Personal computer-based set-top converter for television services
AssigneeGeneral Instrument Corporation
InventorKenneth L. Naiff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A peripheral device is provided for a personal computer enabling the PC to provide the functions of a set-top box for television reception. Communication of television and control signals between the television and PC can be provided over the cable wiring already provided in the subscriber premises. Alternatively, wireless communication can be provided between the television and the PC. The invention obviates the need for a set-top box and the associated expense thereof. The television operations take place in the multitasking environment of the PC, so that the PC can be concurrently used for other applications.
Claims14
A peripheral device for a personal computer (PC), said PC having a first display associated therewith for displaying information received from the PC, said peripheral device comprising:
- a television interface for enabling said PC to receive, select and process television signals;
- and
- a communications port operatively associated with said television interface for communicating said television signals over a wireless link to a television appliance having a second display associated therewith for displaying television images in accordance with said television signals;
- said wireless link comprising a first transceiver operatively associated with said television interface for transmitting said television signals to said television appliance and receiving control signals from said television appliance;
- and
- a second transceiver operatively associated with said television appliance for receiving said television signals from said television interface and transmitting said control signals from said television appliance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.