Broadcast signal receiving apparatus, broadcast signal receiving system and controlling method thereof

A broadcast signal receiving apparatus including a tuner configured to be tuned to a received broadcast signal of a selected channel, and to make at least a part of the received broadcast signal be looped through to an external apparatus in a normal mode. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus also includes a switch configured to make the broadcast signal be looped through to the external apparatus while in a standby mode of the tuner and a controller configured to control operations of the tuner and the switch when the tuner is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode so that power can be supplied to or cut off from the tuner after a predetermined period of time. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus improves the stability of operations and prevents a macroblock phenomenon of a broadcast signal from being looped through to the external apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0152929, filed on Nov. 5, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses and methods consistent with the exemplary embodiments relate to a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, a broadcast signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, and more particularly to a broadcast signal receiving apparatus which outputs a broadcast signal to the exterior, a broadcast signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

A set-top box (STB) and the like broadcast signal receiving apparatus receive satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcast signals and process them to be displayed as images on a display apparatus (i.e. a main apparatus).

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may have a loop-through function that a broadcast signal received from a signal source such as a broadcasting station is transmitted to an external apparatus other than a main apparatus, for example, a sub apparatus (also called sub equipment) such as a television (TV), other set-top box, etc. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus supporting the loop-through function may be internally provided with a switch turned on or off in response to conversion of an operation mode.

Typically, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus has a plurality of operation modes, and enters a standby mode, which cuts off power supplied to elements not in use, if a user's control of a power button is input in a normal mode. In the standby mode, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus supplies power only to minimum elements such as a microcomputer (MICOM) in order to reduce power consumption and satisfy restraints imposed on standby power.

In the normal mode, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus transmits a broadcast signal to the external apparatus through a loop-through route of a tuner. Further, if the broadcast signal receiving apparatus enters the standby mode in response to a user's control about a power button, the internal switch is turned on so that the broadcast signal can loop through the switch to the external apparatus.

By the way, the switch is generally controlled to be turned on/off under control based on power supplied to the tuner, and thus there may be a section where a loop-through signal becomes weak while the operation mode is changed. In this case, the broadcast signal may be not normally transmitted to the external apparatus, and problems of macroblock and the like image distortion may arise.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a broadcast signal receiving apparatus including: a tuner configured to be tuned to a broadcast signal received from a signal source corresponding to a selected channel, and make at least a part of the received broadcast signal be looped through to an external apparatus in a normal mode; a switch configured to make the broadcast signal be looped through to the external apparatus in a standby mode of the tuner; and a controller configured to control operations of the tuner and the switch when the tuner is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode so that power can be supplied to or cut off from the tuner after a predetermined period of time. Thus, the controller is directly connected to the switch and performs on/off control, so that the switch can be controlled independently of the modes of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, thereby improving stability of operations and preventing a user's inconvenience due to a macroblock and the like in the external apparatus.

The controller may cut off power supplied to the tuner if a first setting time elapses from turning on the switch in response to conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode. Thus, the loop-through route is changed after the switch is completely turned on in response to the conversion to the standby mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The controller may turn off the switch if a second setting time elapses from supplying power to the tuner in response to conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode. Thus, the loop-through route is changed in the state that the tuner can normally perform the loop-through function even in the conversion to the normal mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The first setting time and the second setting time may be determined by at least one of characteristics of circuit elements that constitute the switch, delay noise caused when the switch is turned on or off, and an operation delay caused when power is supplied to or cut off from the tuner. Thus, improvement is achieved by considering the circuit design in the apparatus, and the loss of the broadcast signal due to noise basically caused by the operations of the elements in the apparatus.

The controller may output a control signal for turning on or off the switch through an always-on general purpose input/output (AON GPIO) port. Thus, it is possible to always control the switch regardless of the operation modes and whether or not power is supplied to a certain element.

The switch may include a switching device which is turned on if the control signal received through the AON GPIO port has a low level, and turned off if the control signal has a high level. Thus, it is easy to turn on/off the switch in accordance with the levels of the control signal.

The switching device may include a gate terminal to receive the control signal, a drain terminal connecting with the signal receiver for receiving the broadcast signal, and a source terminal connecting with the external apparatus and forming a loop-through route toward the external apparatus. Thus, it is possible to loop through the broadcast signal to the external apparatus in the standby mode.

The tuner may include: a low noise amplifier configured to amplify the received broadcast signal to have low noise; a splitter configured to split the broadcast signal received from the low noise amplifier into a first broadcast signal to be displayed on the display apparatus and a second broadcast signal to be looped through to the external apparatus; and a loop-through route provider configured to make the second broadcast signal split by the splitter be looped through to the external apparatus. Thus, it is possible to loop through the broadcast signal to the external apparatus in the normal mode.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may further include a signal processor configured to process the broadcast signal to be displayable on the display apparatus, wherein the first broadcast signal split by the splitter is output to the signal processor. Thus, an image processing process is properly performed with respect to a broadcast screen displayed on the main display apparatus.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may further include a user input device configured to receive a user's input about conversion of an operation mode, wherein the controller converts the operation mode into the standby mode if there is a user's control about the user input device in the normal mode, and converts the operation mode into the normal mode if there is a user's control about the user input device in the standby mode. Thus, it is convenient to convert the operation mode by controlling the power button.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may include a set-top box configured to output a broadcast signal to the display apparatus, and the external apparatus may include one of a sub display apparatus other than the display apparatus and another set-top box. Thus, the broadcast signal can be output from one set-top box to two or more display apparatuses, thereby providing a system convenient for a user to view a broadcast.

According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a broadcast signal receiving apparatus for outputting a broadcast signal to a display apparatus, the method including: controlling at least a part of a broadcast signal received from a signal source to be looped through to an external apparatus different from the display apparatus via a tuner in a normal mode; and controlling the broadcast signal to be looped through to the external apparatus via a switch in a standby mode of the tuner, wherein a controller of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus controls operations of the tuner and the switch when the tuner is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode so that power can be supplied to or cut off from the tuner after a predetermined period of time. Thus, the controller is directly connected to the switch and performs on/off control, so that the switch can be controlled independently of the modes of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, thereby improving stability of operations and preventing a user's inconvenience due to a macroblock and the like in the external apparatus.

The method may further include: sensing conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode; turning on the switch in response to the conversion into the standby mode; and cutting off power supplied to the tuner if a first setting time elapses from turning on the switch. Thus, the loop-through route is changed after the switch is completely turned on in response to the conversion to the standby mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The method may further include: sensing conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode; supplying power to the tuner in response to the conversion into the normal mode; and turning off the switch if a second setting time elapses from supplying the power to the tuner. Thus, the loop-through route is changed in the state that the tuner can normally perform the loop-through function even in the conversion to the normal mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The first setting time and the second setting time may be determined by at least one of characteristics of circuit elements that constitute the switch, delay noise caused when the switch is turned on or off, and an operation delay caused when power is supplied to or cut off from the tuner. Thus, improvement is achieved by considering the circuit design in the apparatus, and the loss of the broadcast signal due to noise basically caused by the operations of the elements in the apparatus.

The turning on the switch and the turning off the switch include outputting a control signal for turning on or off the switch through an always-on general purpose input/output (AON GPIO) port of the controller. Thus, it is possible to always control the switch regardless of the operation modes and whether or not power is supplied to a certain element.

The switch may include a switching device which is turned on if the control signal received through the AON GPIO port has a low level, and turned off if the control signal has a high level, and the switching device may include a gate terminal to receive the control signal, a drain terminal connecting with the signal receiver for receiving the broadcast signal, and a source terminal connecting with the external apparatus and forming a loop-through route toward the external apparatus. Thus, it is easy to turn on/off the switch in accordance with the levels of the control signal, and it is possible to loop through the broadcast signal to the external apparatus in the standby mode.

The method may further include: amplifying the received broadcast signal to have low noise in the normal mode; splitting the broadcast signal amplified to have the low noise into a first broadcast signal to be displayed on the display apparatus and a second broadcast signal to be looped through to the external apparatus; and making the split second broadcast signal be looped through to the external apparatus. Thus, an image processing process is properly performed with respect to a broadcast screen displayed on the main display apparatus in the normal mode, and it is also possible to loop through the broadcast signal to the external apparatus.

The method may further include: processing and outputting the split first broadcast signal to the display apparatus. Thus, it is possible to view a broadcast through the display apparatus.

The method may further include: receiving a user's input about conversion of an operation mode through a user input device, wherein the broadcast signal receiving apparatus converts the operation mode into the standby mode if a user's control about the user input device is sensed in the normal mode, and converts the operation mode into the normal mode if a user's control about the user input device is sensed in the standby mode. Thus, it is convenient to convert the operation mode by controlling the power button.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may include a set-top box configured to output a broadcast signal to the display apparatus, and the external apparatus may include one of a sub display apparatus other than the display apparatus and another set-top box. Thus, the broadcast signal can be output from one set-top box to two or more display apparatuses, thereby providing a system convenient for a user to view a broadcast.

According to still another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a system including a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, a main display apparatus and an external apparatus, the system including: the broadcast signal receiving apparatus comprising: a tuner configured to be tuned to a broadcast signal received from a signal source corresponding to a selected channel, and make at least a part of the received broadcast signal be looped through to an external apparatus in a normal mode; a signal processor configured to process the broadcast signal to be displayable on a display apparatus; a switch configured to make the broadcast signal be looped through to the external apparatus in a standby mode of the tuner; and a controller configured to control operations of the tuner and the switch when the tuner is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode so that power can be supplied to or cut off from the tuner after a predetermined period of time, wherein the broadcast signal processed by the signal processor is output to the main display apparatus. Thus, the controller is directly connected to the switch and performs on/off control, so that the switch can be controlled independently of the modes of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, thereby improving stability of operations and preventing a user's inconvenience due to a macroblock and the like in the external apparatus.

The controller may cut off power supplied to the tuner if a first setting time elapses from turning on the switch in response to conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode. Thus, the loop-through route is changed after the switch is completely turned on in response to the conversion to the standby mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The controller may turn off the switch if a second setting time elapses from supplying power to the tuner in response to conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode. Thus, the loop-through route is changed in the state that the tuner can normally perform the loop-through function even in the conversion to the normal mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being lost or distorted in the external apparatus.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus may include a set-top box connected to the main display apparatus, and the external apparatus may include one of a sub display apparatus and another set-top box. Thus, the broadcast signal can be output from one set-top box to two or more display apparatuses, thereby providing a system convenient for a user to view broadcasting.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, method of switching a broadcast signal to an external apparatus may include detecting whether an operation mode of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is a first operation mode or a second operation mode, and changing, by way of a hardware-based processor, a route of the broadcast signal in response to the detected operation mode, wherein when the operation mode is detected to be the first operation mode, a switch of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus is turned off and the broadcast signal is routed to an external device through a first route that includes a tuner of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus and when the operation mode is detected to be the second operation mode, the switch of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus is turned on and the broadcast signal is routed to the external device through a second route that includes the switch of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus.

The hardware-based processor may cut off power supplied to the tuner a first predetermined time after the switch has been turned on and the hardware-based processor turns off the switch a second predetermined time after supplying power to the tuner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a system including a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, a display apparatus and an external apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 2andFIG. 3show examples of the system ofFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the system includes a broadcast signal receiving apparatus100that receives and processes a broadcast signal, a display apparatus200(hereinafter, referred to as a main apparatus) that displays an image based on the broadcast signal processed by the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, and an external apparatus300(hereinafter, referred to as a sub apparatus or sub equipment) that receives a loop through broadcast signal from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment may be achieved by a set-top box (STB) that receives and processes a broadcast signal and outputs a video/audio signal to the TV or the like display apparatus200. Here, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus200according to this exemplary embodiment has a loop-through function that outputs at least a part of the received broadcast signal to the external apparatus300.

The loop-through function is to transmit a loop-through signal to the exterior by directly outputting an input signal without any separate process, which may be for example achieved in the set-top box with two tuners by connecting a loop-through signal of the first tuner to an input of the second tuner, connecting a loop-through signal of the first tuner provided in a predetermined set-top box to an input of the second tuner provided in another set-top box, and so on.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus100receives a broadcast signal from a broadcasting station or any like signal source, that is, a headend (hereinafter, referred to as a headend system or a headend center). That is, an embodiment ofFIG. 2shows that the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is a set-top box that processes a broadcast signal based on broadcast signal/broadcast information/broadcast data received from a signal source. However, the kind of image signal to be processed in the set-top box is not limited to the broadcast signal. For example, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may process a signal so that the display apparatus200can display a moving image, a still image, an application, an on-screen display (OSD), a user interface (UI or also called a graphic user interface (GUI)) for controlling various operations, etc. based on signal data received from various signal sources such as terrestrial, cable and satellite sources. Further, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be achieved by a television (TV) including a display and capable of receiving/processing and displaying the broadcast signal or the like. In addition, the signal source is also not limited to the broadcasting station, and includes any device or station as long as it can transmit and receive information.

The display apparatus200may be achieved by a Smart TV or an Internet Protocol TV. The Smart TV can receive and display a broadcast signal in real time, and has a web browsing function so that the broadcast signal can be displayed in real time and at the same time various contents can be searched and consumed through Internet. To this end, the Smart TV provides an interface convenient for a user. Further, the Smart TV includes an open software platform in order to provide an interactive service to a user. Therefore, the Smart TV may provide a user with an application that offers various contents, e.g., a predetermined service to a user through the open software platform. Such an application is an application program capable of providing various kinds of service. For example, the application includes applications for social network service (SNS), finance, news, weather, a map, music, movie, a game, an electronic book, etc.

In embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the display apparatus200may access Internet through a communication module provided in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. Alternatively, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be a monitor or the like connected to a computer.

In embodiments shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the display apparatus200may access Internet through a built-in communication module of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and receive service from a service provider. Further, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may include a monitor or the like connected to a computer.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may output a broadcast signal to the display apparatus200and the external apparatus300through a wired A/V cable.

FIG. 2shows that the set-top box and the like broadcast signal receiving apparatus is used as an external apparatus301for receiving a loop-through broadcast signal from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. Therefore, the external apparatus301may process the broadcast signal received through the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and output the processed signal to the TV or the like display apparatus302.

FIG. 3shows an example that an external apparatus303receiving the loop-through broadcast signal from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is achieved by the TV or the like display apparatus. Thus, the external apparatus303processes the broadcast signal received through the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and displays it as an image on the display.

In the foregoing embodiments shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the external apparatuses301and303are respectively achieved by the broadcast signal receiving apparatus and the display apparatus, but not limited thereto. For example, the external apparatus300may be achieved by a mobile device such as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC) and the like smart pad, an MP3 player, etc., and the loop-through broadcast signal of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100can be output to the external apparatus300through various wired and/or wireless communications.

In other words, the following embodiments to be described later are just examples that may vary depending on the systems, and thus do not limit the scope of the invention.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment has a plurality of operation modes (hereinafter, referred to as a power mode), and the plurality of operation modes includes a normal mode and a standby mode.

In the normal mode (hereinafter, referred to as an active mode), power is being supplied to all the elements of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, and the corresponding elements normally operates to perform their functions, for example, receiving and processing the broadcast signal and outputting the processed signal to the display apparatus300.

On the other hand, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100cuts off power supplied to the elements that are not in use in the standby mode (hereinafter, referred to as a standby power mode, a low power mode, a power saving mode or a passive mode. In the standby mode of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, power is supplied to only minimum elements such as a microcomputer (MICOM) or a part of a central processing unit (CPU) in order to reduce power consumption and satisfy restraints imposed on standby power (for example, 0.5 W or less), and the other elements are turned off.

In this exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be converted from the standby mode to the normal mode if there is user control, such as by using a power button provided as a user input device150. Here, the power button may be provided in a main body of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, or a remote controller and the like input device separated from the main body.

By the way, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment may be converted from the normal mode to the standby mode if a predetermined period of time elapses without any operation, for example, if there is no response signal from the signal source for a predetermined period of time. Here, a condition for entering the standby mode may be previously set and stored in a storage160to be described later. Such a condition for entering the standby mode may be previously set as a default when a product is released, or may be set or modified by a user.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment may enter the standby mode at a scheduled time based on a user's schedule setting. Further, in the display apparatus300using high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) consumer electronic control (CEC), the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may enter the standby mode in response to a CEC signal received through the HDMI.

In the following exemplary embodiments, mode conversion based on a user's control of the power button will be described by way of example. Alternatively, the modes of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be converted by various methods.

In an exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100in the normal mode transmits a broadcast signal to the external apparatus200through a loop-through route of a tuner110to be described later. If the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100enters the standby mode in response to a user's control of the power button, an internal switch140is turned on and the broadcast signal is transmitted to the external apparatus200via the switch140.

That is, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment is achieved by an always-on loop-through apparatus capable of always transmitting a loop-through broadcast signal to the external apparatus200regardless of its operation mode.

Below, the elements of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus will be described with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 5andFIG. 6are block diagrams for explaining that a broadcast signal is processed and transmitted in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus ofFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 4, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment includes a signal receiver110to receive a broadcast signal from a signal source, a tuner120to be tuned to a channel corresponding to the broadcast signal, a signal processor130to process the broadcast signal output from the tuner120, a switch140to be turned on or off corresponding to the operation mode and output the broadcast signal to the external apparatus300, a user input device150to receive a user's input, a storage160to store various pieces of data, a power supply170to supply power to the elements of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, and a controller170to control the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

The signal receiver110may be variously achieved corresponding to formats of a received broadcast signal and the types of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. For example, the signal receiver110may be achieved by an antenna ANT as shown inFIG. 4and wirelessly receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from a signal source (not shown) such as the broadcasting station.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal receiver110includes a communication module supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, the signal receiver110may include a cable modem connected to the signal source such as a broadcasting station, a cable broadcaster, etc. and receiving a broadcast signal, e.g., video/audio/data signals. The cable modem supports interactive communication, so that a service provider and the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100can exchange information through the Internet or the like. For example, if a user uses a video on demand (VOD) service, information about a service charge is transmitted to the service provider through the cable modem under control of the controller180. Here, the signal receiver110may be connected to the headend through one among a plurality of channels. For example, in a case of an 8-channel cable modem, one among 8 channels may be assigned to connect with a certain headend.

The signal receiver110may receive an image signal based on composite video, component video, super video, Syndicat des Constructeurs d′Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs (SCART), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or the like standards through a wire or a cable. Further, an image signal may be received from an external device. For example, an image signal may be received from the external device such as a personal computer (PC), an audio/video (AV) device, a Smart phone, a Smart pad, etc.

Further, an image signal may be based on data received through Internet or the like network. In this case, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may further include a network communicator to perform data communication with the exterior. For example, the signal receiver110may support at least one of communication interfaces1to N, such as a wired local area network (LAN), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, radio frequency (RF), Zigbee, a wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, infrared communication, ultra wideband (UWB), near field communication (NFC), etc.

The image signal may be based on data stored in a flash memory, a hard disk or the like nonvolatile storage160. The storage160may be internally or externally provided in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. If the storage160is externally provided, there may be provided a connector (not shown) to which the storage160is connected.

The signal receiver110in this exemplary embodiment is built-in the main body of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, but may be achieved in the form of a dongle or a module detachably connected to a connector (not shown) of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

In this exemplary embodiment, it will be described by way of example that the signal receiver110receives audio/video contents, e.g., an RF signal from the signal source by a wire or wirelessly.

The tuner120may be tuned to a channel corresponding to a broadcast signal input through terrestrial waves, a cable or a satellite. The tuner120may be achieved by a tuner IC, for example, an MOPLL IC or a tuner module, which includes a mixer, a phase locked loop and an oscillator. In this exemplary embodiment, the tuner120is tuned to a broadcast signal (i.e. a first broadcast signal) split by a splitter122to be described later, and converts the tuned broadcast signal to have an intermediate frequency by mixing with an oscillation frequency, thereby outputting the broadcast signal to a demodulator131of the signal processor130.

The tuner120in this exemplary embodiment may include a low noise amplifier (LNA)121, a splitter122, a loop-through route provider123as shown inFIG. 5.

The low noise amplifier121is connected between the signal receiver110and the splitter122, and performs low-noise amplification of a high frequency RF signal received from the signal receiver110, thereby outputting the amplified signal to the splitter122. The low noise amplifier121minimizes a noise component of the RF broadcast signal and amplifies only the signal component, thereby providing the signal to the splitter122.

The splitter122splits the RF broadcast signal received through the signal receiver110into two signals. In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the splitter122splits the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110into a first broadcast signal to be output to the display apparatus200and a second broadcast signal to be looped through to the external apparatus300.

The splitter122is achieved by a power distributor, for example, a balun circuit including two inductors, and distributes the input broadcast signal into the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal in accordance with inductance ratios of inductors (for example, 1:1 balun, 1:3 balun, and so on). Such distributed first and second broadcast signals are respectively output to the signal processor130and the external apparatus300.

The loop-through route provider123provides a loop-through route through which the second broadcast signal split by and output from the splitter122is output to the external apparatus300. That is, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110undergoes the low-noise amplification through the low noise amplifier121and is then input to the splitter122, and the splitter122splits the low-noise amplified broadcast signal into a signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal) to be output to the signal processor130and another signal (e.g., the second broadcast signal) to be output to the loop-through route provider123.

In this exemplary embodiment, the loop-through route provider123may be for example achieved by a switch, a gate or the like that is turned on when the split second broadcast signal passes, but not limited thereto. That is, the loop-through route provider123may be achieved by any element as long as it can provide a loop-through route using the tuner120in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100of the normal mode. In this exemplary embodiment, the loop-through route provider123is provided as an active loop-through that operates when the tuner120is turned on.

The signal processor130performs various video/audio processing processes previously set with regard to a broadcast signal received through the tuner120. The signal processor130sends an output signal generated or combined by performing the processing processes to the display apparatus200, so that the display apparatus200can display an image and output a sound corresponding to the broadcast signal.

As shown inFIG. 5, the signal processor130includes a demodulator131that demodulates a digital broadcast signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal) of a certain tuned channel into a signal in the form of a transport stream (TS); a demultiplexer132that demultiplexes the broadcast signal into signals according to characteristics, such as an image signal, an audio signal, and various additional data; a decoder133that decodes the TS signal according to video formats of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100; and a scaler134that adjusts the broadcast signal according to output scales of the display apparatus200. In this exemplary embodiment, the decoder125may be for example achieved by a moving picture experts group (MPEG) decoder.

The kind of video processing processes performed by the signal processor130is not limited to those shown inFIG. 5and may for example include de-interlacing for converting an interlaced type into a progressive type, noise reduction for improving image quality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, etc.

The signal processor130may be achieved by an individual group for independently performing each of the processes, or may be achieved by a system-on-chip (SoC) where various functions corresponding to such processes are integrated.

The video/audio signals processed by the signal processor130are output to the display apparatus200. In this exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may further include an A/V output (not shown) that outputs a video or audio signal processed by the signal processor130to the display apparatus200connected by a data communication cable such as a D-sub or the like. The A/V output connects with an A/V input of the display apparatus200and outputs a video/audio signal.

If the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is achieved by a display apparatus such as a TV, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may include a display for displaying an image. The display provided in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100or the display apparatus200may for example be achieved by liquid crystal, plasma, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a surface-conduction electron-emitter, a carbon nano-tube (CNT), nano-crystal, or the like various displays, without limitation.

The display may include additional elements in accordance with its types. For example, if the display is achieved by the liquid crystal, the display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (not shown), a backlight unit (not shown) for supplying light to the LCD panel, and a panel driver (not shown) for driving the panel (not shown).

In this exemplary embodiment, the display may include a touch screen for receiving input corresponding to a user's touch. The touch screen may be for example achieved by a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type or an acoustic wave type.

The touch screen may display an object (e.g., a menu, a text, an image, a moving image, a figure, an icon and a shortcut icon) including various menu items as a user interface (UI). Thus, a user touches the object displayed on the touch screen with his/her body (e.g., a finger) or a separate pointing device such as a stylus, thereby performing his/her input.

The touch screen may provide a user with a UI corresponding to various services (e.g., a phone call, data transmission, broadcasting, photographing, a moving image or an application). The touch screen sends the controller180an analog signal corresponding to a single or multi touch input corresponding to selection on the UI.

In this exemplary embodiment, the touch input may include any one or more of drag, flick, drag & drop, tap, long tap, etc.

The switch140is turned on or off corresponding to the operation mode of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. In this exemplary embodiment, the switch140operates in the standby mode so as to output the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110to the external apparatus200. Here, the switch140may include a switching device, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) (see ‘141’ ofFIG. 7) that is turned on in the standby mode and turned off in the normal mode. In this exemplary embodiment, the switching device141is given as a passive loop-through.

Specifically, in the normal mode where the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is turned on, a high signal is input to the switch140connected to the signal receiver110, and at this time the high signal is also applied to the switching device141so that the switch140can be turned off. Thus, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is not transmitted to the switch140.

The broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110undergoes low-noise amplification through the low noise amplifier121and is then input to the splitter122, and the splitter122splits the low-noise amplified broadcast signal and outputs the second broadcast signal to the loop-through route provider123that is being turned on. Thus, the second broadcast signal is output to the external apparatus300through the loop-through route provider123.

On the other hand, if the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100enters the standby mode, power is not supplied to the low noise amplifier121and the low noise amplifier121does not operate, thereby outputting no broadcast signal to the splitter122.

Further, a low signal is applied to a gate terminal of the switching device141of the switch140connected to the signal receiver110, thereby turning on the switch140. Thus, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is output to the external apparatus200through the switch140.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may include a TV tuner of a tuner chip I where the tuner120and the switch140are integrated as shown inFIG. 4. In the case where the tuner120and the switch140are integrated as a single chip I, this chip I may include TDA18250A and TDA18260A manufactured by NXP as a single or dual tuner, and the switching device141in the chip may include a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) BF1107 as a zero power loop-through (ZPLT) switch for performing a passive loop-through function of the TV tuner.

Detailed operations of the switch140including the switching device141will be described later with reference toFIG. 7andFIG. 8.

The user input device150shown inFIG. 4sends various preset control command or limitless information to the controller180in response to a user's control and input.

In this exemplary embodiment, the user input device150may include a keypad (or an input panel, not shown) with numeral keys, menu keys or the like buttons provided in a main body of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100; a remote controller that generates a preset command/data/information/signal for remotely controlling the TV and transmits it to the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100or the display apparatus200; a keyboard; a mouse; or the like peripheral input device separated from the main body, thereby receiving a user's input. The remote controller may further include a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch and a motion sensor for sensing its own motion caused by a user.

The user input device150in this embodiment includes the power button provided in the main body of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and/or the input device. The power button may be achieved by a toggle switch (for example, a power/standby switch) and convert the operation mode in response to a user's control. For example, if the power button is controlled in the normal mode, the operation mode is converted into the standby mode. On the other hand, if the power button is controlled in the standby mode, the operation mode returns to the normal mode.

The input device is an external device capable of wirelessly communicating with the main body of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, and the wireless communication includes Bluetooth, infrared communication, radio frequency (RF) communication, wireless local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi direct, etc. The input device is controlled by a user and thus transmits a preset command to the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

The keypad includes a physical keypad formed in front and/or lateral sides of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, a virtual keypad displayed on the display apparatus200, and a wirelessly connectable physical keypad. It will be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the physical keypad formed in front and/or lateral sides of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be excluded in accordance with the performance or structure of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

The storage160stores limitless types of data under control of the controller180. The storage160may include a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage160is accessed by the controller180, and performs reading/recording/modifying/deleting/updating/and the like with regard to data under control of the controller180.

The data stored in the storage160may include, for example, not only an operating system for driving the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, but also various applications, image data, additional data, etc. executable on this operating system.

Specifically, the storage160may store a signal or data input/output corresponding to operations of the respective elements110to180under control of the controller180. The storage160may store a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a control program for controlling the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and an application provided by a manufacturer or downloaded from the outside, images for providing the GUI, user information, a document, a database, or related data.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage160may further store information about a first setting time and a second setting time which are set as delay times taken in turning on or off the tuner110and the switch140when the operation mode is converted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the term “storage” may refer to the storage160, a read only memory (ROM, not shown) in the controller180, a random access memory (RAM, not shown) or a memory card (not shown, for example, a micro SD card, a memory stick, etc.) mounted to the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

The power supply170supplies power to the elements110to160and180of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100under control of the controller180. The power supply170converts external alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power, regulates the converted DC power to have a predetermined level, and supplies the regulated power to the elements110to160and180of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. The power supply170may be for example achieved by a switching mode power supply (SMPS), and may include a power converter having a transformer circuit that drops a DC power into predetermined levels corresponding to rated voltages of the internal elements110to160and180of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the power supplied from the power supply170to the elements110to160and180of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be controlled in response to the conversion of the operation mode. For example, if a predetermined set time elapses from the conversion into the standby mode, power may be not supplied to other elements than a part of the controller180.

The controller180performs control with regard various elements of the apparatus100. For example, the controller180proceeds with the receiving/separating of the broadcast signal/video processing process performed by the tuner120and the signal processor120, and performs control operations corresponding to commands from the user input device150, thereby controlling general operations of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100. For example, the controller180may be achieved in the form of combining at least one processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer (MICOM), an application processor (AP), etc. with software, chipset, etc. For example, the controller180achieved by at least a processor may perform the functions of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100by loading a predetermined program stored in the ROM to the RAM and executing the loaded program.

The controller180controls the general operations of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and signal flow between internal elements110to160of the apparatus100, and processes data. The controller180controls power supplied from the power supply170to the internal elements110to140,160and180. If there is a user's input or if a set and stored condition is satisfied, the controller180may perform an operating system (OS) and various applications stored in the storage160.

In this exemplary embodiment, the controller180controls power supplied to the elements including the tuner110and the switch140in accordance with conversion of the operation mode for the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

Specifically, the controller180controls at least a part of a broadcast signal, e.g., the second broadcast signal split from the splitter122to be output to the external apparatus300through the tuner110in the normal mode as shown inFIG. 5.

Further, the controller180cuts off the power supplied from the power supply170to the tuner110so that the broadcast signal can be output to the external apparatus300through the switch as shown inFIG. 6, if the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140in response to the conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the loop-through broadcast signal passes through the loop-through route123of the tuner110or the switch140and is transmitted to the external apparatus200via a the loop-through port.

In the standby mode, power may be supplied to minimum elements of the controller180, for example, only a part of the CPU or a microcomputer. At this time, the controller180directly outputs a control signal to the switch140through an always-on general purpose input/output (AON GPIO) port, and the AON GPIO port is always turned on in both the normal mode and the standby mode. In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180directly controls the switch140in such a manner that the control signal is output through a direct connection control line from the AON GPIO port of the controller180to a control terminal of the switching device141.

Thus, the control signal of the switch140is not dependent on the power mode of the tuner120and makes it possible to perform independent control.

In other words, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment is designed to perform power on/off sequence control regardless of the power control based on the operation mode. Therefore, the on/off delay control for the tuner110and the switch140is performed regardless of the operation mode.

FIG. 7andFIG. 8are circuit diagrams showing a loop-through process of a broadcast signal in accordance with operation modes in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus ofFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the switch140includes the switching device141connected to an input terminal RF IN from a node between a capacitor C1and a diode D1and connected to an output terminal Loop Through out from a node between a capacitor C2and a diode D2. For example, the capacitors C1and C2may be DC blocking capacitors, and the diodes D1and D2may be band-switching diodes.

The switching device141of the switch140may be achieved by a field effect transistor (FET) which includes the gate terminal (i.e. the control terminal) to receive the control signal, the drain terminal connected to the signal receiver110, and the source terminal connected to the external apparatus200. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switching device141is also called a zero power loop-through (ZPLT) switch. Further, the switch140further includes resistors R1, R2and R3, a capacitor C2and a diode D3, which are connected to the switching device141, and a control voltage may be applied to the diodes D1and D2via the resistors R2and R3.

The switching device141receives an input control signal from the AON GPIO port of the controller180through the control terminal. The switching device141is turned on, e.g., closed when the input control signal has a low level, and turned off, e.g., opened when the input control signal has a high level.

The switching device141is turned off in the normal mode to cut off the broadcast signal received from the signal receiver110, and turned on in the standby mode to loop through and output the broadcast signal received from the signal receiver110to the external apparatus300.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 7, the switching device141is turned off in the normal mode as a high signal is applied to the gate terminal of the switching device141connected to the signal receiver110, thereby blocking the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110.

On the other hand, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is input to the low noise amplifier121of the tuner120via the capacitor C1and the diode D1.

The broadcast signal input as described above undergoes the low-noise amplification through the low noise amplifier121, and is then split by the splitter122. The splitter122splits the low-noise amplified broadcast signal into a first signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal) to be output to the demodulator131and a second signal (e.g., the second broadcast signal) to be output to the loop-through route provider123. The broadcast signal output to the loop-through route provider123is output to the external apparatus300via the diode D2and the capacitor C3.

The circuits shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, which include the switching diodes D1and D2and the low noise amplifier121, may be specially designed to receive broadcast signals of TV channels having a bandwidth of for example 48 MHz-858 MHz, and such a kind of circuit elements may be for example used in television sets and video recorders.

The loop-through route provider123, coupling the signal output from the splitter122with the output to the external apparatus300, corresponds to the active loop-through that operates when the power is supplied to the tuner120and the tuner120is turned on, at which the switching diodes D1and D2are all forward-biased to allow the broadcast signal to pass therethrough. Thus, the switching diodes D1and D2may operate in the ON-mode as very small resistors that give little attenuation.

By the way, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be converted from the normal mode to the standby mode if at least one mode conversion condition such as a user's input using the power button is satisfied while operating in the normal mode.

As shown inFIG. 8, if the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode, a low signal is transmitted from the AON GPIO port of the controller180to the gate terminal of the switching device141, thereby turning on the switch140.

If the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140, the controller180cuts off power supplied to the tuner120. Here, the first setting time, during which the power-off of the tuner120is delayed, is previously set to completely turn on the switch140so that the broadcast signal can be transmitted without loss.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10show examples where a broadcast signal is distorted in a conventional broadcast signal receiving apparatus, andFIG. 11shows an example that distortion of a broadcast signal is reduced in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

If the switch140is turned on and at the same time the tuner120is powered off as the normal mode is converted to the standby mode, there may be a delay section41taken in completely turning off the tuner120as shown inFIG. 9.

Hence, the switching device141is not completely turned on and there is timing during which the loop-through signal becomes weak, a macroblock phenomenon, where the broadcast signal is distorted, occurs in the external apparatus300as shown inFIG. 10. Further, when the switching device141is switched from off to on, a timing delay may be caused by circuit elements that constitute the switch140, i.e. a RC time constant, delay noise due to switching operation, etc.

Referring toFIG. 9, the delay section41is about 20 ms. If 20 ms elapses from turning on the switch140, there is no distortion in the broadcast signal of the external apparatus300. Therefore, the first setting time is set to 20 ms.

If the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140, the controller180cuts off the power supplied to the tuner120. Thus, when the tuner130is turned off, the diode D1blocks the broadcast signal transmitted to the tuner120as shown inFIG. 8.

In addition, the loop-through route is changed as shown inFIG. 8so that the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110can be output to the external apparatus300through the switch140. That is, the broadcast signal received from the signal receiver110is output to the external apparatus300via the drain terminal and the source terminal of the switching device141, and the switching device141corresponds to the passive loop-through. Here, the broadcast signal output from the switch140is blocked by the diode D2and thus entirely output to the external apparatus300without loss.

In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the power supplied to the tuner120is cut off after the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140in response to the conversion into the standby mode, and therefore there is no distortion in the signal as shown inFIG. 11.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be converted from the standby mode to the normal mode as at least one mode conversion condition such as a user's input using the power button is satisfied while operating in the standby mode.

If the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is converted from the standby mode to the normal mode, the tuner120receives power and is turned on, the loop-through function (e.g., the active loop-through) of the tuner120is activated.

The controller180applies the high signal to the gate terminal of the switching device141through the AON GPIO port and thus turns off the switch140when the second setting time elapses from turning on the tuner120.

Here, the second setting time, which is delayed until the control signal applied to the switch140is changed from a low level to a high level, is previously set in consideration of a delay time taken in making the power reach a critical level or higher at which the loop-through function of the tuner120normally operates. In this exemplary embodiment, the second setting time may be set to 10 ms.

If the second setting time elapses from turning on the tuner120, the controller180changes the control signal, which is input to the control terminal of the switching device141through the AON GPIO port, from the high level to the low level. Thus, when the switching device141is completely turned off, the broadcast signal transmitted to the switch140is cut off as shown inFIG. 7.

Further, the loop-through route is changed as shown inFIG. 7so that the broadcast signal received from the signal receiver110via the diode D1can be output to the external apparatus300through the tuner120. That is, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is output to the external apparatus300via the low noise amplifier121, the loop-through route provider123and the diode D2.

In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180turns off the switch140after the second setting time elapses from turning on the tuner120in response to the conversion to the normal mode, and thus there is no loss/distortion of the signal in the external apparatus300.

In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the active loop-through function provided by the tuner120has better noise performance than the passive loop-through function which is via the switch140since the input broadcast signal in the active loop-through function is amplified by the low-noise amplifier121and sent to the loop-through output terminal via the loop-through route provider123without loss.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, the first setting time and the second setting time are previously set in consideration of a possibility of distorting a signal while turning on/off the tuner120and the switch140, but not limited thereto.

That is, the controller180determines whether an element turned on after converting the operation mode, for example the loop-through function of the tuner110after conversion into the normal mode, operates normally, and thus turns off the other elements, for example the switch140, in accordance with the determination results. Here, the tuner120and the switch140may output control signals, which respectively indicate whether they operate normally, to the controller180.

Further, the first setting time and the second setting time are not respectively limited to 20 ms and 10 ms, and may vary depending on system environments. For example, the first setting time to be taken in completely turning on the switch140may be varied depending on characteristics of elements such as R and C that constitute the circuit of the switch140.

Further, the first setting time and/or the second setting time may be varied depending on channel frequencies of the broadcast signal. Besides, like the following embodiments shown inFIG. 14, the first setting time and/or the second setting time may be set/modified in accordance with a user's selection.

FIG. 12shows processes of changing a loop-through route of a broadcast signal that is changed in accordance with conversion from a normal mode to a standby mode in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 13shows processes of changing a loop-through route of a broadcast signal that is changed in accordance with conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 12, in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100operating in the normal mode, the signal receiver110receives the broadcast signal and sends it to the tuner120(501). Here, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may operate by entering the normal mode through a mode conversion process to be described later with reference toFIG. 13.

The tuner120amplifies the received broadcast signal by the low noise amplifier121, and splits the amplified broadcast signal into a first broadcast signal and a second broadcast signal by the splitter122. Further, the split first broadcast signal is output to the signal processor130(502).

The signal processor130processes the first broadcast signal in accordance with various image processing processes (503), and outputs the processed first broadcast signal to the display apparatus (504).

Further, the second broadcast signal split by the splitter122is output to the external apparatus300through the loop-through route provider123of the tuner120(505). Here, the switch140continuously maintains the off state where the high signal is applied (506).

Here, the controller180can detect the mode conversion, e.g., a command for conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode (507). For example, the controller180senses a user's control of the power button of the user input device150in the normal mode and determines that a command for mode conversion is issued.

In response to the detection of the mode conversion, the controller180transmits the low signal to the switching device141of the switch140through the AON GPIO port. The switching device141is turned on by receiving the low signal from the AON GPIO port through the control terminal (508).

If the first setting time elapses from turning on the switching device141, the controller180outputs a command for turning off the tuner120(509). Then, the power supplied from the power supply170to the tuner120is cut off.

Since the low noise amplifier121of the tuner120becomes turned off, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is blocked by the diode D1with regard to the route toward the tuner120, and thus transmitted to the switch140(510).

Through the loop-through route formed by the switch140, the broadcast signal is output to the external apparatus300(511). Here, the tuner120maintains the off state (512).

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment turns on the switch140in response to the conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode as shown inFIG. 12, and turns off the tuner120after the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140, thereby preventing the loss/distortion of the broadcast signal looped through to the external apparatus300.

As shown inFIG. 13, in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100operating in the standby mode, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is output to the switch140(601). Here, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may operate by entering the standby mode through the mode conversion process described with reference toFIG. 12.

Then, the broadcast signal is output, e.g., looped through to the external apparatus300through the switch140(602).

Here, the tuner120maintains the off state (603). That is, since the low noise amplifier121of the tuner120is in the off state, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is blocked by the diode D1with regard to the route toward the tuner120, and thus transmitted to the switch140and output to the external apparatus300.

The controller180can detect the mode conversion from a user, e.g., a command for conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode (604). For example, the controller180senses a user's control of the power button of the user input device150in the standby mode and determines that a command for mode conversion is issued.

In response to the detection of the mode conversion, the controller180outputs a command for turning on the tuner120. Thus, the power supply170supplies power to the tuner120, thereby turning on the tuner120(605).

If the second setting time elapses from turning on the tuner120, the controller180issues a command for turning off the switching device141of the switch140, e.g., transmits a high signal to the switching device141of the switch140through the AON GPIO port (606). Thus, the switching device141is turned off by receiving the high signal from AON GPIO port through the control terminal.

Here, the broadcast signal received in the signal receiver110is transmitted to the tuner120(607). Then, the loop-through route is formed via the tuner120, so that the broadcast signal, e.g., the second broadcast signal can be output to the external apparatus300through the loop-through route provider123(608).

Here, the switch140continuously maintains the off state where the high signal is applied (609).

The tuner120amplifies the received broadcast signal by the low noise amplifier121, and splits the amplified broadcast signal into the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal by the splitter122. Further, the split first broadcast signal is output to the signal processor130(610).

Further, the signal processor130processes the first broadcast signal in accordance with various image processing processes (611), and outputs the processed first broadcast signal to the display apparatus (612).

In the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, the switch140is turned off after the second setting time elapses from turning on the tuner120even in the conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode as shown inFIG. 12, so that the broadcast signal can be looped through to the external apparatus300without loss/distortion.

Thus, no macroblock phenomenon occurs due to distortion/loss of the broadcast signal in the external apparatus300, e.g., the sub apparatus, when the operation mode is converted.

By the way, it will be described that the first setting time and the second setting time are set by a user's selection.

FIG. 14shows an example of a screen for setting a delay time in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 15shows an example of a message displayed on the screen when the operation mode is converted in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

As shown inFIG. 14, the display apparatus200may display a user interface (UI)71through which a delay time taken in turning off the tuner120when the normal mode is converted into the standby mode, e.g., the first setting time can be set, and a UI72through which a delay time taken in turning off the switch140when the standby mode is converted into the normal mode, e.g., the second switching time can be set.

Thus, a user may use the user input device150to set the first setting time or the second setting time by increasing or decreasing their defaults through the UIs71and72.

FIG. 14shows that the defaults of the first setting time and the second setting time are 20 ms and 10 ms, respectively. However, this is nothing but an example. Alternatively, the defaults may be set differently.

Further, the UIs71and72ofFIG. 14may be displayed on the sub display apparatus302connected to an external apparatus303achieved by the display apparatus as shown inFIG. 3or an external apparatus achieved by a set-top box301.

Thus, a user may use the user input to set the first setting time or the second setting time by his/her input with regard to the UIs displayed on the corresponding display apparatuses302and303.

As there is provided a UI through which the first setting time and/or the second setting time applied when the operation mode is converted is adjustable, it is thus possible to do adaptive control in accordance with system environments, a user's tastes, etc.

As shown inFIG. 12, the case where the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is converted from the normal mode to the standby mode may include a case where a user stops viewing a broadcast through the display apparatus200and another user continues to view the broadcast through the external apparatus300.

In this case, a message73informing that normal viewing is possible may be displayed in the sub display apparatus302connected to an external apparatus303achieved by the display apparatus as shown inFIG. 3or an external apparatus achieved by a set-top box301.

Through the displayed message73, a user may check that the broadcast of the main display apparatus200is interrupted. As necessary, if a user feels inconvenience in viewing a broadcast, s/he may change the delay time through the UIs71and72as shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 15shows the message73displayed when the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is converted from the normal mode into the standby mode. On the contrary, even when the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is converted from the standby mode into the normal mode, a predetermined message, for example, “the receiving apparatus will enter the normal mode, and you can continue viewing,” may be displayed on at least one of the display apparatuses200,302and303.

Here, the displayed message may be variously set without being limited to the foregoing example shown inFIG. 15.

In the foregoing embodiment described with reference toFIG. 15, a predetermined message is displayed when the operation mode is converted, but not limited thereto. As necessary, a previously stored black screen may be displayed during the delay time so as to minimize a user's visual inconvenience caused while changing the loop-through route.

That is, while the loop-through route is changed due to the conversion of the operation mode in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to give various effects so that a user who is viewing a broadcast screen through the external apparatus300cannot experience a broadcast-screen crack or other visual/acoustic inconveniences.

Below, a method of controlling the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to accompanying drawings

FIG. 16is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 16, the controller180may detect a user's control, e.g., may detect an actuation of or a push of the power button provided in the user input device150of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100(S801).

The controller180determines whether the control of the power button is received while the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100is in the normal mode (S802).

If it is determined in the operation S802that the control is received in the normal mode, an ‘ON’ signal is applied to the switch140(S803). As the control signal applied from the AON GPIO port of the controller180to the control terminal of the switching device141is changed from ‘high’ to ‘low’, the switching device141may be turned on.

If the switch140is turned on in operation S803, the controller180counts the first setting time (for example, 20 ms) delayed until the tuner120is turned off (S804).

As a result of counting the time in operation S804, if the first setting time elapses from turning on the switch140, the broadcast signal flowing toward the tuner120is blocked by the diode D1and connected to the switching device141of the switch140, thereby changing the loop-through route (S805).

The broadcast signal is output to the external apparatus300through the loop-through route changed in the operation S805, e.g., through the switch140(S806). Thus, the RF broadcast signal flows from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus110to the external apparatus300through the switching device141(the passive loop-through).

Further, the controller180cuts off the power supplied from the power supply170to the tuner120. Thus, the tuner120becomes turned off (S807).

As described, since the broadcast signal is looped through by the switch140and the tuner120becomes turned off after the switching device141is sufficiently turned on by delaying the first setting time from turning on the switch140, the loop-through signal is wholly output to the external apparatus300without distortion or loss, thereby preventing the macroblock phenomenon.

On the other hand, if it is determined in operation S802that a user's control is not received in the normal mode, e.g., a user's control is received in the standby mode, the tuner120is turned on under control of the controller180(S808).

If the tuner120is turned on in operation S803, the controller180counts the second setting time (for example, 10 ms) delayed until the switch140becomes turned off (S809).

As a counting result in the operation S809, if the second setting time elapses after turning on the tuner120, the broadcast signal flowing toward the tuner120is connected by the diode D1and the switching device141of the switch140is blocked, thereby changing the loop-through route (S810).

The broadcast signal is output to the external apparatus300via the loop-through route changed in operation S809, e.g., through the loop-through route provider132of the tuner120(S811). Thus, the RF broadcast signal flows from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus110to the external apparatus300via the tuner120(the active loop-through).

Further, the control signal applied from the AON GPIO port of the controller180to the control terminal of the switching device141is changed from low to high, and thus the switching device141becomes turned off (S812).

Like this, since the broadcast signal is looped through by the tuner120and the switch140becomes turned off after the tuner120is sufficiently turned on by delaying the second setting time from turning on the tuner120, the loop-through signal is wholly output to the external apparatus300without distortion or loss, thereby preventing the macroblock phenomenon.

By the way, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment may be configured to make the broadcast signal be looped through to a plurality of external apparatuses.

FIG. 17is a block diagram showing a system that includes a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, a display apparatus and a plurality of external apparatuses according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 17, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may output a broadcast signal received from the signal source to two or more external apparatuses304and305other than the display apparatus200provided as the main apparatus for displaying an image.

The broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be provided with a plurality of output terminals which are branched from the switch for providing the loop-through route toward each of the external apparatuses304and305so that the broadcast signal can be output to the plurality of external apparatuses304and305in the standby mode.

As necessary, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100may be provided with a plurality of switches corresponding to the external apparatuses304and305so that the broadcast signal can be provided to each of the external apparatuses in the standby mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, even when the broadcast signal is looped through to the plurality of external apparatuses304and305, the loop-through route alternates between the tuner and the switch in response to the operation mode of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, and the tuner or the switch is turned off after delaying a predetermined period of time after changing the operation mode, thereby preventing the broadcast signal from being distorted/lost in the external apparatus304or305.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, the controller180directly controls the switch140to be turned on/off in such a manner that the control signal is output to the control terminal of the switch140through a part of the CPU or the AON GPIO port of the microcomputer, which can normally operate regardless of the operation mode of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, thereby having an advantage of controlling the switch140independently of the power-on/off of the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100.

Further, a sequence is controlled through delay between on/off of the switch140and loop-through on/off in the tuner120when the operation mode is converted in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100, thereby having effects on preventing a screen crack, e.g., a macroblock phenomenon in the external apparatus300with regard to the loop-through broadcast signal.

Specifically, at the conversion from the normal mode to the standby mode, an ON signal is applied to the switch140and the tuner120is turned off after the switching device141is sufficiently turned on, so that the broadcast signal can be output, e.g., looped through to the external apparatus300via the switch140, thereby wholly transmitting the broadcast signal to the external apparatus300without distortion or loss.

In addition, at the conversion from the standby mode to the normal mode, the switch140is turned off after the tuner120is supplied with power and changed into a state for normal operation, so that the broadcast signal can be output, e.g., looped through to the external apparatus300via the tuner120, thereby wholly transmitting the broadcast signal to the external apparatus300without distortion or loss.

By the way, the foregoing exemplary embodiments may be achieved by a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a transmission medium and a storage medium for storing data readable by a computer system. The transmission medium may be achieved by a wired/wireless network where computer systems are connected to one another.

The foregoing exemplary embodiments may be achieved by hardware and combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes the controller180, and the controller170includes a nonvolatile memory where the software, i.e. a computer program is stored; a random access memory (RAM) to which the computer program stored in the nonvolatile memory is loaded; and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing the computer program loaded to the RAM. The nonvolatile memory may include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, a floppy disk, an optical storage, a data transmission device using Internet, etc., but not limited thereto. The nonvolatile memory is just an example of the computer-readable recording medium in which a program readable by a computer is recorded.

The computer program is a code that can be read and executed by the CPU, and includes codes for enabling the controller180to perform operations including the operations501to512ofFIG. 12, the operations601to612ofFIG. 13, and the operations S801to S812ofFIG. 16.

The computer program may be involved in software including an operating system or applications provided in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus100and/or software interfacing with the external apparatus.