Importance

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Abstract

Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time. A local channel map is stored so that the channel information from the compressed codes can be utilized to tune the correct channel even though channel numbers in different localities may be different. The remote may be a universal remote control capable of selecting between various stored infrared code protocols for commanding different brands and model of video devices. The remote may also be a complete universal remote control that transmits infrared codes to a variety of home electronic devices upon the user pressing buttons associated with the functions associated with the infrared codes. The programming of local channel map data, infrared codes and protocols and their association with specific buttons on the remote control can be accomplished by the remote control's keyboard or by an external device, including external devices that accomplish the programming by transmissions over telephone lines.

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First Claim