Device for selecting and controlling a plurality of signal sources in a television system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a television-based device that simplifies user operation of a plurality of signal sources.
In accomplishing that object, it is a related object to provide a videocassette recorder, television receiver, monitor or other system control device wherein the signal source is automatically selected for the user.
Another object is to provide a device of the above kind wherein the selection, connection and operation of an appropriate signal source is automatically performed for the user based upon a simple user request.
Another object is to provide a device as characterized above that utilizes the optimal signal output capabilities of a device to maximize signal quality.
Briefly, the present invention provides a device for selectively providing audiovisual signals from one of a plurality of audio/video sources to input receiving circuitry of the device.
The device includes a switch for selectively connecting the selected audio/video source to the input receiving circuitry, a memory for storing information including a plurality of channels and an audio/video source corresponding to each channel, and preferably information for controlling the tuning functions of each of the audio/video sources.
Channel input circuitry receives a channel request from a user, and a switch controller connected to the memory identifies the audio/video source which corresponds to the received channel request and controls the switch to connect the identified source to the input receiving circuitry.
In a preferred embodiment, driving circuitry is coupled to each of the audio/video sources to control the tuning and/or other functions thereof.
A driver controller connected to the memory obtains the information for controlling the tuning functions of the identified source, and controls the driving circuitry in accordance with the obtained information to tune the identified source to the requested channel.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: