor executing a communication client, comprising:

• receiving broadcast video signals at a television receiver and providing broadcast video data from the television receiver to a first input of a selection means;
• outputting the broadcast video data from the selection means to a video buffer in the absence of a selection signal at a control input of the selection means;
• receiving a command to establish a video call from a user at the communication client and providing video call data to a second input of the selection means;
• responsive to receiving the command to establish a video call, the communication client generating a selection signal to control the selection means to output the video call data to the video buffer.

A method of controlling video signals in a media appliance having a processor executing a communication client, comprising:

• retrieving stored video data from a storage location using a video playback device and providing the stored video data from the video playback device to a first input of a selection means;
• outputting the stored video data from the selection means to a video buffer in the absence of a selection signal at a control input of the selection means;
• receiving a command to establish a video call from a user at the communication client and providing video call data to a second input of the selection means;
• responsive to receiving the command to establish a video call, the communication client generating a selection signal to control the selection means to output the video call data to the video buffer.