초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods are provided for a television guide. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for comparing a current time with at least one stored time period for extracting television guide data to determine if the current time is within the stored time period, a device for switchin

Apparatus and methods are provided for a television guide. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for comparing a current time with at least one stored time period for extracting television guide data to determine if the current time is within the stored time period, a device for switching a signal output from a first television signal source to a second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the first television signal source when the current time is within the stored time period, a device for extracting the television guide data from the signal output when the current time is within the stored time period, and a memory for storing the extracted television guide data. In another embodiment the apparatus includes a device for controlling a tuner to tune to a plurality of channels in the first television signal source, when the current time is within the stored time period, a device for controlling a tuner to tune to a plurality of channels in the second television signal source, when the current time is within the stored time period, and a device for locking the tuner on a channel containing television guide data in order to permit extraction of the television guide data from the channel, wherein the device for switching switches from the first television signal source to the second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the plurality of channels in the first television signal source.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for acquiring data related to television programming comprising the steps of:receiving from a first television signal source a television signal capable of incorporating embedded data relating to television programming; determining if data related to television programming is embedded in

1. A method for acquiring data related to television programming comprising the steps of:receiving from a first television signal source a television signal capable of incorporating embedded data relating to television programming; determining if data related to television programming is embedded in the television signal from the first source; if data related to television programming is embedded in the television signal from the first source, storing the embedded data in an electronic memory; and if data related to television programming is not embedded in the television signal from the first source, performing the following steps: receiving from a second signal source a television signal capable of incorporating embedded data relating to television programming; determining if data related to television programming is embedded in the television signal from the second source; and if data related to television programming is embedded in the television signal from the second source, storing the embedded data in the electronic memory.