HDTV Stream Switching Using Pre-stored Settings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDTV devices require several seconds to determine broadcast parameters for a new input stream, which is slower than traditional analog TV and can be annoying to users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high definition television (HDTV) with digital memory to store stream settings, allowing for rapid switching between input streams by using a computer program that sequences through a list of potential streams, either incrementing or decrementing an index to find a new stream, and optionally using user-inputted settings to change streams quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional HDTV devices determine broadcast parameters anew with each input change, then accurate stream parameters are obtained, but stream switching time is excessive (several seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing broadcast parameters and stream settings in advance for multiple potential input streams. When a stream change is requested, the pre-stored parameters are immediately retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time detection and parameter determination during switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and maintains copies of stream settings and broadcast parameters in memory for various potential input streams. These stored copies include all necessary configuration data (resolution, frame rate, refresh method, etc.) that would otherwise need to be detected in real-time, enabling instant stream switching without parameter re-determination.
2Loss of time
If stream settings are stored in advance, then stream switching time is reduced to less than one second, but device complexity increases due to memory and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stored stream settings data structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional, accommodating various types of input streams (broadcast, cable, satellite, digital, analog) with a single unified storage format. This universal approach simplifies the management system by eliminating the need for separate handling mechanisms for different stream types, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added memory requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A high definition television (HDTV) is capable of displaying one or more streams. Typical stream changing is accomplished by freshly determining the stream settings (frame rate, resolution, refresh method) as each stream is detected, resulting in slow to tortuously slow stream surfing. Here, the HDTV stream settings are stored in a list of present streams, so that stream surfing may continue at much higher rates without redetermining the stream settings with each stream change. The improved stream surfing may be turned on or off at user discretion. Additionally, individual streams, as well as other audio/video inputs may also be edited to user-desired stream settings by accepting user inputs. The HDTV may automatically detect HDTV settings for each currently tuned stream of a list of potential streams, or may download the HDTV setting for a specific location of the HDTV.