Abstract:
A receiving apparatus includes: a receiving means for receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating thereto; an acquisition means for acquiring network content and information relating thereto from a predetermined server via a network; and a start-up controlling means for starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser, regardless of whether the receiving apparatus is in a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus, a display control method, and a program, and in particular relates to a receiving apparatus, a display control method, and a program with which it is possible to shift seamlessly between a condition of displaying broadcast content, typified by a television program, and a condition of displaying network content acquired from a predetermined server via a communication network, typified by the internet. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    At present, a digital television receiver (hereafter abbreviated simply to “TV”) which can receive a terrestrial digital broadcast is becoming widespread. Also, a TV which can download and accumulate content (hereafter called “network content”), such as a movie, via the internet, and reproduce the accumulated network content at an optional timing, has appeared (for example, refer to JP-A-2008-109606). 
         [0005]    In a terrestrial digital broadcast, a Broadband Satellite (BS) digital broadcast, or the like, a signal of a data broadcast (described using Broadcast Markup Language (BML) for providing a viewer with information relating to a television program, news, a weather forecast, traffic information, or the like, is broadcast multiplexed in a signal of a so-called television program configured of a so-called picture and sound. 
         [0006]    The data broadcast in the TV is displayed in response to, for example, a user viewing a television program (hereafter also called broadcast content) operating a d (data-linked) button provided on a remote controller. 
         [0007]    For example, in the event that the d button is operated when the condition of the TV screen is a broadcast content full screen display  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1A , a data broadcast browser which interprets BML for displaying a data broadcast screen is started up, and the condition of the screen changes to a data broadcast display  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0008]    A broadcast content display area  21 , in which the program which was being viewed is displayed in a reduced size, and an information display area  22 , in which information based on the data broadcast is displayed, are provided in the frame-displayed data broadcast display  20 . Also, a network content button  23 , which is operated when shifting to a network content portal screen display  30  ( FIGS. 4A to 4C ), is provided in the information display area  22  (details to be described hereafter). 
         [0009]    In the event that the d button is operated again in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the screen condition changes to the broadcast content full screen display  10 . That is, an arrangement is such that every time the d button is operated, the screen condition is switched back and forth between the broadcast content full screen display  10  and the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0010]    A description will be given, referring to the flowchart of  FIG. 2 , of an operation when switching between the broadcast content full screen display  10  and the data broadcast display  20  (hereafter called a “broadcast content process”) using the heretofore known TV. The broadcast content process is started when the power source of the TV is activated, or when the channel selection has been changed (when the channel has been switched). 
         [0011]    In step S 1 , the TV confirms a channel selection by the user. In step S 2 , the TV acquires the frequency component corresponding to the user&#39;s channel selection from a broadcast signal input via an antenna or the like. In step S 3 , the TV starts a decoding of encoded data (for example, MPEG2TS) included in the acquired frequency component, and reproduces a sound and picture. In step S 4 , the TV, as well as outputting the reproduced sound from a speaker, displays the reproduced picture on a full screen on a display (the condition of  FIG. 1A ). 
         [0012]    In step S 5 , the TV determines whether or not the d button of the remote controller has been operated by the user. If it is determined that the d button has not been operated, the TV advances the process to step S 6 , and determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . This determination is carried out based on a data broadcast display flag, to be described hereafter. If it is determined, in step S 6 , that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process returns to step S 4 , and the condition of the broadcast content full screen display  10  is continued. 
         [0013]    If it is determined, in step S 5 , that the d button has been operated, the TV advances the process to step S 7 , and determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . This determination too is carried out based on the data broadcast display flag to be described hereafter. If it is determined, in step S 7 , that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process is advanced to step S 8 . In step S 8 , the TV sets the data broadcast display flag in such a way as to indicate that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0014]    In step S 9 , the TV starts up the data broadcast browser. In step S 10 , the TV, based on a data broadcast signal separated from the frequency component acquired in step S 2 , puts the display screen into the condition of the data broadcast display  20  (the condition of  FIG. 1B ), using the data broadcast browser. Subsequently, the process is returned to step S 5 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0015]    That is, when the data broadcast display  20  is displayed on the screen, as long as the d button is not operated again, the process is advanced to step S 6 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process is advanced to step S 10 , and the condition of the data broadcast display  20  is continued. 
         [0016]    Conversely, when the d button is operated again when the data broadcast display  20  is displayed on the screen, the process is advanced to step S 7 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , and the process is advanced to step S 11 . In step S 11 , the TV resets the data broadcast display flag in such a way as to indicate that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . In step S 12 , the TV finishes the data broadcast browser which has been started up. Subsequently, the process returns to step S 4 , and the process from there on is repeated. Consequently, the screen changes to the condition of the broadcast content full screen display  10  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0017]    According to the heretofore described broadcast content process, it is possible to switch between the broadcast content full screen display  10  and the data broadcast display  20 . However, as the data broadcast signal for displaying the data broadcast display  20  is broadcast multiplexed in encoded data of the broadcast content, as heretofore described, in the event that, in the condition of the data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 3A , it becomes difficult to receive the broadcast signal due to rain damage or the like, the data broadcast browser is compulsorily finished, and the whole of the display screen becomes blank (except for a warning display such as “Reception not possible”), as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0018]    Next, a description will be given of a portal screen for inputting operations selecting network content to be downloaded, and instructing a reproduction thereof. The portal screen is displayed, for example, in response to a predetermined first button (for example, an acTVila (trademark) button) provided on the TV remote controller being operated by the user. Alternatively, the portal screen is displayed in response to the network content button  23  provided in the information display area  22  of the data broadcast display  20  being operated. 
         [0019]    That is, when the predetermined first button of the remote controller, or the network content button  23  in the data broadcast display  20 , is operated, a network browser, which interprets Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) for displaying the network content portal screen, is started up. Then, the kind of portal screen display  30  shown in  FIG. 4A  is displayed by the network browser. Also, when a network content reproduction instruction is input on the portal screen display  30 , the screen condition changes to a network content full screen display  32 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . When a predetermined second button (hereafter called a “simulated data broadcast display button”) is operated in this condition, the screen condition changes, using the network browser, to a simulated data broadcast display  33 , frame-displayed in the same way as the heretofore described data broadcast display  20 , as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0020]    A network content display area  34 , in which the network content which was being displayed on the full screen is displayed reduced in size, and an information display area  35 , in which information relating to the network content data being reproduced is displayed, are provided in the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0021]    In the event that the simulated data broadcast display button is operated again with the screen in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the screen changes to the condition of the network content full screen display  32 . That is, every time the simulated data broadcast display button is operated, the screen condition is switched back and forth between the network content full screen display  32  and the simulated data broadcast display  33 . Then, an arrangement is such that, in the event that the reproduction of the network content finishes in the condition of the network content full screen display  32 , or of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the screen shifts to the condition of the portal screen display  30 . 
         [0022]    A description will be given, referring to the flowchart of  FIG. 5 , of an operation when switching between the network content full screen display  32  and the simulated data broadcast display  33  (hereafter called a “network content process”) using the heretofore known TV. 
         [0023]    The network content process is started in response to the predetermined first button of the remote controller, or the network content button  23  in the data broadcast display  20 , being operated by the user. 
         [0024]    In step S 31 , the TV starts up a network browser which interprets HTML, and connects to a predetermined server on the internet using the started up network browser. In step S 32 , the network browser acquires HTML data, or the like, for displaying the portal screen from the connected server, and puts the screen into the condition of the portal screen display  30  (the condition of  FIG. 4A ). 
         [0025]    In step S 33 , the network browser waits until an operation (a selection and reproduction operation) specifying network content to be reproduced is input by the user. Then, when a selection and reproduction operation is input, the network browser, in step S 34 , starts a decoding of the specified network content, and reproduces a sound and picture. It is acceptable that the network content decoded here is content of which a download is already complete, and it is also acceptable that it is content which is being downloaded (content of a so-called progressive download). 
         [0026]    In step S 35 , the network browser, as well as outputting the reproduced sound from the speaker, displays the reproduced picture on a full screen on the display (the condition of  FIG. 4B ). 
         [0027]    In step S 36 , the network browser determines whether or not the reproduction of the network content is finished. If the reproduction of the network content is not finished, the process is advanced to step S 37 . 
         [0028]    In step S 37 , the network browser determines whether or not the simulated data broadcast display button has been operated by the user. If it is determined that the simulated data broadcast display button has not been operated, the process is advanced to step S 38 . In step S 38 , the network browser determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . This determination is carried out based on a simulated data broadcast display flag, to be described hereafter. If it is determined, in step S 38 , that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process returns to step S 35 . Consequently, the screen continues to be in the condition of the network content full screen display  32 . 
         [0029]    If it is determined, in step S 37 , that the simulated data broadcast display button has been operated, the network browser advances the process to step S 39 , and determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . This determination too is carried out based on the simulated data broadcast display flag to be described hereafter. If it is determined, in step S 39 , that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process is advanced to step S 40 . In step S 40 , the network browser sets the simulated data broadcast display flag in such a way as to indicate that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . In step S 41 , the network browser puts the screen into the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  (the condition of  FIG. 4C ). Subsequently, the process is returned to step S 36 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0030]    That is, when the simulated data broadcast display  33  is being displayed without the reproduction of the network content finishing, as long as the predetermined second button is not operated again, the process is advanced to step S 38 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process is advanced to step S 41 , and the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  is continued. 
         [0031]    Conversely, when the simulated data broadcast display button is operated again when the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  without the reproduction of the network content finishing, the process is advanced to step S 39 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , and the process is advanced to step S 42 . In step S 42 , the network browser resets the simulated data broadcast display flag in such a way as to indicate that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . In step S 43 , the network browser finishes the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . Subsequently, the process returns to step S 35 , and the process from there on is repeated. Consequently, the screen changes to the condition of the network content full screen display  32  shown in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0032]    According to the heretofore described network content process, it is possible to switch between the network content full screen display  32  and the simulated data broadcast display  33 . Also, even in the event that the connection between the network browser and the server is cut with the screen in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  is maintained, as shown in  FIG. 6A . At this time, in the event that the network content is being progressively downloaded, only the network content display area  34  of the simulated data broadcast display  33  becomes blank, while the simulated data broadcast display  33  is maintained, as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0033]    As heretofore described, according to the heretofore known TV, it is possible to execute the broadcast content process and the network content process. Consequently, with the heretofore known TV too, for example, the kinds of screen shift shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7D  are possible. 
         [0034]    That is, it is possible to shift from the broadcast content full screen display  10  shown in  FIG. 7A  to the data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 7B , and from the data broadcast display  20  to the portal screen display  30  shown in  FIG. 7C . Also, from the portal screen display  30 , it is possible to shift, via the network content full screen display  32 , to the simulated data broadcast display  33  shown in  FIG. 7D . Furthermore, from the simulated data broadcast display  33 , it is possible to shift to the broadcast content full screen display  10  in response to a channel selection operation (a depression or the like of a number button of the remote controller). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    As heretofore described, with the heretofore known TV too, it is possible to shift from a condition of displaying broadcast content to a condition of displaying network content, as shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7D . 
         [0036]    However, it is not possible to shift directly between the data broadcast display  20  and the simulated data broadcast display  33 , despite their display layouts being similar. 
         [0037]    For example, it being necessary to finish the data broadcast browser and start up the network browser in order to shift from the data broadcast display  20  to the simulated data broadcast display  33 , as far as the screen is concerned, it is necessary to go through at least the portal screen display  30  and the network content full screen display  32 . Conversely, it being necessary to finish the network browser and start up the data broadcast browser in order to shift from the simulated data broadcast display  33  to the data broadcast display  20 , as far as the screen is concerned, it is necessary to go through at least the broadcast content full screen display  10 . 
         [0038]    Thus, it is desirable to shift seamlessly between a condition of displaying broadcast content and a condition of displaying network content. 
         [0039]    A receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a receiving means for receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating to the broadcast content, an acquisition means for acquiring network content and information relating to the network content from a predetermined server via a network, and a start-up controlling means for starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser regardless of whether the receiving apparatus is in a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed. 
         [0040]    The browser can switch between a display and non-display of the frame display in response to a predetermined operation by a user. 
         [0041]    The receiving apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention may further include a maintaining means for maintaining a state of the frame display implemented in the browser. 
         [0042]    A display control method of a receiving apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention includes the steps of receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating to the broadcast content, acquiring network content and information relating to the network content from a predetermined server via a network, starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser regardless of whether the receiving apparatus is in a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed. 
         [0043]    A program according to still another embodiment of the invention causes a computer to function as a receiving means for receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating to the broadcast content, an acquisition means for acquiring network content and information relating to the network content from a predetermined server via a network, and a start-up controlling means for starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser regardless of whether a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed is selected. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment of the invention, a browser which provides the frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides the frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content is started up in a non-display state, and the start-up condition of the browser is maintained regardless of whether a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed is selected. 
         [0045]    According to the embodiments of the invention, it is possible to shift seamlessly between a condition of displaying broadcast content and a condition of displaying network content. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are examples of displays illustrating a shift to a data broadcast display. 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a broadcast content process. 
           [0048]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are examples of displays illustrating a problem in the condition of the data broadcast display. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  are examples of displays illustrating a shift to a simulated data broadcast display. 
           [0050]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a network content process. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are examples of displays illustrating a problem in the condition of the data broadcast display. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  are examples of displays illustrating a shift from the data broadcast display to the simulated data broadcast display. 
           [0053]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital television receiver to which the invention is applied. 
           [0054]      FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a configuration example of a function block realized by a controller of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a broadcast content and network content integration process. 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating the broadcast content and network content integration process. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0057]    Hereafter, a description will be given, referring to  FIG. 8 , of a digital television receiver, which is one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8  shows a configuration example of a digital television receiver  100 , which is one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0058]    The digital television receiver (hereafter abbreviated to “the digital TV”)  100 , in the same way as the heretofore described hitherto known TV, can receive a terrestrial digital broadcast, a BS digital broadcast, and the like, and put the screen into the condition of a broadcast content full screen display  10  shown in  FIG. 1A , or the condition of a data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0059]    Also, the digital TV  100 , in the same way as the heretofore described hitherto known TV, can download and accumulate network content from a predetermined server via the internet, and reproduce the accumulated network content at an optional timing. Then, the digital TV  100  can put the screen into the condition of a portal screen display  30  shown in  FIG. 4A , the condition of a network content full screen display  32  shown in  FIG. 4B , or the condition of a simulated data broadcast display  33  shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0060]    Furthermore, the digital TV  100  can cause the screen to shift reciprocally and directly between the data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 1B  and the simulated data broadcast display  33  shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0061]    The digital TV  100  includes, as a system for processing broadcast content, a digital tuner  111 , which extracts a frequency component corresponding to a channel selection from a broadcast signal input via an antenna, a CATV cable, or the like, a demultiplexer  112 , which separates encoded data such as MPEG2TS, and a data broadcast signal, from the frequency component of the broadcast signal corresponding to the channel selection, an AV decoder  113 , which decodes the encoded data, and reproduces a sound signal and a picture signal, and a data broadcast processor  114 , which processes the data broadcast signal. 
         [0062]    Also, the digital TV  100  includes, as a system for processing network content, a data communication unit  115  connected to a predetermined server via the internet, or the like, a network content accumulation unit  116 , which holds downloaded network content, and a network content reproduction unit  117 , which reproduces a sound and a picture of the downloaded network content. 
         [0063]    Furthermore, the digital TV  100  includes, as a picture and sound output system, an AV output controller  118 , which controls an output of a sound and picture, a display  119 , which displays a picture, and a speaker  120 , which outputs a sound, and the digital TV  100  includes, as a control system, a controller  121 , which controls the whole of the digital TV  100 , an operation input unit  122 , which inputs an operation by a user, and a memory  123 , which holds a shared browser  124 , a control program  125 , and the like. 
         [0064]    The shared browser  124  and control program  125  held in the memory  123  are retrieved and executed by the controller  121 . The controller  121 , by executing the shared browser  124 , can interpret a BML and HTML. Consequently, the controller  121 , by using the shared browser  124 , can cause both the data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 1B  and the simulated data broadcast display  33  shown in  FIG. 4C  to be displayed. 
         [0065]    Also, the controller  121 , by executing the control program  125 , can realize each function block shown in  FIG. 9 . That is, the controller  121  which executes the control program  125  is configured of a shared browser controller  151 , a mode determination unit  152 , an operation input determination unit  153 , and a flag holding unit  154  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0066]    The shared browser controller  151  controls a start-up of the shared browser  124 , and a display and non-display thereof. The mode determination unit  152  determines whether the current condition of the digital TV  100  is a broadcast content mode, in which broadcast content (including a data broadcast display) is displayed, or a network content mode, in which network content (including a portal screen, and a simulated data broadcast display) is displayed. Also, the mode determination unit  152 , based on a data broadcast display flag  161  of the flag holding unit  154 , determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . Furthermore, the mode determination unit  152 , based on a simulated data broadcast display flag  162  of the flag holding unit  154 , determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0067]    The operation input determination unit  153  determines an existence or non-existence of each kind of operation input by the user, and the details thereof. The flag holding unit  154  holds the data broadcast display flag  161 , which indicates whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , and the simulated data broadcast display flag  162 , which indicates whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , and sets and resets them. 
         [0068]    Next, a description will be given, referring to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , of a process for shifting seamlessly between a broadcast content display condition and a network content display condition, in particular, of a process for shifting reciprocally and directly between the data broadcast display  20  shown in  FIG. 1B  and the simulated data broadcast display  33  shown in  FIG. 4C  (hereafter called a “broadcast content and network content integration process”), using the digital TV  100 . 
         [0069]    The broadcast content and network content integration process starts when the power source of the digital TV  100  is activated. 
         [0070]    In step S 100 , the shared browser controller  151  starts up the shared browser  124  held in the memory  123  in the non-display condition. In step S 101 , the mode determination unit  152  determines whether or not the current condition is the broadcast content mode. If it is determined that the current condition is the broadcast content mode, the process is advanced to step S 102 . 
         [0071]    In step S 102 , the operation input determination unit  153  determines whether or not an operation instructing a shift to the network content mode (for example, an operation of a network content button  23  in the data broadcast display  20 ) has been carried out by the user. If it is determined that no operation instructing a shift to the network content mode has been carried out by the user, the process is advanced to step S 103 . 
         [0072]    If it is determined, in step S 101 , that the current condition is not the broadcast content mode, or if it is determined, in step S 102 , that an operation instructing a shift to the network content mode has been carried out by the user, the process shifts to step S 131  of  FIG. 11  (details to be described hereafter). It is taken that information on network content to be reproduced in the network content mode (an ID, a URL of a server from which the content can be acquired, and the like) is written in the network content button  23 , in the data broadcast display  20 , which is for inputting an operation instructing a shift. 
         [0073]    In step S 103 , the operation input determination unit  153  confirms a channel selection by the user. In step S 104 , the digital tuner  111  extracts the frequency component corresponding to the user&#39;s channel selection from the broadcast signal input via the antenna or the like, and transmits it to the demultiplexer  112 . The demultiplexer  112  separates the encoded data, and the data broadcast signal, from the transmitted frequency component, supplies the encoded data to the AV decoder  113 , and supplies the data broadcast signal to the data broadcast processor  114 . 
         [0074]    In step S 105 , the AV decoder  113  decodes the encoded data (for example, MPEG2TS), reproduces the sound and the picture, and supplies them to the AV output controller  118 . In step S 106 , the AV output controller  118 , as well as outputting the reproduced sound from the speaker  120 , causes the reproduced picture to be displayed on the display  119  in keeping with the display or non-display condition of the data broadcast display  20 , or simulated data broadcast display  33 , using the shared browser  124 . That is, if, using the shared browser  124 , the data broadcast display  20  and simulated data broadcast display  33  are in the non-display condition, the reproduced picture is displayed on the full screen, while if, using the shared browser  124 , the data broadcast display  20  or simulated data broadcast display  33  is in the display condition, the reproduced picture is displayed in a broadcast content display area  21  of the data broadcast display  20 , or in a network content display area  34  of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0075]    In step S 107 , the operation input determination unit  153  determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user of a d button of a remote controller. If it is determined that the d button has not been operated, the process is advanced to step S 108 . In step S 108 , the mode determination unit  152  determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . This determination is carried out based on the data broadcast display flag  161 . If it is determined, in step S 108 , that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process returns to step S 102 , and the process from there on is repeated. Consequently, the condition of the broadcast content full screen display  10  is continued. 
         [0076]    Subsequently, if it is determined, in step S 107 , that the d button has been operated, the process is advanced to step S 109 . In step S 109 , the mode determination unit  152  determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . This determination too is carried out based on the data broadcast display flag  161 . If it is determined, in step S 109 , that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process is advanced to step S 110 . 
         [0077]    In step S 110 , the flag holding unit  154  sets the data broadcast display flag  161  in such a way as to indicate that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0078]    In step S 111 , the shared browser controller  151  puts the started up shared browser  124  into the display condition. Meanwhile, the data broadcast processor  114  processes the data broadcast signal supplied from the demultiplexer  112 , and supplies a corresponding picture signal to the AV output controller  118 . Then, the screen is put into the condition of the data broadcast display  20  using the shared browser  124 . Subsequently, the process is returned to step S 102 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0079]    That is, when the data broadcast display  20  is displayed on the screen, as long as the d button is not operated again, the process is advanced from step S 107  to step S 108 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , the process is advanced to step S 111 , and the condition of the data broadcast display  20  is continued. 
         [0080]    Conversely, when the d button is operated again when the data broadcast display  20  is displayed on the screen, the process is advanced from step S 107  to step S 109 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , and the process is advanced to step S 112 . In step S 112 , the flag holding unit  154  resets the data broadcast display flag  161  in such a way as to indicate that the screen is not in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0081]    In step S 113 , the shared browser controller  151  puts the started up shared browser  124  into the non-display condition. By so doing, the screen is returned to the condition of the broadcast content full screen display  10 . Subsequently, the process returns to step S 102 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0082]    Then, if it is determined, in step S 102 , that an operation instructing a shift to the network content mode has been carried out by the user, the process shifts to step S 131  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0083]    In step S 131 , the operation input determination unit  153  determines whether or not an operation instructing a shift to the broadcast content mode (for example, an operation of a channel selection button of the remote controller, or the like) has been carried out by the user. If it is determined that no operation instructing a shift to the broadcast content mode has been carried out by the user, the process is advanced to step S 132 . 
         [0084]    In step S 132 , the shared browser  124  controls the data communication unit  115  and, if the network content to be reproduced is accumulated in the network content accumulation unit  116 , causes the content to be supplied to the network content reproduction unit  117 . If the network content to be reproduced is not accumulated in the network content accumulation unit  116 , the shared browser  124  causes the network content to be reproduced to be acquired from a predetermined server, and causes the content to be supplied to the network content reproduction unit  117 . 
         [0085]    In step S 133 , the network content reproduction unit  117  starts the decoding of the supplied network content, reproduces the sound and picture, and transmits them to the AV output controller  118 . It is acceptable that the network content decoded here is content of which a download is already complete, and it is also acceptable that it is content which is being downloaded (content of a so-called progressive download). 
         [0086]    In step S 134 , the AV output controller  118 , as well as outputting the reproduced sound from the speaker  120 , causes the reproduced picture to be displayed on the display  119  in keeping with the display or non-display condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  using the shared browser  124 . That is, if, using the shared browser  124 , the simulated data broadcast display  33  and data broadcast display  20  are in the non-display condition, the reproduced picture is displayed on the full screen, while if, using the shared browser  124 , the simulated data broadcast display  33  or data broadcast display  20  is in the display condition, the reproduced picture is displayed in the network content display area  34  of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , or in the broadcast content display area  21  of the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0087]    In step S 135 , the shared browser controller  151  determines whether or not the reproduction of the network content by the network content reproduction unit  117  is finished. If it is determined that the reproduction of the network content is not finished, the process is advanced to step S 136 . If it is determined, in step S 135 , that the reproduction of the network content is finished, the process returns to step S 131 , and the process from thereon is repeated. 
         [0088]    In step S 136 , the operation input determination unit  153  again determines whether or not an operation instructing a shift to the broadcast content mode (for example, an operation of the channel selection button of the remote controller, or the like) has been carried out by the user. If it is determined that no operation instructing a shift to the broadcast content mode has been carried out by the user, the process is advanced to step S 137 . 
         [0089]    In step S 137 , the operation input determination unit  153  determines whether or not a simulated data broadcast display button has been operated by the user. If it is determined that the simulated data broadcast display button has not been operated, the process is advanced to step S 138 . In step S 138 , the mode determination unit  152  determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . This determination is carried out based on the simulated data broadcast display flag  162 . If it is determined, in step S 138 , that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process returns to step S 133 , and the process from there on is repeated. Consequently, the condition of the network content full screen display  32  is continued. 
         [0090]    Subsequently, if it is determined, in step S 137 , that the simulated data broadcast display button has been operated, the process is advanced to step S 139 . In step S 139 , the mode determination unit  152  determines whether or not the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . This determination too is carried out based on the simulated data broadcast display flag  162 . If it is determined, in step S 139 , that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process is advanced to step S 140 . 
         [0091]    In step S 140 , the flag holding unit  154  sets the simulated data broadcast display flag  162  in such a way as to indicate that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0092]    In step S 141 , the shared browser controller  151  puts the screen into the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , using the started up shared browser  124 . Subsequently, the process is returned to step S 133 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0093]    That is, when the simulated data broadcast display  33  is displayed on the screen, as long as the simulated data broadcast display button is not operated again, the process is advanced from step S 137  to step S 138 , it is determined that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , the process is advanced to step S 141 , and the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33  is continued. 
         [0094]    Conversely, when the simulated data broadcast display button is operated again when the simulated data broadcast display  33  is displayed on the screen, the process is advanced from step S 137  to step S 139 , it is determined in step S 139  that the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , and the process is advanced to step S 142 . In step S 142 , the flag holding unit  154  resets the simulated data broadcast display flag  162  in such a way as to indicate that the screen is not in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0095]    In step S 143 , the shared browser controller  151  puts the simulated data broadcast display  33  using the started up shared browser  124  into the non-display condition. By so doing, the screen is returned to the condition of the network content full screen display  32 . Subsequently, the process returns to step S 133 , and the process from there on is repeated. 
         [0096]    If it is determined, in step S 131  or in step S 136 , that an operation instructing a shift to the broadcast content mode has been carried out by the user, the process shifts to step S 103  of  FIG. 10 . Consequently, even though the screen is in the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 , it is shifted seamlessly to the condition of the data broadcast display  20 . 
         [0097]    Also, conversely, in the case of being shifted from the broadcast content mode to the network content mode too, even though the screen is in the condition of the data broadcast display  20 , it is shifted seamlessly to the condition of the simulated data broadcast display  33 . 
         [0098]    In the way heretofore described, in the broadcast content and network content integration process, as a shared browser which can display both the data broadcast display  20  and simulated data broadcast display  33  is started up in advance, and controlled into either a display or a non-display, it is possible to seamlessly shift reciprocally and directly between the data broadcast display  20  in the broadcast content mode and the simulated data broadcast display  33  in the network content mode. 
         [0099]    Incidentally, the heretofore described series of processes can be executed with hardware, and can also be executed with software. In the event of executing the series of processes with software, the program configuring the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer embedded in dedicated hardware, or into, for example, a general purpose personal computer which can execute various kinds of function by installing various kinds of program. 
         [0100]    Embodiments of the invention are not limited to the heretofore described embodiment, and various changes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0101]    The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 3, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.