Television receiver having memory control for tune-by-label feature

Claim 2

In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; second operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said first control output signal comprising a first one of said channels of said multi-channel input signal; said processor means including means for generating said processor signal to cause said tuner means to tune out all but said first one of said channels, and for receiving from said turner means said first control output signal comprising said first one of said channels.

Claim 3

Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first operator actuated control means is remote from said second operator actuated control means.

Claim 4

In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; first memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; second memory means for storing said operator-assigned channel select designations for said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations and for generating a dump control output signal; second operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; first processor means for receiving said first control output signal from said first operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said first memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said dump control output signal, causing said first memory means to dump any contents thereof to said second memory means; and second processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.

Claim 5

In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; first memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; second memory means for storing said operator-assigned channel select designations for said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations and for generating a dump control output signal; second operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; first processor means for receiving said first control output signal from said first operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said first memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said dump control output signal, causing said first memory means to dump any contents thereof to said second memory means; and second processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation.

Claim 6

Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said first operator actuated control means, said first memory means and said first processor means are remote from said second operator actuated control means, said second memory means and said second processor means. .Iadd.5. A method of controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, comprising the steps of: generating using an operator-actuated control means a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of at least one desired channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; storing in a memory said channel select designation as corresponding to the respective one of said channel tuning designations; generating using said operator-actuated control means a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; retrieving from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation; and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one

Claim 7

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.6. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for initially storing a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is

Claim 8

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.6. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for initially storing a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is

Claim 9

identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.7. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining slid channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

Claim 10

identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.7. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining slid channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

Claim 11

.Iaddend..Iadd.8. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning

Claim 12

.Iaddend..Iadd.8. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning

Claim 13

designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.9. A television control apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said control means further includes means for generating a cue selection signal corresponding to one of said cues, and wherein said processor means, upon receipt of said cue selection signal

Claim 14

reviews the one of said cues corresponding thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and upon receipt of said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation.

Claim 15

reviews the one of said cues corresponding thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and upon receipt of said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation.

Claim 16

.Iaddend..Iadd.11. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.12. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one

Claim 17

.Iaddend..Iadd.11. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.12. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one

Claim 18

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; means for receiving said first data set and causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt thereof, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 19

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; means for receiving said first data set and causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt thereof, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 20

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.14. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel

Claim 21

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.14. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel

Claim 22

tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits.

Claim 23

tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and upon receipt of said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits.

Claim 24

.Iaddend..Iadd.16. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for initially storing a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.17. A television control system as defined in claim 16, wherein said memory means includes means for storing, for a plurality of said channel tuning designations, a channel select designation for each of said plurality of channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.18. A television control system as defined in claim 17, wherein said multi-channel input includes a plurality of active channels, said memory means including means for storing a channel select designation for each of said active channels

Claim 25

which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.19. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.20. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and in response to said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning

Claim 26

which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.19. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.20. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and in response to said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning

Claim 27

designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor means, in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and in response to said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation.

Claim 28

designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor means, in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and in response to said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation.

Claim 29

.Iaddend..Iadd.22. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.23. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations: processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one

Claim 30

.Iaddend..Iadd.22. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing said memory and restoring therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.23. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations: processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one

Claim 31

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.24. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; means for receiving said first data set and causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and in response thereto, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 32

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.24. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; means for receiving said first data set and causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation; second operator-actuated control means distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said second control output signal from said second operator-actuated control means, and in response thereto, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 33

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.25. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.26. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; said processor means, in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits.

Claim 34

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.25. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.26. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; said processor means, in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits.

Claim 35

.Iaddend..Iadd.27. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said memory further being adapted to initially store a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviews said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

Claim 36

.Iaddend..Iadd.27. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; said memory further being adapted to initially store a channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviews said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation.

Claim 37

.Iaddend..Iadd.29. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving said multi-channel input signal and tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and upon receipt of said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviews the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.30. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory further stores a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and retains said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control device further generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor, in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and in response to said third data set, reviews the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory is adapted to initially store a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control device being adapted to generate a memory clear signal; wherein said processor receives said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clears said memory and restores therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is

Claim 38

.Iaddend..Iadd.29. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving said multi-channel input signal and tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of ordered cues; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said cues, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said cues; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and upon receipt of said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviews the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.30. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory further stores a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and retains said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control device further generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor, in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and in response to said third data set, reviews the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory is adapted to initially store a channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control device being adapted to generate a memory clear signal; wherein said processor receives said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clears said memory and restores therein said channel select designation for each of said channel tuning designations which is

Claim 39

identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; a first operator-actuated control device for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; a second operator-actuated control device distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control devices, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning

Claim 40

identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; a first operator-actuated control device for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations; a second operator-actuated control device distinct and remotely located from said first operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control devices, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning

Claim 41

designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory is adapted to store more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.34. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviews said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory being adapted to store at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which retains said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; wherein said processor, in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said third data signal, determines said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for each of a plurality of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said plurality of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing from said memory a selected one of said channel select designations and restoring therein said channel select designation for a corresponding one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for each of a plurality of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said plurality of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal: said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing from said memory a selected one of said channel select designations and restoring therein said channel select designation for a corresponding one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.37. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of scroll sequences; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said scroll sequences, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said scroll sequences; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said scroll sequences to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said scroll sequence, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next

Claim 42

designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: a memory adapted to store at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and in response to said second data set, retrieves from said memory the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generates said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory is adapted to store more than one of said channel select designations corresponding to a single one of said channel tuning designations. .Iaddend..Iadd.34. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a tuner for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; a memory adapted to store at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered cue; an operator-actuated control device for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said cue; a processor that receives said control output signal from said operator-actuated control device, and in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said second data set, reviews said cue to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generates said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory being adapted to store at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which retains said channel tuning designations in said ordered cue; wherein said processor, in response to said first data set, causes said memory to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said cue, and in response to said third data signal, determines said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for each of a plurality of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said plurality of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal; said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing from said memory a selected one of said channel select designations and restoring therein said channel select designation for a corresponding one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation upon receipt of a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for each of a plurality of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for initially storing a channel select designation for each of said plurality of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto; said operator-actuated control means including means for generating a memory clear signal: said processor means including means for receiving said memory clear signal, and in response thereto, clearing from said memory a selected one of said channel select designations and restoring therein said channel select designation for a corresponding one of said channel tuning designations which is identical thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.37. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing a marker value for at least one of said channel tuning designations, and means for retaining said channel tuning designations in a plurality of scroll sequences; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel tuning designations and one of said scroll sequences, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within a selected one of said scroll sequences; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said scroll sequences to determine a next of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said scroll sequence, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next

Claim 43

channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.38. A television control apparatus as defined in claim 37, wherein said control means further includes means for generating a scroll sequence selection signal corresponding to one of said scroll sequences, and wherein said processor means, upon receipt of said scroll sequence selection signal reviews the one of said scroll sequences corresponding thereto. .Iaddend..Iadd.39. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered scroll sequence; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence, and upon receipt of said second data set, reviewing said scroll sequence to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered scroll sequence; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence, and upon receipt of said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits. .Iaddend..Iadd.40. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one marker/order bit for at least one of said channel tuning designations, for retaining said channel tuning designations in an ordered scroll sequence; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of the presence of said marker/order bit associated with one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker/order bits associated with one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence, and in response to said second data set, reviewing said scroll sequence to determine a next in order of said channel tuning designations to have one of said marker/order bits associated therewith, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel tuning designation; said memory means including means for storing at least one order bit for each of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith which comprises said means for retaining said channel tuning designations in said ordered scroll sequence; said processor means, in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store an order bit associated with said channel tuning designation which has one of said marker bits associated therewith corresponding to the respective place of said channel tuning designation within said scroll sequence, and in response to said third data signal, determining said next of said channel tuning designations which have one of said marker bits associated therewith by reviewing said order bits. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of scroll sequences; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said scroll sequences, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said scroll sequences; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and upon receipt of said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said scroll sequences to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said scroll sequences, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.42. A television control system apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein: said memory means further includes means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; said control output signal further comprises one of (c) a third data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (d) a fourth data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; said processor means further, following receipt of said third data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and following receipt of said fourth data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. A television control system apparatus as defined in claim 42, further comprising a display, and wherein: said memory means further includes means for storing at least one operator-assigned display designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; said control output signal further comprises one of (e) a fifth data set representative of a desired display designation for one of said channel tuning designations; said processor means further, following receipt of said fifth data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and following receipt of said fourth data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said display designations corresponding to said one channel tuning designation and causing said one display designation to be displayed on said display. .Iaddend..Iadd.44. A television control system apparatus as defined in claim 8, further comprising a display, and wherein: said memory means further includes means for storing at least one operator-assigned display designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; said control output signal further comprises one of (c) a third data set representative of a desired display designation for one of said channel tuning designations; said processor means further, following receipt of said third data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and further following receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said display designations corresponding to said next channel tuning designation and causing said one display designation to be displayed on said display. .Iaddend..Iadd.45. In a television control system apparatus for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation, the system apparatus comprising: a television screen; tuner means for receiving a processor signal and a multi-channel input signal, and in response to said processor signal, tuning out all but one channel corresponding to a selected one of said preassigned channel tuning designations; memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for at least one of said channel tuning designations; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and upon receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said one channel tuning designation; wherein said memory means includes means for storing a marker value for each of said channel select designations, and means for retaining said channel select designations in a plurality of ordered cues; said control means including means for generating, at the selection of the operator, a part of said first data set representative of the presence of said marker value associated with one of said channel select designations and one of said cues, and means for generating a third data set representative of a command to advance to a subsequent channel select designation within a selected one of said cues; said processor means, upon receipt of said first data set, causing said memory means to store any of said marker values associated with one of said channel select designations, and upon receipt of said third data set, reviewing the corresponding one of said cues to determine a next of said channel select designations to have one of said marker values associated therewith which corresponds to said cue, and generating said processor signal to correspond to said next channel select designation whereby a selected television channel is displayed on said screen.

Claim 44

.Iaddend..Iadd. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal including a string of two or more label characters and comprising one of (a) a first data set representative at least in part of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set having as an initial character one of said label characters and representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to solely said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code.

Claim 45

.Iaddend..Iadd. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal including a string of two or more label characters and comprising one of (a) a first data set representative at least in part of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set having as an initial character one of said label characters and representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to solely said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code.

Claim 46

.Iaddend..Iadd.47. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code; said memory means including means for initially storing a select code for at least one of said channel codes which is identical thereto.

Claim 47

.Iaddend..Iadd.47. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code; said memory means including means for initially storing a select code for at least one of said channel codes which is identical thereto.

Claim 48

.Iaddend..Iadd.48. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes; second operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to

Claim 49

.Iaddend..Iadd.48. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; first operator-actuated control means for generating a first control output signal comprising a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes; second operator-actuated control means for generating a second control output signal comprising a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said first and second control output signals from said first and second operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to

Claim 50

said one channel code. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said select codes corresponding to a single one of said channel codes.

Claim 51

said one channel code. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel code in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing at least one operator-assigned select code for at least one of said channel codes; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative of a desired select code for one of said channel codes, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said select codes; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired select code as corresponding to said one channel code, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said memory means the one of said channel codes corresponding to said operator selected select code, and generating said channel tuning control signal to correspond to said one channel code; wherein said memory means includes means for storing more than one of said select codes corresponding to a single one of said channel codes.

Claim 52

.Iaddend..Iadd.50. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing a plurality of said channel tuning designations within a first series, and for storing within a second series a plurality of operator-assigned channel select designations wherein each of said channel select designations within said second series corresponds to one of said channel tuning designations within said first series; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative at least in part of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation within said second series as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation within said first series, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said first series the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 53

.Iaddend..Iadd.50. A system for controlling a television receiver capable of tuning from a multi-channel input a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation in response to a channel tuning control signal, the system comprising: memory means for storing a plurality of said channel tuning designations within a first series, and for storing within a second series a plurality of operator-assigned channel select designations wherein each of said channel select designations within said second series corresponds to one of said channel tuning designations within said first series; operator-actuated control means for generating a control output signal comprising one of (a) a first data set representative at least in part of a desired channel select designation for one of said channel tuning designations, and (b) a second data set representative of a desired viewing channel identified by an operator selected one of said channel select designations; processor means for receiving said control output signal from said operator-actuated control means, and in response to said first data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation within said second series as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation within said first series, and in response to said second data set, retrieving from said first series the one of said channel tuning designations corresponding to said operator selected channel select designation, and generating said channel tuning control signal to

Claim 54

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. .Iaddend..Iadd.51. A television control system as defined in claim 50, further comprising a display, and wherein: said memory means further includes means for storing within a third series an operator-assigned display designation corresponding to at least one of said channel tuning designations within said first series; said control output signal further comprises one of (c) a third data set representative of a desired display designation for one of said channel tuning designations; said processor means further, following receipt of said third data set, causing said memory means to store said desired channel select designation within said third series as corresponding to said one channel tuning designation, and further following receipt of said second data set, retrieving from said third series the one of said display designations corresponding to said next channel tuning designation and causing said one display designation to be displayed on said display. .Iaddend..Iadd.52. The method of claim 5, wherein said step of generating said first control output signal is performed by a first person, and wherein said step of generating said second control output signal is performed by a second

Claim 55

person. .Iaddend..Iadd.53. The method of claim 5, wherein said step of generating said first control output signal is performed by a first person, and wherein said desired channel select designation is predetermined by a second person. .Iaddend.