One key system for freezing a television PIP display

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A method of operating a television receiver having PIP circuitry with a PIP input for producing a PIP display from a PIP video signal as an inset of a main video display comprising: providing a special key on the keyboard of a remote control unit for the television receiver; and in response to one operation of the special key with the television receiver displaying a main video signal with the PIP circuitry deactivated: (a) activating the PIP circuitry in its largest display size; (b) temporarily switching the main video signal to the PIP input; and (c) freezing the PIP display.
2.
The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the PIP display in the same position the PIP display occupied the last time the PIP circuitry was activated.
3.
The method of claim 2, further comprising displaying a message on the main video display indicating that a snapshot mode is operational.
4.
The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to a subsequent operation of the special key: (d) unfreezing the PIP display; and (e) switching the PIP signal to the PIP input.
5.
The method of claim 4, further comprising: in response to a further operation of the special key: (f) deactivating the PIP circuitry.
6.
In combination with a television receiver producing a main video display from a television display signal: a remote control device having a keypad for issuing control signals for controlling said television receiver; PIP means having a PIP input for developing a PIP display from a PIP signal, as an inset of said main video display, activation and deactivation of said PIP means and the display size and position of said PIP display being controlled by operation of corresponding keys on said remote control keypad; a special key on said keypad; and snapshot means responsive to one operation of said special key for activating said PIP means with the largest display size of said PIP display, temporarily switching said main television display signal to said PIP input and freezing said PIP display