Media return system

Abstract

A remote control provides a return to channel feature for use with a media device adapted to play media but not itself equipped with a return to channel feature. The remote control stores a primary channel in memory and is programmed such that, in direct response to a first input being manually provided to a remote control, a timer in the remote control is caused to commence a timing of a predetermined interval such that, in response to expiration of the predetermined interval timed by the timer, the remote control is caused to transmit a command signal corresponding to the primary channel stored in memory to the media device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION[0001]This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 718,931, filed Nov. 21, 2000, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to media systems, hand-held electronics and control modules. Specific exemplary embodiments discussed relate to remote controls and televisions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The description of art in this section is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication, or other information referred to herein is prior art with respect to this invention, unless specifically designated as such.[0004]Recently, cable television and broadcast television has become rife with commercials and other interruptions to the primary programming, or feature (referred to herein, separately and collectively, as commercials). While some commercials are amusing, they lose their appeal very soon. Chang...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a mechanism for automatically returning to the original channel after a commercial break during television viewing. This is achieved by detecting advertising content and timing a predetermined interval for the system to return to the original channel. The invention can be built into the television or remote control, and a notification can be provided to the user through audio or visual signals. The technical effect is to improve the viewing experience for television viewers by ensuring they always have access to the original channel after a commercial break."

Problems solved by technology

While some commercials are amusing, they lose their appeal very soon.

With more and more channels to surf, a user is prone to become engrossed in the process of surfing itself and miss the primary feature he was viewing on the primary channel.

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