Method for enabling user control of an apparatus

An apparatus capable of being controlled by a user via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed by said user, said apparatus comprising:

• memory means for storing data that enables an on-screen menu;
• and
• processing means for enabling said user to control a first set of functions of said apparatus during a first mode by rotating and pressing said key responsive to said on-screen menu, and enabling said user to control a second set of functions of said apparatus during a second mode by rotating and pressing said key without providing said on-screen menu,
• wherein said second set of functions includes a volume adjustment function, a channel adjustment function, and a muting function, and
• wherein during said second mode:
• said user rotates said key in a first direction to increase a volume;
• said user rotates said key in a second direction to decrease said volume;
• said user presses a first section of said key to increase a channel;
• and
• said user presses a second section of said key to decrease said channel;
• and
• said user rotates said key in said first direction and in said second direction within a predetermined time period to activate said audio muting function.

A television signal receiver capable of being controlled by a user via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed by said user, said television signal receiver comprising:

• a memory operative to store data that enables an on-screen menu having a plurality of rows and columns of selectable icons;
• a processor operative to enable said user to control a first set of functions of said television signal receiver during a first mode by rotating and pressing said key responsive to said on-screen menu;
• wherein said key is capable of being rotated in a plurality of directions by said user and includes a plurality of sections capable of being pressed by said user;
• and
• wherein said user moves a highlighted cursor within said on-screen menu between said rows by rotating said key and selects one of said selectable icons by pressing a given section of said key,
• wherein said processor is further operative to enable said user to control a second set of functions of said television signal receiver during a second mode by rotating and pressing said key without providing said on-screen menu;
• wherein said second set of functions includes a volume adjustment function, a channel adjustment function, and a muting function, and
• wherein during said second mode:
• said user rotates said key in a first direction to increase a volume;
• said user rotates said key in a second direction to decrease said volume;
• said user presses a first section of said key to increase a channel;
• and
• said user presses a second section of said key to decrease said channel;
• and
• said user rotates said key in said first direction and in said second direction within a predetermined time period to activate said audio muting function.