Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and technique for automatic tuning (to an arbitrary broadcast frequency) of an audio-video or audio device in accordance with a topic selection made by a user. Knowledge of specific broadcasted programs and times is not necessary. A user makes a selection of a subject matter topic from a menu or list and the necessary tuning is thereafter automatically done under control of a menu or list control interface. In the example of digital information transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal, the menu control interface automatically adjusts the tuner in accordance with the menu selection made by the user to choose an arbitrary channel and page of information within that channel. The menu or menus can be transmitted with the incoming information, or can be stored internally. Digital data can also be transmitted with the broadcast signal to characterize the subject matter content of the broadcast signal. In this latter situation, the tuner will seek to any arbitrary frequency having a digital code matching the subject matter topic chosen by the user.

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First Claim