IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE DELAYED VIEWING OF SCREEN READABLE SIGNALS SUCH AS A TELEVISION BROADCAST

摘要

This invention provides a method permitting the delayed viewing of a continuous sequential signal transmission, the method comprising recording a digitised version of the continuous sequential signal transmission on an ongoing basis onto a digital recording medium (s), and subsequently reading the recorded signals whilst continuing to record the real time transmissions onto the said digital recording medium, and converting the recovered signals into ascreen readable form and viewing on a television (TV). Apparatus to permit the delayed viewing of a continuous sequential signal transmission, the apparatus comprising means to receive (r) and process (C, D, E) the continuous sequential signal transmission and where necessary to convert into a digital output, means to write the signal to a storage medium and means to read a signal recorded on the storage medium, the write and read means being operable simultaneously to permit reading of previously recorded signals whilst signals currently being received are being recorded. The invention also provides a method permitting the delayed viewing of a continuous signal transmission upon selection of additional on screen menus, the method comprising automatically recording a version of the continuous signal transmission onto a digital storage medium when additional temporarily on screen graphic and/or text and/or video images are displayed, re-commencing delayed read of digitally stored signal and displaying same when prompted or automatically when said temporarily on screen graphics and/or text and/or video images are no longer displayed.