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

Abstract

A television control system is for selecting a television channel corresponding to a preassigned channel tuning designation. A tuner receives multi-channel input signal, and in response to a processor signal, tunes out all but one selected channel. A memory stores at least one operator-assigned channel select designation for the channel tuning designations. An operator-actuated control means generates a first data signal representative of a desired channel select designation for one of the channel tuning designations, and a second data signal representative of a desired viewing channel identified by one of the channel select designations. A processor receives the first data signal from the control means, and in response, causes the memory to store the desired channel select designation as corresponding to the tuning designation. Upon receipt of the second data signal, the processor retrieves from the memory the channel tuning designation corresponding to the channel select designation, and generates the processor signal to correspond to the channel tuning designation.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This is channelthe then program interrupt was initiated.

It is possible, in addition to the entries made as described above, to provide for entry along with the marker bit one or more order bits. Such entry makes it possible for the operator to predetermine the order of channels during scrolling. Details of the various means by which such a feature could be provided are within the ordinary level of skill within the art.

If, at block 118, the program determines that the entered select code includes six characters, thereby signifying a restricted channel, the program branches to block 136 where a check is made to determine whether any other select codes exist for this tuner channel. If some other select code is noted, indicating that the channel is not in fact a restricted channel, a display is presented at block 138 such as "NOT RESTRICTED CHANNEL". Once the operator clears this display using the clear key, block 140, the program returns to block 94.

If the tuner channel does not have a select code already associated therewith, the operator is prompted at block 142 with "RESTRICTED CHANNEL?" to insure that the operator intends for the particular channel to be restricted. The operator responds at block 144 with "1" for "yes" or "0" for "no", followed by the enter key at block 146. If the response was "0", a display of "TOO MANY DIGITS" is shown at block 148, until the operator actuates the "clear" key at block 150 to return the program to block 94. If the response was "1", the operator is next prompted at block 152 with "DISPLAY =_-- -- -- -- -- -- ". The operator enters, block 154, the desired display code to be presented whenever the channel in question is selected, followed by the enter key at block 156.

At block 158, the program then enters the tuner channel, select code, and display code into the memory cue. This data is preferably entered in order of tuner channel designation, to further make difficult entry of the select code by an unauthorized operator. The program then pauses until the program switch is actuated to take the apparatus out of the control mode.

The final portion of the program mode of the control system is the "SCROLL SELECT", entered form block 78 of FIG. 4, and which enables the operator to review the memory cue and codes contained therein. Referring now to FIG. 6 (comprising FIGS. 6A and 6B), the program initially begins at the top of the cue, block 160, and displays the initial entry, showing its channel code, select code, display code and whether a marker bit has been entered for scrolling during channel selection. A sample display for an unrestricted channel selection is shown in block 162.

At this point, the operator may enter, block 164, either the "scroll" key or the "clear" key. In the former case, the program simply scrolls ahead to the next item in the cue, block 166. In the latter, the operator is prompted with "DELETE. Y=1 N=0", block 168. The operator then enters either "1" or "0", block 170, followed by the enter key, block 172. If the operator chooses "1", the cue entry is deleted, block 174, and the program scrolls forward to the next entry in the cue, block 166. If the operator chooses "0", the program returns to block 162 where the cue entry is simply displayed.

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, preprogrammed entries in memory are provided initially wherein the select code and display code are simply the same as the channel code. These entries are written over as select codes are chosen for the various channels. However, in the event all display select codes for a given channel are deleted, the memory may be designed to reinstate the original entry for that channel code, so that such channel may be chosen by entering its tuner designation. A particular advantage of this feature is that the remote unit may be operated immediately to control the television receiver without programming.

A sample cue display for a restricted channel may be seen in block 176. It will be noted that the select code is shown as "S=XXXXXX", with the characters "X" used in place of the actual characters of the code. The operator enters, at block 178, either the "scroll" or "clear" key, with use of the scroll key advancing the scroll to the next item in the cue, block 180. If the clear key is used, the prompt "DELETE Y=1, N=0" is shown, block 182. The operator enters "1" or "0", block 184, followed by the enter key, block 186. If "0" is entered, the original display is again shown, block 176. If "1" is entered, the operator is prompted "ENTER SECRET CODE NOW", block 188, whereafter the operator must respond with the same secret code used to select the restricted channel followed by the enter key, block 190. Only if the correct code is entered is the entry deleted from the cue, block 192. Entry of an incorrect code returns the program to block 176. After deleting the entry, the program moves to the next record in the cue, block 182.

In the normal channel selection mode of operation, channels may be selected either by select code entry or by scrolling. In the case of scrolling, no flowchart is presented due to the simplicity of the operation. Each time the "scroll" key is actuated, the program advances to the next item in the cue. This entry is checked for the presence of a marker bit. If none is found, the program simply advances through the cue until a marker is found. The corresponding channel is then displayed on the screen, and the appropriate display code is also presented. Such routine is appropriate whether the "scroll up" key 58 or the "scroll down" key 59 is actuated; the particular key simply affects the direction of advance through the cue.

Channel selection may be seen by reference to FIG. 7 (comprised of FIGS. 7A and 7B). For channel selection, the operator enters the select code for the desired channel, followed by the enter key. However, provision is made within the program for selection of the desired channel after entry of less than all the characters of the select code if such characters are unique to a single code. In other words, if the user has entered a display select code "225" for a particular channel and no other display select code begins with the numeral "2", entry of the single character "2" will cause tuning of the receiver to the channel identified by the full code "225".

Select codes comprising alphabetic characters may be handled in several manners, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, depending upon the details of the program. As one alternative, a select code may be initially entered using the alphabetic designations of the keys (and using the appropriate "alpha" keys; see FIG. 3), but may be recalled for channel selection using only the numeric designations of the corresponding keys. For example, a select code "ABC" may be originally entered using the keystrokes (see FIG. 3) "alpha 1" key, "A (or 1)" key, alpha "2" key, "B (or 1)" key, "alpha 3" key and "C (or 1)" key. Channel selection may be made simply by actuating "1", "1", "1".

Such an approach may be disadvantageous in that it precludes other select codes such as "111", "CBA" or "B11". Thus, as a further alternative, the program may be written to permit selection of select codes containing alphabetic characters using corresponding numerals only if no conflict exists. Otherwise, the select code must be entered using the "alpha" keys.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the initial character is received at block 194. Immediately, the program checks at block 196 to determine whether more than one non-restricted select code begins with the entered character. (Restricted channels are treated as special cases and require entry of all six characters, followed by entry of the secret code.) If there is no more than one select code beginning with the entered character, the program checks at block 198 whether there are any entries which begin with the initial character. If not, an error message is given, block 200, and the program erases the entered character and awaits further input.

If at block 198 a single select code beginning with the first character is found, the program moves to block 202 where the select code having the entered initial character is selected from the non-restricted cue. At block 206, further keypad entry is temporarily blocked to avoid processing any further characters, and the selected channel is tuned and the corresponding display code is presented, block 206.

Returning to block 196, if more than one select code begins with the entered initial character, the program proceeds to block 208 where the next keystroke, either a further character or the enter key, is received. If the keystroke is the enter key, the display select code has been completely entered (consisting of one character). At block 208 210, a search for the entered select code is performed, and if such a code is found, the appropriate channel is tuned and display code is presented, block 212. If no such code is found, an error message such as "NO SUCH CODE" is presented, block 214.

At block 208, the next keystroke may be a second character. As before, at block 216, a check is made as to whether more than one display select code begins with the first two characters. If not, and if in fact no such display select codes so begin, block 218, the appropriate error message is shown, block 200. If from block 218 a single corresponding select code is found, the corresponding channel is selected, blocks 202, 204 and 206. If more than one select code begins with the two entered characters at block 216, then a third character or an enter key is awaited at block 220.

Similar processing of the third and fourth characters, if any, are performed. Such operations are not shown in FIG. 7 except by broken lines, but will be readily understood.

At block 222, the next entry can be either a fifth character or the enter key following the fourth character. If an enter key, the program proceeds to block 210 to work with the entered select code. If a fifth character, there is no need to consider whether more than one non-restricted code begin with the initial five characters since such a situation is not possible, and the program accordingly at block 224 awaits the entry of the enter key or a sixth character. If an enter key is received, the program moves to block 210. If a sixth character is received, the viewer has requested a restricted channel.

After receiving the sixth character at block 224, the program awaits an enter key at block 226. At block 228, the message "ENTER SECRET CODE" is displayed. The operator enters the secret code followed by an enter key at block 230, whereafter the code is checked to determine whether it is valid. If the code is correct, the selected channel is tuned and the corresponding display code is shown at block 232. If the code is incorrect, the error message "ENTER CODE AGAIN" is given at block 234, with the program returning to block 230 to await reentry of the secret code.

Throughout the channel selection routine, entry of the clear key will interrupt the channel selection program and return the program to a standby mode.

Other alternatives to the foregoing program will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. What is important is that means be provided whereby the user may enter his own selected designations for available channels, and that those user-designated channel identifications be used in selecting a channel for viewing.

However, it will be recognized that the processor, whether incorporated in the television receiver or in a hand-held remote, may be used to perform other tasks in addition to enabling user-designations to identify particular available channels. For example, a clock circuit may be included, whereby restricting of channels unless the proper code is entered may be made necessary only during preselected days and/or times. In this way, parents for example may preclude children from viewing particular programs while leaving the channel in question available at other times. The manner in which the processor may be programmed to carry out this feature will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Another additional feature may be incorporated with respect to the "scroll" ability of the control system. As described in connection with the preferred embodiment, a single, binary marker bit is used whereby a single scroll order is provided. However, it will be recognized that a multiple bit marker may be used. In such a case, it will be possible to create more than one scroll sequence. Such sequences may be used to create subject matter scrolls (e.g., news, educational programming, entertainment programming and the like), or individual scroll sequences for each member of the same household.

Further, the preferred embodiment is described as incorporating an easily accessible program switch. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention may also be used in embodiments wherein programming of the control system, while similar in operating concept, is more difficult to carry out. For example, hotels may wish to locate programming switches as DIP switches or the like positioned internally of the television receiver and/or remote unit to prevent guests from programming the units in a nonuniform manner. Alternatively, programming could be carried out remote from the unit, such as by utilizing a removable chip for the system memory. As yet a further alternative, the television receiver could include an accessible data port. In such a case, again using a hotel as an example, access to "premium" channels such as movie channels could be authorized only by office personnel through the data port.

A further alternative to programming the control system through a data port is to program the system through the cable itself. Such an alternative might be useful, for example, where the cable service company itself wishes to program its subscriber's control systems to match the designations it uses for channels which it provides, or the designations used by local newspapers in providing program information. One cable channel may be reserved for transmitting the necessary data. The control system may be made responsive to such channel either on a periodic basis, or upon receiving an instruction to program itself from the incoming data stream.

One cable provider may wish to provide multiple programmed series, useful for example where a cable provider serves an area covered by newspapers using different designations in their television listings. While this approach can be implemented in a number of ways, one possibility is to reserve a separate cable channel for each channel designation series. This will in fact enable the user to select the series desired, by tuning to the appropriate channel for programming of the control unit.

Of course, it will be readily recognized that some portions of the television controller memory may be available for programming to the cable service provider, while other portions of the memory may be available for programming by the viewer. For example, the cable provider may determine the display code, while the viewer may establish the select codes.

It has been mentioned that similar controls may be provided both on a remote control unit and on the television receiver itself. This may require separate programming of each control system for the same television receiver. As an alternative to this approach, the remote unit may be provided with a memory which serves merely to store the control data as it is being entered. Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, local control 36 of the remote unit (FIG. 2) provides the user input to processing unit 34 regarding the select codes to be used for channel selection. This data is retained in memory 40. A memory dump control is provided on control 36, so that once user input is completed, the memory contents may subsequently be dumped through transmitter 38 to the receiver 24 located with the television receiver (FIG. 1). This data is then directed by processor 30 to the memory 28 associated with the control system located on the television receiver. Channel select codes subsequently entered at the remote are simply passed through to the receiver's controls, where channel selection is made in a manner as already described.

Hence, the remote serves to "teach" the television receiver. This approach will be particularly useful where the user wishes to program two or more television receivers. Once the remote has received the programming information, the remote may be used to teach any number of television receivers.

Specific implementation of any of the alternatives described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be accomplished using techniques well known in the art of circuit design.

It will also be recognized that while frequent reference is made herein to a "television receiver", such reference is intended to include not only conventional television sets, but also videocassette recorders, satellite receivers, or any other apparatus capable of tuning a television signal from a multiple-channel source.

While the methods described herein, and the apparatus for carrying these methods into effect, constitute preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be recognized that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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. 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

channel tuning designation. 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

identical thereto. 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.

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

designation. 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

reviews the one of said cues corresponding thereto. 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.

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. 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

channel tuning designation. 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

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. 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

tuning designations. 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.

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. 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. 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

which is identical thereto. 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. 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

designation. 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.

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. 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

channel tuning designation. 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

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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

identical thereto. 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

designation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

channel tuning designation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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

said one channel code. 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.

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

correspond to said one channel tuning designation. 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. 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

person. 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.