System and method for searching a database of television schedule information

Abstract

Compressed codes of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information, identify single TV programs or a category of programs and are stored at a central location accessible over telephone lines through pay-per-use, toll free or regular toll numbers from remote locations. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time or to control viewing on a TV.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation in part of a pending patent application, which has not yet been assigned a Serial No., filed Mar. 5, 1993, which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 08 / 000,934 filed Jan. 5, 1993, which is a continuation in part of pending patent application Ser. No. 07 / 965,075 filed Oct. 22, 1992, which is a continuation of pending patent application Ser. No. 07 / 877,687 filed May 1, 1992, now abandoned, which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 07 / 829,412 filed Feb. 3, 1992, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 07 / 767,323 filed Sep. 30, 1991, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 07 / 676,934 filed Mar. 27, 1991, which is: a continuation in part of Ser. No. 07 / 371,054 filed Jun. 26, 1989, now abandoned, which itself is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 07 / 289,369, filed Dec. 23, 1988, now abandoned. Each of the referenced applications is incorporated herein by this reference as though-set forth in full.BACKGROUND OF ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A principal feature of the invention is providing an improved system for the selection and entering of channel, date, time and length (CDTL) information required for timer preprogramming of a VCR which is substantially simpler, faster and less error-prone than present techniques. Another principal feature of the invention is providing televisions having an embedded capability for timer programming control.

[0009]In accordance with the invention, to program the timer preprogramming feature of a video system, there is an apparatus and method for using encoded video recorder / player timer preprogramming information. The purpose is to significantly reduce the number of keystrokes required to set up the timer preprogramming feature on a VCR. In accordance with this invention it is only necessary for the user to enter a code with 1 to 8 digits or more into the VCR. This can be done either remotely or locally at the VCR. Built into either the remote controller or the VCR is a decoding means which automatically converts the code into the proper CDTL programming information and activates the VCR to record a given television program with the corresponding channel, date, time and length. Generally multiple codes can be entered at one time for multiple program selections. The code can be printed in a television program guide in advance and selected for use with a VCR or remote controller with the decoding means.

[0015]In any of these embodiments, the initial setup data is transferred and stored into the video recorder without the user having to key the information manually.

Problems solved by technology

First, the procedure for setting the VCR to record in advance can be quite complex and confusing and difficult to learn; in fact, because of this many VCR owners shun using the timer preprogramming record feature.

Second, the transcription of the CDTL information to the VCR is hardly ever error-free; in fact, many users of VCR's timer preprogramming features express concern over the high incidence of programming errors.

Third, even for experienced users, the process of entering a lengthy sequence of information on the channel, date, time and length of desired program can become tedious.

Fourth, techniques such as reading in bar-code information or using a computer require special equipment.

These drawbacks have created a serious impedance in the use of a VCR as a recording device for television programs.

The effect is that time shifting of programs has not become as popular as it once was thought it would be.

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