Favorite channel selection using extended keypress

Abstract

A television receiver provides a 'favorite channel' selection function for up to ten favorite channels without the addition of a dedicated array of keys. According to the present invention, a user holds-down a digit key for an extended period of time (preferably 3 seconds), and circuitry in the television receiver interprets this 'extended keypress' as an instruction to tune favorite channel 'N' where 'N' corresponds to the digit key pressed. Two digit channel entry can be accomplished as usual by releasing the digit keys in less than the extended period of time (i.e., less than three seconds). An extended keypress of a CHANNEL UP or CHANNEL DOWN key is interpreted as a command to store the currently tuned channel in the favorite channel memory in the location specified by the number of the next digit key pressed. CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN functions can be accomplished as usual by releasing the CHANNEL UP or CHANNEL DOWN key in less than the extended period of time (i.e., less than three seconds). Alternatively, a separate MEMORY key may be employed for storing favorite channel information. Pressing the MEMORY key serves as a command to store the current channel in the favorite channel memory location identified by the next digit key pressed.