Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America, Inc.

Jeffrey Whitelaw

Masayoshi Shinobu

James E Hicks

Peter Mortensen

Luan Chi Chen

Frank DeMartin

Yoshimitsu Nakajima

Anthony Roberts

David Naranjo

Maria Angel

Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television (TV) with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, the user can use a graphical user interface-base menu system to move the sound beams around the viewing room while being presented with a graphical representation of the same. In another embodiment, a TV remote control unit can be equipped with a embedded microphone and microprocessor control to measure the audio level and transmit the level back to the TV to be used to automatically setup audio levels and delays in surround systems. In another embodiment, individual audio settings could be saved per each activity for a preferred viewing experience for a given activity.

System and methods for television with integrated sound projection system

An apparatus and methods that facilitate efficient and easy installation of a display screen and protective shield onto a cabinet of a display unit such as a projection TV (PTV) and the like. Preferably, a screen frame and bezel clip system includes a bezel clip having a latch arm releaseably coupleable to catch arm extending from or attached to a cabinet side wall of a display unit. The bezel clip further includes one or more receptacles sized and shaped to receive and retain a side or edge portion of one or more screens. The catch arm is preferably deformable under pressure and returns to a pre-stressed orientation when the pressure is removed. Alternatively, a screen frame and bezel mount system includes a stiffener member adapted to couple a bezel member to a cabinet side wall of a display unit. The bezel member includes one or more receptacles sized and shaped to receive and retain a side or edge portion of one or more screens.

Screen frame and bezel clip system

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to supervise personal exposure to a program exhibited by a consumer electronics device, such as a television system. The consumer electronics device includes 'V-chip' circuitry that analyzes a signal and either blocks or passes the signal based on certain content-based criteria. In this connection, a user can program the 'V-chip' circuitry with the preset content-based criteria in the form of preset content-based specification sets, which are stored in the consumer electronics device by the manufacturer. The preset content-based specification sets specify either allowable or objectionable content within a program signal received by the consumer electronics device. The &#x201c;V-chip&#x201d; circuitry receives a content-based indicator set, which is indicative of the actual content of the program signal. One of the preset content-based specification sets is conveniently selected by a user. The &#x201c;V-chip&#x201d; circuitry then compares the content-based indicator set with the selected preset content-based specification set when the program signal is received by the consumer electronics device. Based on this comparison, the &#x201c;V-chip&#x201d; circuitry either passes the signal to an output device for transformation of the signal into the program, or blocks the signal from being sent to the output device.

'V-chip' preset criteria

A system and method that facilitates the transformation of PTVs, when in the &ldquo;OFF&rdquo; mode, into aesthetically pleasing decorative furniture. The PTV preferably includes a primary and a secondary projection system. The secondary projection system preferably comprises a projection unit optically coupled to the screen of the PTV and an auxiliary image source coupled to the projection unit. Preferably, the program logic of the PTV directs the projection of an image from the secondary projection unit onto the screen when the PTV is in the &ldquo;OFF&rdquo; mode.

Image projection in television off position

Methods and apparatus are provided for equally aging a cathode ray tube (CRT). A video input terminal is coupled to the CRT and receives an external video signal. Control circuitry is provided, which detects the aspect ratio of the signal and determines whether there is a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and an aspect ratio of a display screen in association with the CRT. If a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio exists, an equalization video signal is derived from the external video signal. A primary region of the CRT is illuminated in response to the external video signal, and a secondary region of the CRT, which would otherwise be unilluminated in response to the external video signal due to the mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio, is illuminated in response to the equalization video signal. In this manner, the CRT is uniformly aged.

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Corona, CA, United States of America

Jeffrey Whitelaw