HD Auto Tune Function for Set Top Box Channel Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in providing users with efficient methods to access and record high definition (HD) television programs while maintaining compatibility with existing standard definition (SD) systems, as HD programs require more data storage and often simulcast with SD versions, leading to cluttered program guides and limited recording options due to the large number of HD channels being relatively small compared to SD channels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high definition auto tune function that automatically switches to the HD version of a selected SD channel if available, allowing users to enable or disable this feature for specific channels or categories, thereby simplifying the display and recording of HD content without requiring users to know the HD channel numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If HD programs are simulcast on separate channel numbers from SD versions, then HD content availability is improved, but program guide complexity and user difficulty in locating HD channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SD and HD channel listings into a unified program guide view. When a user selects an SD channel, the system automatically presents the corresponding HD channel information in the same guide interface, merging what would traditionally be separate channel listings into a single integrated display that shows both SD and HD options together.
Solution Approach 2:
The program guide acts as an intermediary that translates between SD channel selections and HD channel mappings. When a user selects an SD channel number, the guide system mediates by automatically identifying and presenting the corresponding HD channel information, eliminating the need for users to manually search through separate HD channel listings.
2Loss of information
If HD and SD program information are displayed separately in the program guide, then complete information is provided, but user ability to find programs of interest decreases due to distraction and redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SD and SD program information displays into a single unified program guide entry. Instead of showing separate listings for SD and HD versions of the same program, the system combines them into one integrated display that presents complete program information while automatically indicating HD availability, thereby reducing visual clutter and making program discovery easier.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually locate HD channels, then recording options are available, but time and effort required to discover HD content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically mapping SD channel selections to corresponding HD channels before the user even needs to request HD content. When a user selects an SD channel, the system has already prepared and is immediately presenting the corresponding HD channel information, eliminating the time users would otherwise spend manually searching for HD equivalents.
Solution Approach 2:
The program guide provides immediate feedback to users about HD channel availability based on their SD channel selections. When users view program information for an SD channel, the system automatically feedbacks whether an HD version is available and presents the corresponding HD channel number, enabling users to quickly make informed decisions about recording options without manual searching.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.