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.
Claims13
A user interface for a cable television system, comprising:
- means for inputting user requests for the selection of television program signals, wherein said television program signals are initially received at a personal computer (PC);
- means responsive to said inputting means for converting said user requests into electrical signals;
- first means for communicating said electrical signals to the PC, said PC having a first display associated therewith for displaying information received from the PC;
- second means for receiving selected television program signals from said PC in response to said electrical signals;
- and
- third means for communicating the received television signals to a television appliance having a second display associated therewith for displaying television images in accordance with said television signals.
A television system for use with (i) a personal computer (PC) having a first display associated therewith for displaying information received from the PC, and (ii) a television appliance which is independent of said PC, said system comprising:
- a television interface operatively associated with said PC, said television interface including a television tuner enabling the selection of television program services by said PC for output to said television appliance, wherein television program signals are initially received at said PC;
- and
- a user interface adapted to be collocated with said television appliance and in communication with said PC, for enabling a user to remotely control said PC to select television program services to be displayed on a second display associated with said television appliance.
A user interface for a cable television system, comprising:
- means for inputting user requests for the selection of television program signals, wherein said television program signals are initially received at a personal computer (PC);
- means responsive to said inputting means for converting said user requests into electrical signals;
- first means for communicating said electrical signals to the PC, said PC having a first display associated therewith for displaying information received from the PC;
- second means for receiving selected television program signals from said PC in response to said electrical signals;
- and
- third means for communicating the received television signals to a television appliance having a second display associated therewith for displaying television images in accordance with said television signals,
- wherein television services provided on said television appliance and unrelated applications provided on said PC can be concurrently accessed.
A television system for use with (i) a personal computer (PC) having a first display associated therewith for displaying information received from the PC, and (ii) a television appliance which is independent of said PC, said system comprising:
- a television interface operatively associated with said PC, said television interface including a television tuner enabling the selection of television program services by said PC for output to said television appliance, wherein said television program signals are initially received at said PC;
- and
- a user interface adapted to be collocated with said television appliance and in communication with said PC, for enabling a user to remotely control said PC to select television program services to be displayed on a second display associated with said television appliance,
- wherein television services provided on said television appliance and unrelated applications provided on said PC can be concurrently accessed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.