Zenith Electronics Corporation

Vito Brugliera

Michael E Long

Paul A Snopko

Barry Hardek

George R Green

One version of a microprocessor based auto dialer for a PPV television system includes an IR receiver for receiving impulse 'buy' decisions, in the form of one or more key pad entries from a portable IR transmitter, and a number generator for adding the appropriate digits to a partial ANI telephone number stored in memory. In another version, the auto dialer is connected to the serial port of a PM type CATV decoder and a PPV identifier and telephone number may be downloaded to the ANI auto dialer to eliminate the permanent storage of the telephone number and to simplify subscriber interaction. The auto dialer dials the telephone number of the cable head end. Further embodiments include carrier current interfaces between the IR receiver/detector and the auto dialer, and between the decoder and the auto dialer.

ANI auto dialer with carrier current interface

A television signal converter includes ON/OFF means and channel selection means responsive to remotely transmitted infra-red command signals. The signal channel frequency output of the converter is coupled to the input of a VCR having program means enabling a user to determine a recording time schedule. A microprocessor driven programmable remote command signal transmitter supplied ON/OFF and channel selection command signals to the converter.

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Evanston, IL, United States of America

Vito Brugliera