Importance

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Abstract

A method for providing programming information to a viewer. The method includes steps of capturing an image of a broadcast video signal that includes EPG data; extracting programming information from the captured image; storing the extracted programming information; retrieving the stored programming information, including at least a program title that identifies a current program being carried on a channel selected by the viewer; and, displaying both the current program carried on the selected channel and the retrieved programming information on a video display. The capturing, extracting, and storing steps are performed periodically in order to regularly update the stored programming information. Preferably, the displaying step is performed by displaying the retrieved programming information in overlaying relationship to the current program, and is discontinued upon the lapse of a prescribed time period. In one embodiment, the retrieving and displaying steps are performed in response to the viewer changing channels, each time that the viewer changes channels when channel surfing. Also disclosed are an apparatus and television system for performing the above-described method.

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First Claim