Program data recording method and apparatus

In order to make a recording mode in case of recording a broadcast program to be a mode which is easily used when reproducing, guide information of the broadcast program of the recorded channel is obtained in a case when a received broadcast program is recorded and a pointer is set according to the obtained guide information at a recording position of the time from which each program is started in a case when a plurality of programs exist during a period from the recording start time to the ending time thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a program recording method and apparatus preferably used for a recording apparatus which records, for example, a broadcast program in a recording medium such as a hard disk.

BACKGROUND ART

Heretofore, a hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus which uses a hard disk as a recording medium has been be in practical use in the field of an apparatus for recording (video recording) a television broadcast. In case of this hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus, it is possible to record a television broadcast signal, for example, by a recording capacity of several ten giga-bytes for several ten hours. With respect to the recordable hours, they are assumed to increase depending upon the improvement in the recording density of the recording medium such as a hard disk and/or upon the improvement in the compression technology of the broadcast data.

In this hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus, there is an apparatus which receives electric program guide data called an EPG (Electric Program Guide) in order to perform video-recording of television programs easily. EPG data are to be added to broadcast data in case of a broadcast system such as a digital satellite broadcast and also to be sent by adding them in a specific time zone such as a blanking period of a video signal in a specific channel in case of a ground wave such as an analog broadcast. Further, there is also another system where they are signal-distributed to a user-side recording and reproducing apparatus through a transmitting means such as an internet without any connection with the transmission of the broadcast data.

An effect is obtained for users such that a video-record reservation of a desired program can be performed relatively easily by receiving the EPG data transmitted in this manner, by displaying a program table of a television broadcast on a receiver screen according to the received EPG data and by performing an operation of selecting a program which is desired to be video-recorded in the program table.

Also, it is possible to make a serial program reservation in a lump such as of serial dramas which are broadcasted, for example, at a predetermined time everyday by utilizing the program table according to the EPG data. Further, it is also possible to search a program by a preset keyword and to automatically reserve of a program which was found by that search.

In a publication of an unexamined application No. 2000-28747 published by the Japanese Patent Office, there is a description of one example of a television receiver where a video-record reservation is made by utilizing such electronic program data.

And now, in a case when recording is carried out by a broadcast program recording apparatus such as a hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus and when a picture recording reservation is carried out by utilizing electronic program data, the picture recording reservation is carried out per one program shown by the electronic program data, so that in the recorded data, recording data of one unit comes to correspond to one program. However, there is also a case as for the picture recording process using this kind of recording apparatus in which a picture recording reservation is carried out not only by the reservation picture recording process according to these kinds of EPG data but also, for example, by appointing a channel number, a picture recording start time and an ending time according to a user's preference. In addition, there is also a case in which a program on air is picture-recorded by pushing down a picture-recording start button. In such cases, a picture recording is to be carried out until a predetermined picture-recording ending time or until a user pushes down picture-recording stop button and even if a plurality of programs are broadcasted during a period from that recording start to the recording end, the recording at that time is to be recorded as a program of one unit.

Consequently, in a case when, for example, a program broadcast which a user wants to watch begins after 30 minutes from the recording start and when the program recorded at that time is to be reproduced, it is necessary to carry out a fast forward reproduction for the recording interval of approximately 30 minutes from the beginning of the program or the like so as to perform a so-called index-search operation, so that it could not be said that it was sufficiently easy-to-use.

The present invention was invented in view of such an aspect and has an object to make a recording mode in case of recording a broadcast program to be a mode in which it is easily used on an occasion of a reproducing.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A first invention has a constitution in a program data recording method for recording a received broadcast program such that guide information of a broadcast program in a recorded channel is obtained and stored; predetermined pointers are set at recording positions of time points on which respective programs are started in a case when a plurality of programs exist during a period from a recording start time to an ending time thereof according to the obtained guide information; and the pointers are recorded by making a connection with the guide information.

By doing like this, a pointer is to be set at a recording start position of each program according to the program guide information automatically, so that it becomes possible to set a reproduction position separately for each program which was recorded, for example, by making it possible to set a reproduction start position for each pointer separately.

A second invention has a constitution in a program data recording method of the first invention such that recording programs can be reproduced from the set positions of the respective pointers on an occasion of reproduction.

By doing like this, it becomes possible to separately set a reproduction position for each program which was recorded.

A third invention has a constitution in a program data recording method of the second invention such that also the guide information is recorded together with the program data and it is made possible to display a recording program list according to the recorded guide information.

By doing like this, it becomes possible to select a program to be reproduced easily from a displayed list.

A fourth invention has a constitution of a program data recording apparatus wherein there are provided with receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal of a predetermined broadcast service; recording means for recording the broadcast signal received by the receiving means; guide information obtaining means for obtaining and storing guide information of a program broadcasted by the broadcast service; and control means for obtaining the guide information relating to the program which is being recorded by the recording means from the guide information obtaining means, for setting predetermined pointers at recording positions of time points on which respective programs are started in a case when a plurality of programs exist during a period from a recording start time to an ending time thereof according to the obtained guide information, and for recording the pointers by making a connection with the guide information.

By doing like this, a pointer is to be set at a recording start position of each program according to the program guide information automatically, so that it becomes possible to set a reproduction position separately for each program which was recorded, for example, by making it possible to set a reproduction start position for each pointer separately.

A fifth invention has a constitution in a program data recording apparatus of the fourth invention such that the control means carries out a control for reproducing recording programs from the set positions of the respective pointers when reproducing the programs recorded by the recording means.

By doing like this, it becomes possible to separately set a reproduction position at each program which was recorded.

A sixth invention has a constitution in a program data recording apparatus of the fifth invention such that the recording means records also the guide information of the program recorded at that time together with the program data and the control means carries out a control for displaying a recording program list according to the recorded guide information.

By doing like this, it becomes possible to select a program to be reproduced easily from a displayed list.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One exemplified example of the present invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to attached drawings.

FIG. 1is a diagram showing a system constitutional example according to the present exemplified example. In this example, it is constituted such that a hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100which video-records a television broadcast and a CS tuner apparatus200which receives a CS broadcast are connected and further a television receiver300is connected thereto. The hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100is constituted as a video recording and reproducing apparatus installed with a hard disk which video-records and reproduces a television broadcast program, and a tuner for receiving a television broadcast is installed in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and, for example, an antenna91for a ground wave is connected thereto. The CS tuner apparatus200is used as a tuner for receiving a CS broadcast and, for example, a parabola antenna92is connected thereto such that a received wave of the CS broadcast is supplied from a converter93mounted on the parabola antenna92. The television receiver300is inputted with a video signal and an audio signal from the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and it is possible to use another display apparatus such as a monitor receiver if it is means which can display the video and output the audio. With respect to the audio signal, it can be output by supplying it to another audio output apparatus other than the display apparatus.

The CS tuner apparatus200is constituted so as to receive two of the CS broadcast services and transmits the video signal and the audio signal of the television broadcast (CS broadcast) received by the CS tuner apparatus200to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100through cables96and97respectively. It should be noted that the two of the broadcast services are from satellites which are different communication satellites which relay electric waves and forms of broadcast data are also a little bit different. In addition, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and the CS tuner apparatus200are designed to communicate bi-directionally by connecting data communication ports provided in respective apparatuses through a cable98such that it is possible to transmit broadcast data and the like received by the CS tuner apparatus200to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100.

In the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100, it is possible to record a television broadcast program of the ground wave which is received by the installed ground wave tuner onto the hard disk and to record a television broadcast program of the CS broadcast which is received by the connected CS tuner apparatus200onto the hard disk.

In case of this example, the CS broadcast service received by the CS tuner apparatus200is a digital broadcast service which transmits a video signal and an audio signal formed by digital data and electronic program data called as EPG data are added to the packets for transmitting these data. The packets added with the electronic program data are transmitted to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100from the CS tuner apparatus200through the data communication port.

Also, it is possible to transmit a control signal which controls the operation of the CS tuner apparatus200from the side of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100by using the connection between these data communication ports. As for instructions (commands) by the control signal, there are instructions such as a power on/off instruction of the CS tuner apparatus200, a channel change-over instruction, a changing instruction of the broadcast service to be received and a changing instruction of the operation mode. However, it becomes unnecessary to provide the changing instruction of the broadcast service to be received owing to the constitution of the connected CS tuner apparatus200. Further, it may be possible to transmit an instruction for inquiring the present operation state of the CS tuner apparatus200(for example, inquiry if it is in a power-on state or in a standby state) instead of instructions which instruct operations directly.

Also, the video signal and the audio signal which the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100outputs are connected to the television receiver300through cables94and95. In the television receiver300, it is possible to display the video recorded on the hard disk which is installed in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and to output the audio. It should be noted though not shown inFIG. 1that it is possible to connect the CS tuner apparatus200and the television receiver300directly. Further, it may be possible to connect a video signal source other than the CS tuner apparatus200to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100such that the video signal and the audio signal supplied from the video signal source will be recorded onto the hard disk.

Next, the constitution of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100will be explained with reference toFIG. 2. The ground wave antenna91connected to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100is connected to a ground wave tuner101installed in the apparatus100and the video signal and the audio signal of the ground wave television broadcast which are received and obtained by the tuner101are supplied to a terminal111of a change-over switch110.

With respect to receiving channels for the ground wave tuner101, they are controlled by a controller121of the recording and reproducing apparatus100. The ground wave received by the tuner101is an analog broadcast wave and it is designed such that EPG data for displaying an electronic program table are transmitted with respect to a predetermined specific channel several times a day and at predetermined time points by superimposing data into the blanking period of the video signal and the like. The EPG data are designed to be data not only for guiding channels to which the EPG data are superimposed but also for guiding programs relating to almost all ground wave channels which are receivable in that area. Consequently, the tuner101has a function to operate as program data obtaining means for picking up EPG data superimposed in that channel by receiving a channel to which EPG data are superimposed (added) during the superimposed period. With respect to the EPG data received by the tuner101, it is designed such that they are transmitted to the controller121. The controller121of this example is provided with a function to operate as processing means for picking up only necessary program data from the supplied EPG data. The detailed process for picking up only necessary program data will be described hereinafter.

The change-over switch110is a switch for changing over the received signal of the tuner101and signals obtained at input terminals131,132,133and134from the outside. The input terminals131and132are an input terminal of a video signal and an input terminal of an audio signal which are used as a first input portion and the signals obtained at these input terminals are supplied to a terminal112of the change-over switch110. The input terminal133and134are an input terminal of a video signal and an input terminal of an audio signal which are used as a second input portion and the signals obtained at these input terminals are supplied to a terminal113of the change-over switch110. With respect to the video signals and the audio signals obtained at these terminals111,112and113, the signal selected by the controller121is obtained at a terminal114. It should be noted inFIG. 2that the transmission paths of the both signals are shown as only one transmission line if the supply, the change over or the like of the video signal and the audio signal is performed simultaneously.

With respect to the first input portion (input terminals131and132) in the input portions from the outside, it is used as an exclusive input terminal which is supplied with the video signal and the audio signal received and outputted by the CS tuner apparatus200. However, if the CS tuner is not connected, it is possible to connect another video signal source to this first input portion.

With respect to the second input portion (input terminals133and134), a video signal source for outputting a video signal and an audio signal which are desirable to be recorded in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100is connected. For example, a BS tuner, a video tape recording and reproducing apparatus or the like is connected.

The video signal and the audio signal selected by the change-over switch110(signal obtained at the terminal114) is supplied to an MPEG (Moving Picture coding Experts Group ) encoder102and is converted to digital video data and digital audio data which are compression-encoded, for example, by an MPEG2 system. The signal supplied to the encoder102is an analog signal, so that it is designed such that a digital conversion from an analog signal to digital data can be also performed in the encoder102(or in another individual circuit).

The video data and the audio data of the MPEG2 system which are obtained in the MPEG encoder102are supplied to a recording and reproducing process unit103. The recording and reproducing process unit103is a circuit which performs a process for recording and reproducing video data, audio data and the like to and from a hard disk105. A buffer memory104is connected to the recording and reproducing process unit103and it is designed such that data are temporarily stored in the buffer memory104and at the same time the recording and reproduction of data are performed thereto and therefrom. It should be noted that the hard disk105is made to be used also as a memory means (recording means) of electronic program data. More specifically, the electronic program data processed in the controller121are made to be recorded and reproduced to and from the hard disk105under the control of the controller121. However, with respect to the electronic program data, it is possible to use a memory (not shown) connected to the controller121as memory means without using the hard disk105as memory means. With respect to the hard disk105, it is constituted such that a head records and reproduces thereto and therefrom under a condition that a spindle motor is rotated in a high speed and it is possible to record a television broadcast signal, for example, with a recording capacity of several ten giga bytes for several ten hours.

With respect to the video data and the audio data which were reproduced from the hard disk105and processed in the recording and reproducing process unit103, they are supplied to a MPEG decoder106and a decoding from the MPEG2 system is performed. With respect to the decoded video data, they are supplied to an NTSC encoder108through a mixer107and supplied to an output terminal135as an analog video signal of the NTSC system. With respect to decoded audio data, they are converted to an analog audio signal in a digital/analog converter109and the analog audio signal is supplied to an output terminal136. These output terminals135and136correspond to the terminals connected to the television receiver by means of cables94and95inFIG. 1.

Also, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example is provided with a data communication port137for performing a communication with the CS tuner apparatus200. It is constituted such that data which are necessary for an interface122are picked up at this data communication port137from the data transmitted from the CS tuner apparatus200side and transmitted to the controller121. There are, for example, electronic program data as data transmitted from the CS tuner apparatus200side to the recording and reproducing apparatus100. Further, data (various instructions, etc. mentioned in the explanation ofFIG. 1) which are desirable to be transmitted from the controller121to the CS tuner apparatus200side are made to be outputted from the data communication port137through the interface122.

With respect to instructions for operating the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100, it is constituted such that they are supplied from an input unit123which is composed of operation keys, a remote control signal receiving portion (light receiving portion) and the like. If, for example, an operation instruction reaches the input unit123from a remote control device (not shown) by means of an infrared signal, the received instruction is transmitted to the controller121. With respect to instructions by the remote control device, the key operations and the like, there are instructions, for example, other than instructions which directly instruct video recording, reproducing, channel changing over and the like, such as an operation instruction of a so-called GUI (Graphical User Interface) where a multi functional operation is performed by operating a cursor key, a decision key and the like with reference to the display of the receiver300connected to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100.

When a process of forming a picture for the GUI operation is performed, the controller121transmits the formed picture data to the mixer107so as to mix with the video data outputted from the MPEG decoder106and the video signal outputted from the output terminal135is made to be a video signal which can display a corresponding picture.

When it is necessary to perform various displays other than the picture for the GUI operation by using the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100, the controller121is similarly made to form their display picture data and transmits them to the mixer107. It will be described hereinafter with respect to examples of the pictures displayed by these processes.

Also, a clock unit124is connected to the controller121and the result counted by the clock unit124with respect to the present time (year/month/day, time/minute/second) is made to be judged in the controller121when needed. The date and hour counted by the clock unit124are judged in the controller121and the execution of a reserved video-record and the like will be carried out therein. With respect to the time counted by the clock unit124,

In case of this example, it is constituted such that time is automatically corrected according to a signal received by the connected CS tuner apparatus200. it will be described later with respect to the automatic time correction process.

Further, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example is equipped with three light emitting diodes141,142,143as lighting means at the front panel portion of the apparatus and it is designed such that the lighting of these three light emitting diodes141to143is controlled individually by the drive of the lighting control unit140according to the control of the controller121. The three light emitting diodes141to143are designed such that, for example, the colors of the emitting lights thereof are different one another. In case of this example, the light emission of the three light emitting diodes141to143is used as means for notifying a fact when a new video record (specifically, series reservation) is made.

In addition, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example is provided with card slot125to which a memory card is attachable detachably and it is designed such that various processes can be performed through the controller121by reading-out data stored in a memory card126which is loaded into the card slot125. If, for example, still picture data or moving picture data are stored in the loaded memory card126, the video data are readout by the controller121and transmitted to the mixer107side, and it is possible to display them on the receiver300connected to the recording and reproducing apparatus100. Alternatively, it is possible to record the data readout from the memory card126to the hard disk105and the like.

Further, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example is provide with a port138to be connected to the internet and it is designed such that the exchange of data through communication means connected by means of the port138for the internet connection can be carried out by the controller121through an interface127.

With respect to the port138for the internet connection, it is designed such that it can be connected, for example, with a router or a modem for the internet connection through a predetermined cable. It is also possible to obtain electronic program data by accessing the server of a predetermined address through the port138for the internet connection.

When electronic program data are obtained through various processes, the controller121saves the electronic program data in a partial area of the hard disk105such that a display process of an electronic program table, a video-record reservation process or the like is performed by utilizing the saved data. As to electronic program data obtained by the controller121, there are three kinds of data composed of electronic program data received by the built-in tuner101, electronic program data obtained from the connect CS tuner apparatus200through the port137and electronic program data obtained through the internet where it is determined beforehand which electronic program data will be used.

It should be noted that a nonvolatile memory (not shown) is connected to the controller121and various setting matters are to be stored therein. In addition, information of video-record reservations is also stored in the nonvolatile memory. However, it is possible to use a partial recording area of the hard disk105instead without providing a nonvolatile memory.

Next, a constitution of the CS tuner apparatus200connected to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100according to this example will be explained with reference toFIG. 3.

The parabola antenna92which receives a satellite broadcasting wave is connected to the CS tuner apparatus200and packets in which received channel data are included are receiving-processed in the tuner201with respect to the signal which is supplied from the converter93of the parabola antenna92. The selection of the received packets is controlled by a controller210. The packets received by the tuner201are supplied to a QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) demodulator unit202and data of the received packets are QPSK-processed. The demodulated data are supplied to an error correction unit203and an error correction process is performed.

The error corrected received data are supplied to a demultiplexer204and video data, audio data and other data of the receive channel are picked up from the received packets. There are, for example, electronic program data as other data. This picking up process is executed according to a control of the controller210and it is designed such that a temporal store of necessary data for the data processing is performed by a buffer memory205connected thereto.

The video data and audio data picked up in the demultiplexer204are supplied to an MPEG decoder206and the video data and audio data which are encoded by the MPEG2 system are decoded therein. The video data decoded in the MPEG decoder206are supplied to an NTSC encoder208through a mixer207and supplied to an output terminal221as an analog video signal of the NTSC system. With respect to the decoded audio data, they are converted to an analog audio signal in a digital/analog converter209and the analog audio signal is supplied to an output terminal222. These output terminals221and222correspond to the terminals connected to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100through cables96and97inFIG. 1. With respect to the electronic program data picked up in the demultiplexer204, they are made to be transmitted to a controller210.

With respect to the video signal outputted from the terminal221, there is a case that it is a video signal composed of a picture for various guide displays which are formed in the controller210. More specifically, it is constituted such that video data for a guide display formed in the controller210are supplied to the mixer207and superimposed to the video data outputted from the MPEG decoder206so as to supply them to the NTSC encoder208. As to the picture data for the guide display, there are, for example, video data for displaying an electronic program table according to the electronic program data added to the received channel signal.

Also, the CS tuner apparatus200of this example is provided with a data communication port223for performing a communication with the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. The data communication port223is connected to the data communication port137of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100side by means of an exclusive cable (cable98shown inFIG. 1). The broadcast data to be transmitted by using the data communication port223are transmitted from the demultiplexer204to an interface211and outputted from the interface211in the data form to be outputted from the port223. It is designed according to this example such that packets which are included in the received broadcast data themselves (more specifically, data including video data, audio data, EPG data, etc.) are transmitted from the port223to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100side. It is designed such that only EPG data are picked up from the transmitted packet data on the side of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100.

Also, it is designed such that when the interface211receives data (various instructions, etc.) transmitted from the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100side through the data communication port223, these data are to be transmitted to the controller210. There is also a case that data are transmitted to the side of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100from the controller210through the interface211.

With respect to instructions operated in the CS tuner apparatus200, it is constituted such that they are supplied from an input portion212composed of operation keys and a receiving portion (light receiving portion) of a remote control signal. If, for example, an operation instruction reaches the input portion212from a remote control device which is not shown by means of an infrared signal, the received instruction is transmitted to the controller210.

Further, the CS tuner apparatus200is constituted such that an IC card213which retains data relating to reception contracts such as user registration information and viewing and listening records will be loaded thereto, and it is designed such that the controller210will perform a process of receiving pay channels and the like according to the information stored in the IC card213. It is controlled with respect to a pay channel or program for which a reception contract was not made according to the stored information of the IC card213such that the descrambling of the channel program is not carried out even if it is channel-selected.

Further, the CS tuner apparatus200is provided with a connection terminal224of a telephone line and it is possible to transmit data to the side of the telephone line connected to the terminal224from the controller210through an interface214. With respect to the data transmitted through the telephone line, there are data relating to reception contracts such as viewing and listening records of pay channels.

It should be noted as already explained that it is possible for the CS tuner apparatus200of this example to receive two of broadcast services (service A and service B) and the satellites for reception become different for respective broadcast services where in a case when the situation is changed from a state of receiving a channel of a service A to a state of receiving a channel of a service B (or in a converse case), there exist two types of tuners from the constitutional point of view of the tuner, that is, a type of tuner in which channel changing over operation is necessary after performing satellite changing over operation and a type of tuner in which the broadcast service is changed over automatically only by the channel changing over operation. The types of tuners in which satellite changing over operation is necessary exist many in relatively old types of tuners.

Next, it will be explained about a process for performing recording (video recording) and reproduction in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100where the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and the CS tuner apparatus200having constitutions explained above are connected as shown inFIG. 1with reference to flowcharts ofFIG. 4toFIG. 10and display examples shown inFIG. 11and subsequent figures. It is assumed that user operations for performing these processes are executed, for example, by a remote control device (not shown) attached to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. Specifically, it is designed such that the input of each item is performed by the operation of a cursor key, a determination key or the like of a remote control device in a condition that the video (video for GUI operation) outputted from the output terminal135of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100is displayed on the television receiver300. Display examples shown inFIG. 11and subsequent figures are examples of pictures for this GUI operation.

As to the video recording of the broadcast program in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100according to this example, as already explained, there are a video recording of a program of a ground wave television broadcast received by the tuner101installed in the recording and reproducing apparatus100and a video recording of a program of a CS broadcast wave television broadcast received by the CS tuner apparatus200. In order to perform the video recording of these broadcast programs, firstly a setup is necessary in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. The setup process is executed by the control of the controller121and with respect to the set up matters, they are stored (recorded) in a nonvolatile memory (not shown), a hard disk or the like connected to the controller121.

FIG. 4is a flowchart showing one example of the setup process. First, the controller121of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100judges whether or not the user operation is a selection for displaying a setup picture (step S11). At this time, if the display of the setup picture is not selected, the flow shifts to another process. If the display of the setup picture is selected, the setup picture is made to be displayed. In addition, in case of an initial setting, it is possible to make a setup picture displayed automatically in cooperate with the application of power to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100.

FIG. 11shows a first display example of this setup picture and a menu for performing a setup is displayed. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, there is a display11designating “setup” on the upper side of the picture screen and there is a display12of a setup menu on the left side. Here, a state is shown where a display12aof the channel matching is selected from the menu and a display13of items for performing the channel matching is made on the right side according to the state that the display12aof the channel matching is selected.

In a condition that the setup picture is displayed, it is judged whether or not the channel matching is selected from the setup menu displayed on the picture screen (step S12). If the channel matching is selected, either one of the channel matching to the ground wave and the channel matching to the CS channel is further selected (step S13).

Under a condition that the display12aof the channel matching is selected as shown inFIG. 11, three items of <ground wave channel>, <CS channel> and <automatic channel matching to ground wave> are displayed as the display13of items for the channel matching.

Here, if the channel setting of the ground wave is selected, a picture is displayed where a code number (area number) allotted to each area which is installed with this system is to be imputed by the user operation and the area number is made inputted on that picture screen (step S14).FIG. 13is a diagram showing an example of an input picture screen for the area number and there is prepared a display area15for inputting the area number.

If an area number is inputted into the display area shown inFIG. 13, a list of ground wave television broadcast channels which can be received in that area is made to be displayed on the picture screen (step S15). It should be noted that with respect to the data of channel numbers and broadcasting station names of receivable channels for each area number, they are stored beforehand in a memory or the like connected to the controller121of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100.

FIG. 14is one example of a confirming picture screen of the receiving channels which is displayed according to the input of the area number. Here, it is made to perform a list-up display16of the receiving channel numbers, a list-up display17of displayed channel numbers and a list-up display18of broadcasting station names. It is possible to change the channel number which is displayed actually on the picture screen when receiving by means of the receiving number by changing the channel number in the list-up display17. As it is possible to change in this manner, it becomes possible to make the channel number displayed in case of receiving so-called satellite station coincide with the channel number which users remember. It should be noted that in case of the ground wave, channels for transmitting EPG data are only specific channels which are predetermined for each area and if a channel setting is performed by inputting the area number, the receiving channel number for obtaining the EPG data is also made to be set to the corresponding channel number automatically according to the data prepared beforehand.

As shown inFIG. 14, users confirm the list-up display of the receiving channels displayed and if it is satisfied, the flow shifts to a next process. If users confirm the list-up display of the receiving channels and want to add a channel as a receivable channel or to cancel a channel, corresponding user operations are performed. It should be noted that it is not shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 4, but it is possible to select the registration channels station by station according to the user operation other than the input of the area number which is shown in step S14. On this registration of station by station, it is also necessary to register the channel for obtaining EPG data of the ground wave by the user operation.

The receiving channel selected by the processes until this point becomes the ground wave channel which can be received by the tuner201under the control of the controller121. More specifically, if, for example, a channel up key or a channel down key of a remote control device is operated, the receiving channels will be changed in the order of channel numbers and the like among the selected receiving channels.

Then, when the channel setting for receiving the ground wave is finished, a picture for selecting a channel to be registered as a channel for which an automatic video-recording is performed among the receiving channels is displayed (step S16). The automatic video record here is a process for judging the electronic program data of the broadcast channel by the controller121so as to search out a program which coincides with the predetermined condition and for performing a video-record reservation of the searched out program automatically. With respect to the predetermined condition, there is, for example, a process for reserving the video-record of the program automatically and for video-recording the program onto the hard disk automatically when a specific keyword is included in a program name or in a program guiding sentence shown by electronic program data.

FIG. 15is a diagram showing an example of a setting picture screen of an automatic video-recording channel of the ground wave. According to this example, it is designed such that a list-up display19of display channel numbers, a list-up display20of broadcasting station names and a setting display21of the automatic video record for each channel are to be made. The setting can be done for each channel independently by carrying out the selection of the operation relating to the display of each channel whether or not the automatic video record will be done in the setting display21of the automatic video record.

With respect to a channel selected as a channel for carrying out an automatic video record in the receiving channels according to the display in step S16, the controller121carries out the video-record reservation of the program automatically when a program which conforms to a definite condition is found out according to an appoint of a keyword and the like. Also, with respect to a channel selected as a channel for not carrying out an automatic video record in the receiving channels according to the display in step S16, such an automatic video recording process is not performed. With respect to a channel which is not selected as an automatic video recording channel, it is possible to video-record by a user operation (here such a video recording is referred to as a manual video recording for distinguishing from an automatic video recording).

Also in step S13, if it is selected as a channel setting of a CS channel, the controller121makes an input picture of the receiving channel numbers to be displayed and receiving channel numbers will be inputted on that input picture screen by a user operation. According to the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example, it is designed such that it is possible to set maximum 20 channels as channels which can direct the reception thereof from this apparatus to the side of the CS tuner apparatus200. It is possible to choose these 20 channels mixed up from the two broadcast services which can be received by the CS tuner apparatus200.

FIG. 16is an example of an input picture screen relating to the channel numbers of the CS channels. According to this example, it is designed such that a display22of an area into which a channel number can be inputted will be displayed sequentially one by one and the number of the display22area is increased whenever the input of one channel number is finished so as to input maximum twenty of channel numbers. According to the example ofFIG. 16, it is shown such that each channel number is a triple-digit number.

When the input of channel numbers is carried out and the decision operation is performed in step S17, a list of the broadcasting station names of the channel numbers inputted is made to be displayed (step S18). With respect to the correspondence of these channel numbers and the broadcasting station names, it is possible to memorize it beforehand in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100, but it is also possible to obtain it according to the data received by the connected CS tuner apparatus200. The receiving channels of the CS broadcast displayed by a list of step S18become channels which can be reserved for video recording according to the electronic program data in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example.

FIG. 17is a display example of listed up broadcasting station names of the CS channel numbers. Here, a list-up display24of receiving channel numbers, a list-up display25of corresponding broadcasting station names and a list-up display26of broadcast services are made to be displayed. As already explained, there are two kinds of services (referred to as service A and service B here) in the broadcast services which can be received by the CS tuner apparatus200according to this example and communication satellites which transmit (relay) electric waves are different from broadcast service by broadcast service.

When users confirm the list-up display of the receiving channels of the CS broadcast in step S18, a picture screen for selecting a channel to be registered as a channel for which an automatic video recording is performed in the CS broadcast receiving channels will be displayed next (step S19). The automatic video recording here is same as the automatic video record of the ground wave and it is a process for judging the electronic program data of the broadcast channel by the controller121so as to search out a program which coincides with the predetermined condition and for performing a video-record reservation of the searched out program automatically.

FIG. 18is a display example of a channel setting for an automatic video recording relating to CS channels. Here, it is designed such that a list-up display27of receiving channel numbers, a list-up display28of corresponding broadcasting station names and a setting display29of an automatic video recording for each channel are to be displayed. The setting can be done for each channel independently by carrying out the selection of the operation relating to the display of each channel whether or not the automatic video record will be done in the setting display29of the automatic video record.

With respect to a channel selected as a channel for carrying out an automatic video record in the receiving channels according to the display in step S19, the controller121carries out the video-record reservation of the program automatically when a program which conforms to a definite condition is found out according to an appoint of a keyword and the like. Also, with respect to a channel selected as a channel for not carrying out an automatic video record in the receiving channels according to the display in step S19, such an automatic video recording process is not performed. With respect to a channel which is not selected as an automatic video recording channel, a manual video recording for selecting a program to be video-recorded is possible by the user operation while the electronic program table is made to be displayed.

Also in step S12, if it is judged that an item other than the channel matching is selected from the setup picture, it is judged whether or not a setting (but other than a channel setting) is selected with reference to the receiving of the CS broadcast (step S20) and in case of a reception setting of the CS broadcast, a picture screen for inputting corresponding items is made to be displayed (step S21).

FIG. 12is a display example of a setup menu relating to a reception setting of the CS broadcast. In this example, a case in which a CS setting display12bis selected in the menu display12is shown and a detailed list-up display14relating to the CS setting is made on the right side of the picture screen. To explain the detailed list-up display14sequentially, there are displayed an on/off display14aof a CS function, a display14bof a manufacturing maker name of the connected CS tuner apparatus200, an on/off display14cof the satellite change-over transmission, a display14dof cooperating or non-cooperating with the tuner power control, a display14eof an EPG data obtaining channel number for displaying an electronic program table in service A, a display14fof an EPG data obtaining channel number for displaying an electronic program table in service B and a display14gof desired time for obtaining the EPG data.

It is possible to make a setting state preferable for uses by selecting each display item and performing an operation for changing it in a condition that the reception setting picture of the CS broadcast is displayed as shown inFIG. 12. To explain each of concrete items, it becomes possible to control the connected CS tuner by making the CS function “ON” and it becomes a state not performing such a control by making it “OFF”. It becomes possible to control the operation of the CS tuner correctly by setting the manufacturing maker name of the connected CS tuner apparatus200correctly with respect to the display14bof the manufacturing maker name of the connected CS tuner apparatus200.

If a channel change over is carried out to a channel of a different CS broadcast service by setting “on” with respect to the on/off display14cof the satellite change-over transmission, a satellite changing instruction is transmitted to the CS tuner apparatus200and thereafter an instruction of a channel number is to be transmitted. If it is set as “OFF”, the satellite changing instruction is not transmitted even in a case that a channel change over to a channel of a different CS broadcast service is performed and an instruction of a channel number is to be transmitted directly. It should be noted that in a case when the satellite changing instruction is outputted, it is necessary to take an interval of several seconds after the satellite changing instruction is outputted until an instruction of a channel number is transmitted.

In a case when “cooperation” is set relating to the display14dof cooperating or non-cooperating with the tuner power control, the power supply of the CS tuner apparatus200is made to be an on state only when it is necessary for the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100to operate the CS tuner apparatus200and it is made to be an off state (alternatively, a standby state) in other cases. In a case when “non-cooperation” is set, the power supply control of the CS tuner is not carried out by the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. Consequently, if a video-record reservation of the CS channel and the like are performed after setting “non-cooperation”, it is necessary to make the power supply of the CS tuner apparatus200always on state.

With respect to a display14eof an EPG data obtaining channel number for displaying an electronic program table in service A, a display14fof an EPG data obtaining channel number for displaying an electronic program table in service B, they are made to be preset to channel numbers which can obtain electronic program data in the best condition in respective services. In case this example, channel numbers of promotional channels which are is prepared for respective services are to be set at the time of shipment of the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. However, it is possible for the channel numbers of the promotional channels to be changed and in such a case, user inputs for performing the change of the channel numbers displayed in the display14eor the display14f.

With respect to the display14gof the desired time for obtaining the EPG data, the time starting for obtaining the EPG data of the CS channel is made to be displayed. It is fundamentally possible at anytime to obtain the EPG data of the CS channel if it is within the time when the broadcast service is carried on, but it is necessary relatively a long time to obtain the EPG data and it is necessary to make the obtaining time of the EPG data not overlap with the time reserved for the video recording as much as possible, so that it is fundamentally preferable to set the time during the time when there is few possibility that programs necessary for the users are transmitted.

It should be noted though an example of a picture screen is not shown that it is designed such that the setting (change) can be performed by displaying the obtaining time on a setting picture screen of the ground wave broadcast also with respect to the EPG data of the ground wave. However, the ground wave EPG data are made to be transmitted only several times a day at the time points predetermined beforehand in the present circumstances, so that it is designed such that they can be selected from only the several times of the transmission time. It is also designed such that with respect to the time zone which can be set as the EPG data of the CS channel, it is avoided from overlapping with the time zone for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave.

Here, a processing example in the controller121in a case when the displays14eand14fof channel numbers for obtaining the EPG data shown in the display example ofFIG. 12are changed will be explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 5. First, it is judged whether or not an input for changing the channel for obtaining the EPG data in the service A in a condition that the setup menu shown inFIG. 12is displayed (step S31) and if a corresponding input does not exist, it is judged whether or not an input for changing the channel for obtaining the EPG data in the service B (step S32). If there is an input for changing the channel for obtaining the EPG data of either one of the services, the changed channel number is registered as a channel to be received when obtaining the EPG data in the corresponding service and stored in the nonvolatile memory or the hard disk (step S33), and the channel number displayed as the display14eor14fwill be made to be changed to that registered channel number (step S34).

In this manner, it can be easily dealt with by means of the user operation even if channel numbers and the like of the promotional channels are changed on the side of the broadcast service according to the constitution where the channel numbers for obtaining the data of the electronic program table can be changed.

Next, a processing example in the controller121when performing the time setting for obtaining the EPG data which display the electronic program table will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown inFIG. 6. First, it is judged whether or not it is an operation of changing the time for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave if there is a changing operation of the time for obtaining the EPG data (step S35). Here, in a case when it is a change of the time for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave, only the multiple time points at which EPG data are determined beforehand to be transmitted will be displayed as candidates so as to select either one of the candidate time points (step S36). For example, only the starting time points for obtaining the EPG data are made to be displayed on the setting picture screen, but actually a relatively long time is necessary for obtaining the EPG data. Then, it is judged next whether or not it is an operation for changing the obtaining time of the EPG data of the CS channel (step S37). In a case when changing the obtaining time of the EPG data of the CS channel, time points which become a plurality of candidates are displayed from the time zones which do not overlap with the time zones for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave and it is designed such that either one can be selected from the candidate time points (step S38).

Then, after the setting of the obtaining time of the EPG data is performed until this stage, it is judged whether or not there exists a video-record reservation which has a time overlapping with the obtaining time zone which was set at that time (step S39). Here, if there exists a video-record reservation overlapping with the obtaining time thereof, a warning display for designating that the video-record reservation is overlapping is carried out by superimposing on the setup picture screen at that time (step S40). It is possible to carrying out the warning display according to an acceptance of users. If it is authorized, the video-record reservation will be cancelled (step S55). If it is not authorized, the flow returns to step S35. It should be noted that if the authorization is refused to be accepted, the flow proceeds to step S55directly.

Users who confirmed that the video-record reservation overlaps with the obtaining time zone of the EPG data by means of the warning display can avoid an inconvenience of not operating correctly by changing the obtaining time of the EPG data or by changing the time for the video-record reservation.

Next, it will be explained about a process for obtaining the EPG data actually after the setup is completed in this manner in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100. First, a process for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave under the control of the controller121will be explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 7.

The controller121judges whether or not it becomes the time point for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave by means of the time counted by the clock unit124(step S41) and waits until it becomes the time for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave. Then, if it is judged that it becomes the time for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave, the channel which was registered beforehand for obtaining the EPG data of the ground wave is made to be received by the tuner101(step S42). The obtaining of the EPG data is performed by that receiving (step S43). It is judged whether or not one unit of EPG data are all obtained after the obtaining process starts (step S44) and it is continued until the obtaining is completed. According to the case of this example, data of electronic program tables from the current day until one-weak after are obtain with respect to all channels (but excluding partial channels without EPG data) broadcasted in that area.

Then, if all of the one unit of EPG data are obtained, the obtained EPG data are saved in the hard disk (step S45). It should be noted that it is possible to save in the hard disk sequentially in concurrent operation of obtaining data.

Then, an organizing process for making the EPG data saved in the hard disk into a data structure which can be utilized easily in the recording and reproducing apparatus100(step S46) and the data obtaining process of the ground wave is finished.

It should be noted that the EPG data obtaining process shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 7is a process for obtaining the EPG data added to the broadcast data of the ground wave, but other than this, the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example is constituted to be able to be connected to the internet such that it is also possible to access a predetermined server by way of the internet and to store up the EPG data transmitted from the server. It is possible to execute the video-record reservation and the like similarly as described hereinafter regardless of the EPG data obtained by way of the internet or the EPG data picked up from the broadcast wave. However, detailed program guide information is necessary in order to perform a keyword search as described hereinafter and it is preferable to utilize the EPG data composed of more detailed data.

Next, a process for obtaining the EPG data of the CS broadcast under the control of the controller121will be explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 8.

The controller121judges whether or not it becomes the time point for obtaining the EPG data of the CS broadcast based on the time counted by the clock unit124(step S51) and waits until the time for obtaining the EPG data of the CS broadcast. Then, when it judges that it becomes the time point for obtaining the EPG data of the CS broadcast, it judges whether or not the power supply of the connected CS tuner apparatus200is on at present (step S52), and if the power supply of the CS tuner apparatus200is not an on-state, it transmits an instruction for turning on the tuner to the CS tuner apparatus200(step S53). It should be noted that if the state of the CS tuner apparatus200can be detected by the communication with the CS tuner apparatus200with respect to the judgment about the power-on state in step S52, it is allowed to perform the detecting process thereby. Also, if the state of the CS tuner apparatus200cannot be detected, it is judged as a power-on state in a case when received data and the like are supplied from the CS tuner apparatus200at present and judged as not a power-on state in a case when received data are supplied. Further, processes in step S52and S53are not necessary if the power supply of the CS tuner apparatus200is set as non-cooperation.

Then, after it is judged in step S52that the power supply is on and an instruction for turning on the power supply is transmitted in step S53, an instruction of changing-over the channel for receiving the promotional channel of the service A or the service B which was registered beforehand (step S54). The received service here is a service which a channel whose channel number is the smallest belongs to supposing that, for example, the registered receiving channels are to be received sequentially from the channel whose channel number is the smallest. Here, it will be explained hereinafter supposing that the receiving is done by a channel number order. Here, in a case when a CS tuner in which a satellite changing-over operation is necessary is connected, it is necessary to transmit a channel changing-over instruction after a satellite changing-over instruction is transmitted compulsorily to a desired satellite. It should be noted that if satellite information when the satellite changing-over instruction was performed previous time is stored in a memory or the like connected to the controller121, it is possible to transmit the satellite changing-over instruction only when it is judged that the satellite changing-over is necessary according to that information.

Consequently, a process for obtaining the EPG data with respect to the channel whose channel number is the smallest is performed (step S55) and it is judged whether or not the electronic program table data from the current day until one-weak after could be obtain with respect to that channel number (step S56). In order to obtain electronic program table data for one week with respect to one channel, approximately one minute, for example, is necessary and an obtaining process is performed in step S55until electronic program table data for one week with respect to the corresponding channel can be obtained. If the electronic program table data for one week with respect to the corresponding channel could be obtained, the EPG data for one week are saved in the hard disk (step S57).

Then, it is judged next whether or not a next smaller channel number in the registered receiving channels corresponds to the same channel of the broadcast service as the channel number which obtained the EPG data just before (step S58), and if it is a different broadcast service, it is made to be changed over to the receiving of a promotional channel of another broadcast service (step S59). Here, in a case when a CS tuner in which a satellite changing-over operation is necessary is connected, it is necessary to transmit the channel changing-over instruction after the satellite changing-over instruction is transmitted.

Then, if it is judged in step S58that it is the same broadcast service and after the process in step S59is performed, a process for obtaining the EPG data with respect to the channel to be obtained at that time (step S60), and it is judged whether or not the electronic program table data from the current day until one-weak after could be obtained with respect to the channel number (step S61). If the electronic program table data for one week could be obtain with respect to the corresponding channel, the EPG data for one week are made to be saved in the hard disk (step S62).

The processes from step S58to step S62are performed repeatedly so long as there is a channel which is registered to be received. According to this example, the number of channels of the CS broadcast which can be registered is maximum 20 channels, so that maximum 20 times of EPG data obtaining processes are performed. If the EPG data with respect to all channels registered could be obtained and could be saved in the hard disk, an instruction for turning the power supply off is transmitted to the CS tuner apparatus200(step S63) and the CS tuner apparatus200is made to be a standby state. However, the process in step S63is not necessary if the power supply of the CS tuner apparatus200is set as non-cooperation.

Thereafter, a data organizing process is performed for forming the EPG data saved in the hard disk as data which are easily utilized in the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100(step S64) and the EPG data obtaining process of the CS broadcast here is finished. Supposing that approximately one minute is necessary for obtaining the EPG data with respect to one CS channel, approximately maximum 20 minutes are necessary for the reception, because it is possible to register maximum 20 channels and thereafter, for example, approximately 10 minutes are necessary for the data organization in step S64, so that a duration of approximately total 30 minutes becomes necessary.

In this manner, the program list is to be displayed on a connected television receiver or the like according to the saved EPG data by being able to save EPG data on the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100and a program which is reserved for a picture recording can be easily selected by carrying out an operation for selecting a program to be picture-recorded from a program list displayed according to a GUI operation or the like. Also, it is constituted when it is not a picture-recording reservation according to these kinds of EPG data and when merely a picture recording start operation of a user or the like is carried out and broadcast data of any one of receiving channels was picture-recorded such that a process making reference to the EPG data is to be carried out.

Next, a process when a ground wave broadcast signal received by the built-in tuner101or a CS broadcast broadcast signal received by the connected CS tuner200is picture-recorded on the hard disk recording and reproducing apparatus100of this example will be explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 9. Here, it is assumed that there is a picture recording reservation for carrying out picture recording of a specific ground wave broadcast channel or CS broadcast channel during a period from a start time to an ending time which was appointed, for example, by a user according to the user's operation, that picture recording reservation time approaches, and a picture recording start process began.

At that time, the controller121of the recording and reproducing apparatus100judges the channel which is picture-recorded at present and extracts EPG data relating to that channel from the EPG data obtained and accumulated in the above described processes (step S141). Then, a recording position saving pointer of picture data for the program which is presently started for being recorded and prepared EPG data are made a connection with title data of a program to be picture-recorded (step S142). Next, ending time (time1) of the program which is presently started for being recorded is extracted according to the EPG data (step S143), it is judged whether or not the present time counted by the clock unit124became the ending time (step S144) and in a case when it is not the ending time, the flow is shifted to step S146and it is judged whether or not the present time exceeded the program ending time (time1). Here, in a case when the program ending time is not exceeded, a picture recording process is executed and a picture recording of broadcast data (picture data and sound data of a program or the like) of the corresponding channel onto the hard disk105starts (step S147). It should be noted that it is recorded concurrently also with respect to the EPG data of the program during the recording, which were obtained in step S141.

Then, when the picture recording process is carried out, the flow returns to the judgment of step S144whether or not it is the ending time. In a case when it is judged in step S144that it became the ending time, an ending process for stopping the picture recording is carried out (step S145). Also, in a case when the present time exceeds the program ending time (time1) in step S146, the flow returns to step S141, EPG data of a next program are extracted, and the processes in steps S142and S143are carried out according to the EPG data.

By carrying out the picture recording process in this manner, it happens that a pointer at the head of the recording position in the program data is to be recorded is made a connection with the program title at every program existing during the picture recording, so that it becomes possible to search the recorded programs easily when reproducing the picture-recorded program data.

Next, a process example when reproducing the program data (picture data, sound data or the like) picture-recorded in this manner is shown in a flowchart ofFIG. 10. First, an EPG data group which is made a connection with the title is extracted (step S151). Next, only title information is extracted from each EPG data group and it is displayed on a picture screen of a television receiver300as a reproduction list (step S152).FIG. 19is a diagram showing a display example of the reproduction list in this case. Here, it is made as an example in which date and hour of recording, channel number (or name of broadcast station) and a title list are displayed.

Then, a user selects a program desirable to be reproduced from the displayed title list (step S153). This selecting operation is carried out by using, for example, a remote control apparatus. Then, when a specific program is selected from the title list, the selected program and at the same time the head pointer which saves picture data being made a connection therewith or the like are extracted (step S154). Then, the saved data are read out from the hard disk105to the recording/reproducing process unit103according to the pointer, supplies it to the MPEG decoder106, a reproducing process is carried out, and it is transmitted to the connected television receiver300or the like (step S155).

By carrying out the reproducing process in this manner, it becomes possible to reproduce the program selected in the reproduction list from the head thereof in a case when a plurality of programs were broadcasted during a time period of the picture recorded period.

Here, a data structure example in a case when a picture recording is carried out in this manner is shown inFIG. 20. Here, picture data of the MPEG system are recorded as program data and the picture data of the MPEG system is to be recorded for each program by using a link group to the EPG data, channel information and a link group to the picture in a state in which the recording start time and the place of recording (pointer) of each program are shown. The EPG data and the channel information here are data downloaded after receiving the broadcast signal. For example, title, genre, subgenre, detailed explanation of the program, day of broadcast, start time, ending time and the like are obtained with respect to the EPG data and they are to be recorded. Data of the group of the title or the like are made as a list and a process for showing it to users is carried out. With respect to the channel information, there are the name of broadcast station of the channel number, the tuning number, the channel number to be displayed and the like. Then, the recording start time, the place of recording and the like are obtained as the link group to the picture data and the picture data is to be specified. Here, a process for reproducing is carried out in this example wherein the start time is extracted from the title name the user selected, the recording start time is searched from the link group to the picture data, the place corresponding to the time is searched and the picture data are specified.

With respect to the EPG data used here, it is possible to obtain them by the process in the flowchart ofFIG. 7or the like and to use the EPG data themselves recorded on the hard disk105directly, but it is also possible to record them on another place as data relating to the recorded picture data. Also, in the example ofFIG. 20, the link group to the EPG data is provided for operating in a lump, but it is also possible, for example, as shown inFIG. 21to provide the link group to the EPG data for each program separately.

It should be noted that it is constituted in the reproducing process shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 10such that a title list is displayed and a program to be reproduced is selected there-from, but it may also be constituted such that a program can be selected without displaying the title list. For example, it may also be constituted in a case when reproducing the data recorded is selected at that time such that the reproduction position of each program can be selected depending on the number of times of pushing down a reproduction button or a skip button by reproducing from the head position of the first program when the reproduction button is pushed down first, by reproducing from the head position of the next program when the skip button is pushed down in that state and further by reproducing from the head position of a further next program when the skip button is pushed down once more. In this case, it is also possible to display the title obtained from the EPG data in the picture reproduced from the head position of each program by using a superimpose technique or the like.

It should be noted in the exemplified embodiments described above that examples in which the invention is applied to a recording and reproducing apparatus using a hard disk as a recording medium are adopted, but it is also possible to apply it to a recording apparatus using one of other various recording (storing) media. For example, it is also applicable in a case when picture data of the broadcast program or the like are recorded on a disc such as a DVD (Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) or the like. In case of recording on that disc, it is only necessary to set a pointer (chapter or the like) at a head position of each program separately such that the reproduction can be executed from the position thereof.

Also in the exemplified examples mentioned above, with respect to the tuner installed in the recording and reproducing apparatus, a tuner for receiving a television broadcast of an analog ground wave is used in the exemplified examples mentioned above, but it is possible to use a tuner of another receiving form such as, for example, a tuner receiving a digital ground wave. Also, a tuner for performing the reception of the CS broadcast was constituted as a separate body from the recording apparatus, but it is possible to constitute a tuner which receives other channels than those of the built-in tuner for receiving the CS broadcast or the like as a one-body configuration with the recording apparatus such as a hard disk recording apparatus. It is possible also with respect to the tuner for receiving the CS broadcast to use a tuner for receiving another broadcast system such as the BS broadcast. Alternatively, it is possible to use a tuner for receiving both of the CS broadcast and the BS broadcast.

Also in the exemplified examples mentioned above, the video signal and the audio signal which were converted to analog signals were made to be transmitted between the separately provided tuner and the recording and reproducing apparatus, but it is possible to transmit digital video data or audio data received by the tuner directly to the recording and reproducing apparatus to be recorded therein.

Also in the exemplified examples mentioned above, it was constituted such that a separately provided television receiver is connected to a recording and reproducing apparatus, but it is possible to install a recording and reproducing apparatus of a processing constitution such as this example within the receiver.

Further, departing from preparing the exclusive tuner and the recording apparatus such as the example mentioned above, it is possible to constitute, for example, such that a recording (storing) apparatus of a high-capacity which corresponds to the recording apparatus in this example is mounted (connected) on a personal computer equipment which performs various data processes and a tuner of a different body or the like is connected to that computer apparatus in order to perform similar video-record processes (record processes) by mounting a software (programs) for obtaining the EPG data and for performing the control of the recording process into the personal computer equipment.

Also in the exemplified examples mentioned above, it was explained as an example about a case where a general television broadcast is received and video-recorded, but it is needless to say that a similar process can be applied in a case when a recording of other broadcast data of, for example, a radio broadcast or one of various data broadcasts or the like is carried out in a recording apparatus separated from the receiving apparatus.