Patent Publication Number: US-2003231864-A1

Title: Digital broadcast receiver, remote controller, and regenerating method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiver that receives contents, or more particularly, to a digital broadcast receiver including a storage medium in which the contents are recorded.  
       [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0004] In recent years, digital broadcasting-satellite services have rapidly prevailed owing to the popularity of multiple channels and high image quality.  
       [0005] Some models of digital televisions (DTVs) or set top boxes (STBs), which can receive broadcasting-satellite services, include a digital interface that makes it possible to record digital broadcast as it is; such as, an i.LINK interface (i.LINK is a registered trademark of Sony Corp.) or an IEEE1394-conformable interface. Digital broadcasting enables recording in digital storage devices including a D-VHS video recorder (D-VHS is a registered trademark of Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.) and a hard disk video recorder (HDR) via the digital interface.  
       [0006] On the other hand, digital broadcast recorded in a digital storage device can be transferred to a digital TV or a set top box (STB) via a digital interface, and then reproduced.  
       [0007] A description will be made of reproduction of contents recorded in a digital storage device connected to a digital TV. Incidentally, the same applies to reproduction of contents recorded in a digital storage device connected to an STB. A description concerning the STB will therefore be omitted.  
       [0008] In the past, a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a digital TV has been used to operate a D-VHS video recorder or a hard disk video recorder connected to the digital TV via an i.LINK interface.  
       [0009]FIG. 7 shows an example of a control panel realized with a GUI displayed on a digital TV.  
       [0010]FIG. 8 shows an example of a Cursor/Determine key included in a remote controller that is an accessory of a conventional digital TV.  
       [0011] While a user is enjoying digital broadcasting, for example, the user presses a Reproduce via i.LINK button on the remote controller. A reproduction control panel  500  like the one shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as a GUI on the screen.  
       [0012] The user presses the Up, Down, Right, and Left arrow buttons of a Cursor/Determine key  600  like the one shown in FIG. 8 so as to move a cursor on the control panel shown in FIG. 7. The user then presses a Determine button with the cursor located at a desired position. Thus, the user can select reproducing equipment, instruct basic actions including reproduction, suspension, quick feed, stoppage, and quick reverse (rewind), or select a content from a list screen image and instruct a reproductive action.  
       [0013] However, as mentioned above, the control panel  500  like the one shown in FIG. 7 has to be displayed for reproduction. The control panel  500  becomes an obstacle to viewing of a reproduced screen image.  
       [0014] Moreover, when a user instructs a reproductive action or a basic action such as suspension, quick feed, stoppage, or quick reverse (rewind), the user must use the remote controller to move a cursor displayed on the screen, to position the cursor at a desired button, and to press the Determine button. The user will therefore find it a nuisance to operate the video recorder. For example, in order to instruct quick reverse so as to view an overlooked scene, the user must display the control panel  500 , move the cursor to a Quick Reverse button, and keep pressing the Determine button until the overlooked scene appears. When the overlooked screen appears, the user has to release the Determine button.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiver permitting reproduction of contents recorded in a connected storage medium without intervention in reproduction of a screen image.  
       [0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote controller that is an accessory of a digital broadcast receiver and that is easily handled in order to reproduce a content recorded in a storage medium connected to the digital broadcast receiver.  
       [0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a reproducing method making it possible to reproduce a content, which is recorded in a storage medium connected to a digital broadcast receiver, without intervention in reproduction of a screen image.  
       [0018] In order to attain the objects, one aspect of the present invention resides in a digital broadcast receiver which connects with a storage medium, in which contents are recorded, wherein the digital broadcast receiver consists mainly of: a receiving means for receiving a predetermined instruction, which is related to reproduction of a content recorded in the storage medium, from a user; and a display means for displaying an object associated with the instruction while superposing it on a video signal representing the content.  
       [0019] According to the above constitution, a simple object associated with a predetermined instruction relevant to reproduction is displayed without intervention in reproduction of a content.  
       [0020] Another aspect of the invention resides in a remote controller that is an accessory of a digital broadcast receiver to receive and present digital broadcast, wherein the controller includes a control key having buttons thereof associated with instructions that initiate change of the reproduced state of a content recorded in a storage medium connected to the digital broadcast receiver.  
       [0021] According to the above constitution, the reproduced state of a content is changed using the control key whose buttons are associated with the instructions that initiate change of the reproduced state.  
       [0022] Still another aspect of the invention resides in a reproducing method to be implemented in a digital broadcast receiver which connects with a storage medium, in which contents are recorded, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving a predetermined instruction, which is related to reproduction of a content recorded in the storage medium, from a user; displaying an object associated with the instruction while superposing it on a video signal representing the content.  
       [0023] According to the above method, a simple object associated with a predetermined instruction relevant to reproduction is displayed without intervention in reproduction of a content.  
       [0024] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0025]FIG. 1 shows the principle and configuration of a digital broadcast receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0026]FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of a digital broadcast receiver in accordance with an example of the present invention;  
     [0027]FIG. 3 shows assignment of facilities to a Cursor/Determine key formed on a remote controller that is an accessory of the digital broadcast receiver;  
     [0028]FIG. 4 shows a state transition occurring during reproduction of a content;  
     [0029]FIG. 5 shows a state transition occurring during reproduction of a content;  
     [0030]FIG. 6 shows an example of an i.LINK setting screen image;  
     [0031]FIG. 7 shows a control panel displayed as a GUI on the screen of a digital TV; and  
     [0032]FIG. 8 shows an example of a Cursor/Determine key included in a remote controller that is an accessory of a conventional digital TV. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0033] Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.  
     [0034]FIG. 1 shows the principle and configuration of a digital broadcast receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0035] A digital broadcast receiver  10  consists mainly of: a receiving means  11  that receives a remote control signal originated responsively to user&#39;s handling of a remote controller  20 ; an object save means  12  in which a plurality of objects (hereinafter, icons)  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , and  12   e  is saved; a displaying means  13  that retrieves a broadcast content from a storage medium  30 , displays it on a display device  40 , and also displays any of the icons  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , and  12   e  saved in the object save means  12 .  
     [0036] Herein, the icon  12   a  indicates stoppage, the icon  12   b  indicates suspension, the icon  12   c  indicates reproduction, the icon  12   d  indicates quick feed, and the icon  12   e  indicates quick reverse (rewind).  
     [0037] Noted is that a portion for receiving digital broadcast is not shown.  
     [0038] The remote controller  20  included in the present embodiment has a control key that is used to operate the storage medium  30  connected to the digital broadcast receiver  10 . The control key has buttons thereof associated with instructions that initiate, for example, reproduction, stoppage, suspension, quick feed, and quick reverse respectively.  
     [0039] Actions to be performed in the digital broadcast receiver  10  will be described below.  
     [0040] When a user wants to reproduce a content recorded in the storage medium  30  connected to the digital broadcast receiver  10 , the user handles the remote controller  20 . Accordingly, a reproduction control panel  500  like the one shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device  40 .  
     [0041] The user handles the remote controller  20  as he/she conventionally does so as to move a cursor on the screen. The user selects a content which is recorded in the storage medium  30  and which he/she wants to reproduce, and executes reproduction through the control panel  500 . Consequently, the selected content is processed by the displaying means  13  and displayed on the display device  40 . Furthermore, reproduction of the content starts. When the user handles the remote controller  20  so as to issue an instruction signifying that the control panel  500  displayed on the display device  40  should disappear, the displaying means  13  deletes the control panel  500  from the screen.  
     [0042] When a user wants to change the reproduced state of a content during reproduction of the content, the user handles the remote controller  20  so as to enter an instruction that initiates stoppage, suspension, quick feed, or quick reverse. Thereafter, the control panel  500  has had to be displayed again in the past. In contrast, in the digital broadcast receiver  10  in accordance with the present invention, the actions described below are performed.  
     [0043] First, the receiving means  11  receives a signal originated from the remote controller  20 , and selects an icon associated with an instruction entered by a user from among the icons  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , and  12   e  saved in the object save means  12 . The receiving means  11  then transmits the selected icon to the displaying means  13 . For example, when a user wants to stop reproduction, the user handles the remote controller  20 . Based on a signal originated responsively to the handling, the icon  12   a  is selected from among the icons  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , and  12   e  saved in the object save means  12 , and transferred to the displaying means  13 . The displaying means  13  stops reproduction of a content, and superposes the icon retrieved from the object save means  12  (for example, the icon  12   a ) on a video signal representing the content and being sent from the storage medium  30 . The displaying means  13  then keeps transferring the resultant signal for a predetermined period so that the icon will be displayed at a predetermined position on the display device  40 .  
     [0044] The same applies to suspension, quick feed, and quick reverse. For example, when suspension is instructed, the icon  12   b  is selected. When quick feed is instructed, the icon  12   d  is selected. When quick reverse is instructed, the icon  12   e  is selected. The selected icon is kept displayed for a predetermined period. When reproduction is instructed again, the icon  12   c  is kept displayed for the predetermined period.  
     [0045] In other words, when the reproduced state of a content makes a transition, a right icon is displayed for a predetermined period after the transition is made.  
     [0046] As mentioned above, when an action is instructed during reproduction, the control panel  500  is not displayed but a simple icon is displayed. Consequently, interference in reproduction of a screen image can be prevented.  
     [0047] Moreover, when an action is instructed during reproduction, it is unnecessary to move a cursor on the control panel  500 . Reproduction is executed with a single press of a key on the remote controller  20 . A user can therefore instruct quick feed, quick reverse, or any other action with simple handling. Since an icon is displayed during the action, the action can be performed reliably.  
     [0048] The foregoing description has been made with the one storage medium  30  shown connected to the digital broadcast receiver  10 . Alternatively, a plurality of digital storage media may be connected using a hub or the like.  
     [0049] The way of displaying the icons  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , and  12   e  and the number of icons which are described above are presented as mere examples.  
     [0050] Next, an example of the present invention will be detailed below.  
     [0051]FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of a digital broadcast receiver in accordance with an example of the present invention.  
     [0052] A digital broadcast receiver  100  consists mainly of: a station selecting/demodulating circuit  101  that is connected to an antenna  120 , selects a broadcasting station, or demodulates a signal; a de-scrambler  102  that unscrambles data; an MPEG (which stands for the moving picture experts group)-TS separating circuit  103  that separates an encoded video signal and audio signal, which are contained in a transport stream (TS) of received multiplexed digital broadcast signals, from each other; a video signal decoding circuit  104  that decodes the encoded video signal into an NTSC signal or the like; an audio signal decoding circuit  105  that decodes the encoded audio signal and transfers the resultant signal to a loudspeaker  140 ; an OSD (which stands for On-screen display) adding circuit  106  that adds a data-broadcasting screen image or a display signal to a video signal and transfers the resultant signal to a display  130 ; a light receiving unit  107  that receives an instruction which a user has entered using a remote controller  150 ; a memory  108  in which display data, an operating system (OS), and others are saved; an interface  109  that provides an interface for digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c ; and a CPU  110  that controls these components.  
     [0053] Herein, the interface  109  is a digital interface conformable to the IEEE1394 standard or an i.LINK digital interface.  
     [0054] Moreover, the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  are D-VHS recorders, hard disk recorders (HDR), or camcorders conformable to the MPEG recommendation.  
     [0055] Actions to be performed in the digital broadcast recorder  100  will be described below.  
     [0056] To begin with, actions to be performed when a user wants to enjoy a normal digital broadcasting-satellite service will be described below.  
     [0057] When a user selects a broadcasting station using the remote controller  150 , the light receiving unit  107  receives a station selecting signal sent from the remote controller  150 . The station selecting signal is also transferred to the station selecting/demodulating circuit  101  via the CPU  110 . The station selecting/demodulating circuit  101  selects a broadcasting station according to the station selecting signal, receives image information, which has been modulated and transmitted in the form of a transport stream, through the antenna  120 , and demodulates it. If the received information is pay broadcast data or any other encrypted data, the de-scrambler  102  unscrambles the data under the control of the CPU  110 . The MPEG-TS separating circuit  103  de-multiplexes the transport stream. Since the separated video signal and audio signal have been encoded, the video signal decoding circuit  104  decodes the video signal and the audio signal decoding circuit  105  decodes the audio signal. When a data broadcasting service is received, the MPEG-TS separating circuit  103  separates a data broadcast signal and transfers it as a data broadcast screen image display signal to the OSD adding circuit  106  via the CPU  110 . The video signal decoding circuit  104  adds the display signal to the video signal that has been decoded by the video signal decoding circuit  104 , and transfers the resultant signal to the display  130 . The decoded audio signal is distributed through the loudspeaker  140 .  
     [0058] When a user wants to record a content to be broadcast, the user presses, for example, a Record button on the remote controller  150 . Consequently, the content is recorded in any of the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  connected to the interface  109 .  
     [0059] Next, a description will be made of a case where a recorded content is reproduced under the control of the digital broadcast receiver  100 .  
     [0060] Hereinafter, a description will be made on the assumption that an i.LINK interface is adopted as the interface  109 .  
     [0061]FIG. 3 shows assignment of facilities to a Cursor/Determine key on the remote controller that is an accessory of the digital broadcast receiver.  
     [0062] Similarly to the related art shown in FIG. 8, a Cursor/Determine key  200  has buttons of up, down, right, and left arrows.  
     [0063] In the present example of the present invention, facilities for suspension, stoppage, quick feed, and quick reverse are assigned to the buttons of the up, down, right, and left arrows of the Cursor/Determine key  200 . The facility for reproduction is assigned to the central Determine button.  
     [0064] Actions described below are initiated using the remote controller  150  shown in FIG. 2.  
     [0065] For reproduction, the light receiving unit  107  included in the digital broadcast receiver  100  receives an instruction a user has entered using the remote controller  150 . According to the instruction, a control signal or record data is transferred to or from any of the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  via the interface  109  (i.LINK) under the control of the CPU  110 . Equipment from which data is reproduced is selected from among the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c . A recorded content is read under the control of the CPU  110 . The video signal decoding circuit  104  and audio signal decoding circuit  105  decode the video and audio signals separated from each other, and transfer the resultant signals to the display  130  and loudspeaker  140  respectively. Furthermore, data required to display the control panel  500 , message boxes  300   a  and  300   b  that will be described later, and icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  is retrieved from the memory  108  under the control of the CPU  110 . The OSD adding circuit  106  superposes the retrieved data on the decoded video signal representing the content. According to the resultant data, an image is displayed or deleted on or from the display  130 .  
     [0066] Hereinafter, a description will be made of a method of reproducing a content that is implemented in the digital broadcast receiver  100 .  
     [0067]FIG. 4 shows a state transition occurring during reproduction of a content Referring to FIG. 4, T 1  to T 9  denote respective states.  
     [0068] T 1 : a state in which a normal screen image is displayed but a content is not reproduced from in a digital storage device connected via an i.LINK interface (hereinafter, from equipment connected via an i.LINK).  
     [0069] For example, a content that is a broadcast program being received is displayed on the display  130  as described previously. In this state, when a Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown and included in the remote controller  150  is pressed, if a previously selected one of the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  which is connected via an i.LINK interface is ready for reproduction, the state T 1  is changed to state T 2 . If the previously selected storage device is unready for reproduction, the state T 1  is changed to state T 8 .  
     [0070] T 2 : a state in which a content is reproduced from equipment connected via an i.LINK with a control panel displayed.  
     [0071] Herein, a control panel  500  for reproduction (to which the same reference numeral is assigned as that is to the conventional control panel  500  because they are identical to each other) is displayed on the display  130 . Moreover, an image reproduced from equipment selected previously from among the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  is also displayed on the display  130 . If the previously selected one of the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  is placed in stop mode, a black screen image appears.  
     [0072] In this state, equipment from which a user wants to reproduce data is selected from among the digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  through the control panel  500  using the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150 . A content the user wants to reproduce is selected, and a Reproduce button is pressed. The content is then reproduced on the display  130 . In this state, the control panel  500  is still displayed on the display  130 .  
     [0073] A description will be made on the assumption that the digital storage device  160   a  is selected. Incidentally, the same actions as described below will be performed even when the digital storage device  160   b  or  160   c  is selected.  
     [0074] When the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown and formed on the remote controller  150  is pressed, the state T 2  is changed to state T 3 .  
     [0075] T 3 : a state in which an icon indicating a reproduced state is displayed with the control panel deleted.  
     [0076] The control panel  500  for reproduction is deleted. Instead, any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  is displayed at a predetermined position according to the state of a content reproduced from the digital storage device  160   a.    
     [0077] Herein, the icon  400   a  indicates stoppage, the icon  400   b  indicates reproduction, the icon  400   c  indicates suspension, the icon  400   d  indicates quick feed, and the icon  400   e  indicates quick reverse (rewind). In the state T 3  shown in FIG. 4, since the digital storage device  160   a  is placed in stop mode, the icon  400   a  is displayed.  
     [0078] Moreover, the message box  300   a  may be displayed as shown in FIG. 4. A message saying “The equipment connected via an i.LINK can be operated using the Determine button and the cursor.” may be displayed. In this case, with a press of any of the Reproduce, Stoppage, Suspend, Quick Feed, and Quick Reverse buttons whose capabilities are assigned to the buttons of the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  as shown in FIG. 3, the reproduced state of a content can be changed directly. With the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, three seconds), the state T 3  is changed to step T 4 .  
     [0079] T 4 : a state in which the icon is deleted.  
     [0080] Any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  displayed is deleted for fear it may interfere in reproduction of a screen image. An i.LINK reproduction screen image is displayed on the screen, and a reproduced screen image of a content recorded in the digital storage device  160   a  is displayed. Herein, when an instruction such as stoppage or suspension is entered using the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150 , a reproduced state different from the reproduced state of state T 4  may be attained. In this case, the state T 4  is changed to state T 5 . If the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed, the state T 4  is changed to state T 6 .  
     [0081] T 5 : a state in which any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  is displayed again.  
     [0082] Herein, any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  is displayed at the predetermined position on the display  130  again. FIG. 4 shows an example in which after reproduction is instructed using the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  with the digital storage device placed in stop mode, the icon  400   b  indicating reproduction is displayed on the display  130 .  
     [0083] With the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, three seconds) in the above state, the state T 5  is changed to the state T 4 . If the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed, the state T 5  is changed to state T 6 .  
     [0084] T 6 : a state in which the Cursor/Determine key on the remote controller is used to move the cursor on the screen.  
     [0085] The Cursor/Determine key  200  is used to move the cursor on the display  130  as it conventionally is. For example, the Cursor/Determine key  200  is used to initiate bi-directional data-broadcasting communication. Furthermore, the message box  300   b  is displayed and a message saying “The equipment connected via an i.LINK is returned to the normal mode.” is displayed in order to call a user&#39;s attention. With the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, three seconds), the state T 6  is changed to state T 7 .  
     [0086] T 7 : a state in which the message box is deleted.  
     [0087] The-message box  300   b  displayed in the state T 6  is deleted. In this state, the normal Cursor/Determine key  200  is used to move the cursor normally. A screen image reproduced from the digital storage device  160   a  is displayed on the display  130 . In order to instruct suspension or quick feed, the control panel  500  is displayed as it conventionally is, and the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  is handled. In order to change the reproduced state of a content, the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed. Consequently, the state T 7  is changed to the state T 2 .  
     [0088] T 8 : a state in which the previously selected digital storage device connected via the i.LINK interface is equipment that is unready for reproduction.  
     [0089] If the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed in the state T 1 , if the digital storage device  160   a ,  160   b , or  160   c  connected via the i.LINK interface is equipment that is unready for reproduction, the control panel  500  is displayed as usual. However, a reproduced screen image is a black image. Herein, if the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed, the state T 8  is changed to state T 9 .  
     [0090] T 9 : a state in which the control panel displayed is deleted.  
     [0091] The control panel  500  is deleted from the reproduced screen image on the display  130 . However, since the equipment is unready for reproduction, the reproduced screen image is black.  
     [0092] Moreover, if the remote controller  150  is handled in order to select a broadcasting station or switch input modes in any of the states T 2  to T 9 , the state is changed to the state T 1 . A content is not reproduced from the equipment connected via an i.LINK but a received normally digitally broadcast content is displayed.  
     [0093] As mentioned above, the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed in order to select whether the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  is used to move the cursor as it conventionally is or to control reproduction of data from equipment connected via an i.LINK. This setting may be determined in advance through menu selection or the like in order to designate to which of the states a transition is made with a press of the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown. A reproducing method to be implemented in the digital broadcast receiver  100  in this case will be described below.  
     [0094]FIG. 5 shows a state transition occurring during reproduction of a content.  
     [0095] Herein, a description will be made in relation only to equipment that is ready for reproduction.  
     [0096] Moreover, reproduction of a content recorded in the digital storage device  160   a  will be described below. The same applies to reproduction of a content recorded in the digital storage device  160   b  or  160   c . The description of the reproduction will therefore be omitted.  
     [0097] Referring to FIG. 5, T 10  to T 13  denote respective states.  
     [0098] T 10 : a state in which a normal screen image is displayed but a content is not reproduced from equipment connected via an i.LINK.  
     [0099] Herein, when the Reproduce via i.LINK button is pressed, the state T 10  is changed to state T 11 .  
     [0100] T 11 : a state in which a content is reproduced from equipment connected via an i.LINK with the control panel displayed.  
     [0101] As shown in FIG. 5, the control panel  500  is displayed and a screen image reproduced from the digital storage device  160   a  is displayed. If the digital storage device  160   a  is in stop mode, a black image appears.  
     [0102] In the state T 11 , when the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed, state T 12  in which the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  is used to reproduce a content recorded in the digital storage device  160   a  connected via an i.LINK interface or state T 15  in which the Cursor/Determine key  200  is used to move the cursor as usual is selected according to the predetermined setting.  
     [0103]FIG. 6 shows an example of an i.LINK setting screen image.  
     [0104] For example, when the settings of the digital broadcast receiver  100  are determined, if connection via an i.LINK interface is designated, the i.LINK setting screen image appears on the display  130 .  
     [0105] As illustrated, whether the Cursor/Determine key  200  is used to proceed with data broadcasting or to initiate a reproduction-related action during reproduction is selected.  
     [0106] At this time, when using the Cursor/Determine key  200  to initiate a reproduction-related action is selected, if the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed in the state T 11 , the state is changed to state T 12 . When using Cursor/Determine key  200  to proceed with data broadcasting is selected, if the Reproduce via i.LINK button that is not shown is pressed in the state T 11 , the state is changed to state T 15 .  
     [0107] T 12 : a state in which the control panel is deleted and an icon indicating a reproduced state is displayed.  
     [0108] For example, a message saying “The equipment connected via an i.LINK can be operated using the Determine key and the cursor.” is displayed in the message box  300   a . Thus, a user&#39;s attention is called. Furthermore, any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  shown in FIG. 4 is displayed based on the state of a content reproduced from the selected digital storage device  160   a . After a certain time (for example, three seconds) elapses, the state T 12  is changed to state T 13 .  
     [0109] T 13 : a state in which the icon is deleted.  
     [0110] Any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  displayed is deleted for fear it may interfere in reproduction of a screen image. The i.LINK reproduction screen image is displayed on the screen, and a screen image representing a content reproduced from the digital storage device  160   a  is displayed. At this time, if the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote-controller  150  is used to enter an instruction initiating stoppage or suspension, a reproduced state becomes different from the one of the state T 13 . Consequently, the state T 13  is changed to state T 14 . If the Reproduce via i.LINK button is pressed, the state T 13  is changed to the state T 11 .  
     [0111] T 14 : a state in which the icon is displayed again.  
     [0112] Herein, any of the icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  is displayed at the predetermined position on the display  130  again. FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen image in which the icon  400   b  indicating reproduction is displayed after the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  is used to instruct reproduction with the digital storage device placed in stop mode.  
     [0113] In this state, when a predetermined time (for example, three seconds) has elapsed, the state T 14  is changed to state T 13 . If the Reproduce via i.LINK button is pressed, the state T 14  is returned to the state T 11 .  
     [0114] T 15 : a state in which the control panel is deleted.  
     [0115] The control panel  500  being displayed in the state T 11  is deleted. In this state, the Cursor/Determine key is used to move the cursor as usual. A screen image reproduced from the digital storage device  160   a  is displayed on the display  130 . Herein, in order to instruct suspension or quick feed, the control panel  500  is displayed as it conventionally is, and the Cursor/Determine key  200  on the remote controller  150  is used. If the reproduced state must be changed, the Reproduce via i.LINK button is pressed again. The state is then changed to the state T 11 .  
     [0116] As mentioned above, when an action is instructed during reproduction, the control panel  500  is not displayed but a simple icon is displayed. Consequently, interference in reproduction of a screen image can be prevented.  
     [0117] Moreover, when an action is instructed during reproduction, the cursor need not be moved on the control panel  500  but the key on the remote control  150  is pressed once. Thus, reproduction is executed. A user can instruct quick feed, quick reverse, or any other action through simple handling. At this time, an icon associated with the instructed action is displayed. The action can therefore be performed reliably.  
     [0118] In the aforesaid example, the three digital storage devices  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  are connected to the digital broadcast receiver  100 . The number of digital storage devices to be connected to the digital broadcast receiver  100  is not limited to three.  
     [0119] Moreover, the number of icons  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c ,  400   d , and  400   e  and the way of displaying them are presented merely as examples.  
     [0120] As described so far, according to the present invention, when an action is instructed during reproduction of a content from a digital storage device connected to a digital broadcast receiver, a simple object is displayed. Consequently, interference in reproduction of a screen image can be prevented.  
     [0121] Moreover, an action relevant to reproduction can be easily initiated by merely pressing a button of a control key associated with the action and formed on a remote controller.  
     [0122] The foregoing invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. However, those skilled, in the art will recognize that many variations of such embodiments exist. Such variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.