Abstract:
A satellite entertainment receiver system for receiving satellite broadcasts. The system includes a receiver for receiving the satellite broadcasts, a tuner for tuning the receiver to a satellite broadcast transmitted at a desired frequency, speakers for reproducing audio data within the satellite broadcast; a display screen for displaying information data within the satellite broadcast, the information data including identifying information related to the reproduced audio data; and a microprocessor connected to the tuner and satellite receiver, for processing and decoding the audio and information data within the received satellite broadcast, the microprocessor providing the audio data included within the satellite broadcast to the speaker and the decoded information data to the display screen. The system also includes a print module for generating a printed record including the information data, a memory unit for storing the information data on a memory card and a transmitter for transmitting information to a satellite service provider regarding ordering of data associated with the received satellite broadcast. The print module, memory unit and transmitter may also be controlled by control buttons positioned on a steering wheel of a vehicle in which the system is installed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to radio receivers, more specifically to a satellite radio receiver located in a vehicle that allows a listener to create a record of information about the media being broadcast via satellite in either print or digital form and further allows the listener inter-active ability to purchase the media being broadcasted. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Numerous types of vehicle receivers and satellite purchasing means have been provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,947,882; 5,418,654; 5,572,442; 5,661,787; 5,722,069; 5,734,589; 5,857,156; 5,914,941; 6,067,562; 6,130,727; 6,212,555; and 6,282,491 all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,882 
   Inventor: Robert W. Lightner 
   Issued: Mar. 30, 1976 
   A vending system includes a central station at which various information stored on master recordings can be selectively accessed by purchasers from any of multiple remote vending machines, the accessed information being reproduced on cartridge-type storage media at that vending machine. The cartridge, upon receiving all of the selected information, is ejected from the vending machine for the permanent use of the purchaser. In a preferred embodiment the master recording medium comprises a plurality of rack-mounted endless master tapes continuously driven by a common capstan. The endless tapes are contained in a cartridge which includes a tape transport and playback head and is readily removable from the rack. The vending machine includes a storage magazine in which blank tapes receive recorded information and are then automatically ejected. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,654 
   Inventor: Robert G. Sheffler 
   Issued: May 23, 1995 
   A customized album recording system is under the control of a central microprocessor or mini-computer. A master library or storage medium is filled with a repertoire of recorded information items (such as musical selections) which may originate with any suitable source, such as phonograph records, tapes, sound tracks, compact discs, or the like. Each information item is stored in the library under its own address. On read out, an operator keys in the addresses identifying the selected items which are read out of the library medium and stored in a large capacity memory, usually to provide about forty-five minutes of total listening time. Then, all of the music is read out of that large capacity memory and recorded at a high speed onto a suitable album size medium, such as a tape cassette, for example. The source music and the customized album music are usually recorded in an analog form. The music which is processed within the system is in a digital form. Thus, the various transfers of music from the master storage to the recorded album, may be accomplished at a high speed of digital transmission. In an alternative embodiment, instead of reading out an entire album amount of recorded information items, the central computer successively reads out limited amounts of data on a demand and fetch basis. A computer provides both the analog-to-digital and the digital-to-analog conversions in order to improve fidelity. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,442 
   Inventors: Nathan Schulhof et al. 
   Issued: Nov. 5, 1996 
   A distribution system for audio program materials includes a portable audio storage and retrieval device that is programmable from a high speed data transfer system, and that includes a high-capacity data storage medium, a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material, a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection, a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source at rates faster than real time, and a playback mechanism for retrieving the stored data from the storage medium and for converting the data into audio signals for playback. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,787 
   Inventor: Michael H. Pocock 
   Issued: Aug. 26, 1997 
   The system allows radio broadcast listeners to use a telephone to connect to a database that contains prerecorded audio descriptions (e.g. spoken text and/or music) of material played by the radio station. The database is indexed by the radio station&#39;s program schedule or play list to allow the user to select a particular audio description of interest (e.g. the song currently airing, the song last played, etc.). Hearing the audio description over the telephone insures the listener that the requested selection is in fact correct. Using the telephone DTMF touch tone controls the listener can place an order to purchase the selected material over the telephone. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,069 
   Inventor: Irah H. Donner 
   Issued: Feb. 24, 1998 
   A system for a vehicle having first and second broadcast devices includes an entertainment system for playing a first entertainment by outputting a first signal, and a mobile telephone receiving and playing a second medium by outputting a second signal. The system also includes a controller monitoring the first and second signals output from the entertainment system and the mobile telephone respectively, and outputting a control signal to control switching between the entertainment system and the mobile telephone and first and second broadcast devices responsive to the first and second signals. A switch connects the entertainment system and the mobile telephone responsive to the control signal received from the controller. When the controller detects the first and second signals output from the entertainment system and the mobile telephone, the controller controls connections between the entertainment system and the mobile telephone. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,589 
   Inventor: Bruce Kostreski 
   Issued: Mar. 31, 1998 
   Dynamic programming of a digital entertainment terminal (DET) facilitates operation of the terminal to offer a variety of functionally different broadband services. The terminal includes a network interface module which couples the terminal to a specific type of communication network for receiving a digital broadband channel. The DET downloads on a narrowband signaling channel a VIP program map that identifies the available video information service providers (VIPs) on the basis of the location of their corresponding software control signals. The software control signals are transmitted cyclically to enable access by a random DET at any time. A program memory captures the VIP program map and at least a portion of the software control signals received over the digital broadband channel as software executable by the control processor during turn-on of the DET. When a user presses a GUIDE button on a remote control service, the DET displays the available information service providers in accordance with the VIP program map, thereby enabling the user to conveniently access the broadband services offered by the selected information service provider. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,156 
   Inventor: John R. Anderson 
   Issued: Jan. 5, 1999 
   The present invention relates to an electronic system for purchasing an item where the system has at least one home station and at least one remote device (56). More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method or means for purchasing the item by entering a code into the remote device (56). The remote device (56) of the present invention is in the form of a pager and/or a radio. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,941 
   Inventor: James M. Janky 
   Issued: Jun. 22, 1999 
   A digital replacement for an analog audio tape recorder can record audio programming digitally in a faster than real time format and can play back audio programming, where such programming has been digitized and stored in data files using a variety of compression/decompression algorithms. Audio programming is stored digitally on a non-volatile medium, such as a hard drive, or in a flash EPROM, or other solid state non-volatile memory. The device includes a hard drive, a modem for connection to a data base via an on-line service, a keyboard, a display, and an audio system. The device uniquely combines the remote data access capability resident in a personal computer with a set of tailored, streamlined control functions to simplify, automate, and render seamless the process of selecting audio program material; ordering the program material from a service; receiving acknowledgment of the order and receiving the program material via automatic download for storage in a hard drive; playback of the program material when and where the user desires, with fully streamlined control functions; and control of the user interface functionality on the keyboard through a setup mode of operation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,562 
   Inventor: Robert J. Goldman 
   Issued: May 23, 2000 
   A digital radio broadcast station which includes a common digital database having stored therein a plurality of at least several hundred (preferably at least 1800) different selections of music to be played and broadcast by the radio station. A processor system is provided for programming the operation of the digital radio broadcast station with a sequence of music selections, which are subsequently retrieved in order from the common digital database and played over the digital radio broadcast station. The processor system preferably includes a main computer system for operating the radio station, and also a backup computer system for operating the radio station in the event of a failure of the main computer system. The processor system is preferably based upon reduced instruction set computing architecture, and preferably comprises an IBM RS/6000 system with an AIX operating system. The common digital database comprises a disk array storage, preferably a dual port RAID disk array. The digital radio broadcast station also includes a plurality of work station consoles for use by personnel responsible for operating the radio station such as disc jockeys and engineers. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,727 
   Inventor: Morihiko Toyozumi 
   Issued: Oct. 10, 2000 
   There is described an on-vehicle unit which permits removal and attachment of various optional modules from and to a center module and which enables easy addition and removal of various functions. The on-vehicle unit is provided in a dashboard of a vehicle, and a center module—into which there are built as standard devices a radio receiving unit and a car navigation unit—has a plurality of module loading sections. Optional modules, such as a television tunermodule, a cassette deck module, and a VICS module, can be built into the center module, as required. The center module (7) has a central control section for controlling the standard units and various optional modules. The control mode of the control section is switched according to a combination of optional modules to be built into the center module. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,555 
   Inventor: William E. Brooks, Jr. et al. 
   Issued: Apr. 3, 2001 
   A system for providing recorded audio programming in digital form, comprising a computer server capable of digitally recording, holding and uploading audio programming in either musical or voice formats and able to transmit such modulated digital data in a time-compressed, encrypted and encoded manner through a wireless transmission, where the data is received using RF electronics, then stored for transfer to a combination audio receiver/player/data storage device. The storage device comprises a readable/writable memory storage mechanism (e.g., disk drive, hard drive, memory or flash card system) and playback or player feature interfaced with a mobile or fixed site RF receiver capable of receiving wireless transmissions. As the transmissions are received, the programming data is demodulated and stored in digital form and then converted to “real time” audio one file at a time, utilizing a digital-to-analog converter, and played back to the listener. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,491 
   Inventors: Harald Bochmann et al. 
   Issued: Aug. 28, 2001 
   A telematic device in which a car radio with an RDS module, a wireless telephone, and a positioning and navigation system are provided in one housing. The housing is designed so that it can be installed in a standard bay in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The telematic device can be used to receive general information via the car radio as well as specific information via the GSM module. In addition, data relating to, for example, the vehicle position, a desired destination, or an emergency call can be sent to the central station. The central station calculates one or more routes and transmits them back to the telematic device. In the event of an accident or a vehicle breakdown, an emergency call is transmitted and assistance obtained. Additional telematic services provided include an expanded anti-theft system for the motor vehicle, hotel reservations, etc. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to radio receivers, more specifically to a satellite or digital radio receiver located in a vehicle that allows a listener to record information about the media being broadcast via satellite in either print or digital form and further allows the listener inter-active ability to purchase the media being broadcasted. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide consumer selectivity via satellite entertainment receiver that will overcome the shortcomings and inconveniences of prior art devices. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver that allows a user in a vehicle to receive satellite broadcasts through different platforms such as Digital Audio Band (DAB), In-Band On-Channel (IBOC), or Multimedia Broadcasting System (MMBS), XM Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio or any platforms using similar technologies. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver which is able to receive encoded bits of data containing information about the media being played by the satellite entertainment receiver. 
   A yet further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver wherein the information about the media being played on the satellite entertainment receiver can be recorded for later use. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver including a printing module used to create a printout of the information about the media being played on the satellite entertainment receiver. 
   A further object of the present invention is to allow for retailers to transmit offers or discount coupons that can be printed by using the print module thereby allowing the retailers a broader reach of consumers. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to have replacement printing paper imprinted with a retailers logo. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver further including a memory chip that stores the information about the media being played on the satellite entertainment receiver in digital form for later use. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver wherein the memory chip is compatible with personal computers and/or person digital assistants. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to allow for reception of information such as news, stock quotes, weather, sports, or any other relevant information that can be broadcasted on a LCD display screen and or printed using the print module. 
   A yet further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver that allows a user to associate a credit or checking account with the unit which would allow the user to purchase the media being broadcasted from a retailer and have it delivered to the users home. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver that is able to convert data broadcast in a language other than English into English and from English to a desired language. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver including control buttons conveniently located on a steering column of a vehicle for easy access to a driver of the vehicle. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver that is simple and easy to use. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to provide satellite entertainment receiver that is economical in cost to manufacture. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   A satellite entertainment receiver that receives digitally encoded broadcasts and plays the received broadcasts in the users vehicle. The satellite entertainment receiver allows the user to digitally record the information about the broadcasted media and/or allows the user to create a printout of the same information using a print module. Also, other information may be transmitted via satellite such as news stories, stock quotes, sports and weather and that information may be displayed on the LCD screen. Further, the satellite entertainment receiver can be linked to a credit account which enables the user to purchase the selected media and have it shipped to a desired location. 
   To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver showing a printout containing the information about the media being broadcasted on the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a the print module of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention, the module is shown extended from the front of the satellite entertainment receiver as it would be when replacing the paper for the print module; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged top view of the print module of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention showing the position of the paper and printer; 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention, showing a memory card ejected from the satellite entertainment receiver; 
       FIG. 7  is an electronic block diagram of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention positioned within a dashboard of a vehicle; and 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a steering wheel for use with the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the remote video camera of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.
           10  satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention     11  front side of the main body     12  main body     13  memory card     14  power button     15  memory card eject button     16  adjustment knob     17  print module     18  memory card slot     19  print module eject button     20  printout slot     22  display screen     24  store button     26  print button     28  purchase button     30  tape deck     32  preset  1 /rewind button     34  preset  2 /play button     36  preset  3 /fast forward button     38  preset  4 /stop button     40  preset  5 /pause button     42  preset  6 /auto-reverse button     44  back button     46  down button     48  forward button     50  up button     52  select button     54  tape/radio button     56  Band     58  bass adjust knob     60  terrible adjust knob     61  rear side of the main body     62  antenna connection port     64  power connection port     68  printout     70  print module drawer     72  roll of paper     74  dowel     75  hinge     76  paper holding/guiding means     78  printer     80  microprocessor     82  tuner     84  satellite receiver     86  transmitter     88  read only memory     90  tape deck/CD player     92  tape/CD control buttons     94  tuner control buttons     96  speakers     98  dashboard of vehicle     100  steering wheel of vehicle     102  control buttons on steering wheel     104  save button on steering wheel     106  print button on steering wheel     108  order button on steering wheel       

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 . 
   A front view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The satellite entertainment receiver  10  consists of a main body  12  and is primarily for use in vehicles. However, the satellite entertainment receiver  10  may be used in any desired type of environment. The satellite entertainment receiver  10  receives satellite broadcasts for reproduction in a user&#39;s vehicle when power is supplied thereto. A perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  positioned within a dashboard of a vehicle is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . As can be seen from this Figure, the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is positioned similarly to a conventional radio within a dashboard  98  of the vehicle. As can be seen from this figure, the steering wheel  100  also includes control buttons  102  to provide convenient use of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  for the driver. The steering wheel will be described in greater detail hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 9 . 
   The main body  12  of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  has a front side  11 . The satellite entertainment receiver  10  is connected to a power source within the vehicle such as the vehicle battery (not shown) and the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is turned ON by depressing power button  14 . The front side  11  of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  has a tape deck  30 . A user can switch between tape and satellite mode by pressing tape/satellite button  56 . When in tape mode, the tape deck  30  is controlled by preset  1 /rewind button  32 , preset  2 /play button  34 , preset  3 /fast forward button  36 , preset  4 /stop button  38 , preset  5 /pause button  40 , and preset  6 /auto-reverse button  44 . When in satellite mode a user can selectively tune a satellite broadcast by using the left button  44 , the down button  46 , the right button  48 , the up button  50 , and the select button  52 . The satellite entertainment receiver  10  allows for preset stations to be stored in a memory using preset  1 /rewind button  32 , preset  2 /play button  34 , preset  3 /fast forward button  36 , preset  4 /stop button  38 , preset  5 /pause button  40 , and preset  6 /auto-reverse button  44 . 
   Located on the front side  13  of main body  12  is a screen  22 . The screen  22  is used to display information concerning the media broadcast being received by the satellite entertainment receiver  10 . The information displayed on the screen  22  includes data concerning at least one of the station from where the broadcast originates, the name of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, the author of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, and the name of the collection where the media can be found (i.e. the name of an album where the song is found). Other information received by the satellite entertainment technology that can be displayed on the display screen  22  includes at least one of news briefs, stock quotes, weather information, and sports information. The information displayed on screen  22  is received by the satellite entertainment receiver  10  and is decoded for display on the screen. 
   The front side  11  of the main body  12  also contains a memory card slot  18  and memory store button  24 . A user can insert a memory card  13  into memory slot  18  for storage of the information displayed on the screen  22 . The memory card  13  is selectively removable by depressing the memory card eject button  15 . The memory card  13  is compatible with personal computers and personal digital assistants so as to allow the user to manipulate the information obtained from decoding a satellite broadcast signal. The storage of information on the memory card  13  is controlled by a memory store button  24 . A print module  17  is also shown on the front side  11  of the main body  12 . The print module  17  includes a printout slot  20  and a print module eject button  19 . A print button  26  controls the functions of the print module  17 . The print module  17  makes a printout of the decoded information displayed on screen  22 . 
   Further contained on the front side  11  of the main body  12  is a purchase button  28 . The purchase button  28  is linked to a satellite service. After the user views the information on the screen  22  and decides to purchase the media displayed on the screen  22 , the user depresses the purchase button  28  and is linked to a satellite operator via a transmitter that assists the user in making the purchase. 
     FIG. 2  is a rear view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  of the present invention showing a rear side  61  thereof. The rear side  61  of the main body  12  contains connection ports for use in connecting the satellite entertainment receiver  10  to the vehicle. The connection ports include an antenna connection port  62  for connecting the satellite entertainment receiver  10  to an antenna of the vehicle. A power connection port  64  connects the satellite entertainment receiver  10  to the power supply of the vehicle. 
     FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  illustrating the print module  17  in an activated state. The print module  17  is able to be activated when the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is receiving an encoded broadcast or after data has been saved by the satellite entertainment receiver  10 . Once decoded, the information contained within the encoded broadcast is displayed on the screen  22 . A user activates the print module  17  by depressing print button  26 . Thereafter, the information is sent via electronic circuits to the print module  17  and a printout  68  is generated and provided to the user through the print slot  20 . The preferred method of printing used by the print module is thermal printing so as to prevent or minimize the need to replace traditional printing resources such as toner, ink, or ribbon. The print module can be removed from the satellite entertainment receiver  10  by pressing print module eject button  19 . Removing the print module  17  from the main body  12  allows for replacement of paper and cleaning of print heads as well as replacement of toner if necessary. 
     FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  with the print module  17  ejected from the main body  12  thereof. The print module  17  extends at least partially through the main body  12  of the satellite entertainment receiver  10 . The print module  17  is ejected from the main body  12  by pressing the print module eject button  19 . The print module is contained within the printer drawer  70 .  FIG. 5  is a top view of the printer drawer. A dowel  74  holds a roll of paper  72  in place within the printer drawer  70 . The paper  68  is held and guided by holding/guiding means  76 . The holding/guiding means  76  are attached to the base of the printer drawer  70  and have a hinge to allow for easy re-loading of paper. When re-loading the paper  68 , the hinge  75  of the holding/guiding means  76  is in an up position. The paper  68  is then fed through the print head  78  and extended through the print slot  20 . After being extended through the print slot  20 , the hinge  75  of the holding/guiding means  76  is put into a down position thereby securing the paper  68  and keeping it on track. 
     FIG. 6  shows a front perspective view of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  with a memory card  13  ejected from the main body  12  thereof. The memory card  13  is inserted into the memory card slot  18 . The memory card  13  is available to receive data when the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is in satellite mode and is receiving an encoded broadcast. Once decoded, the information contained within the encoded broadcast is displayed on the screen  22 . A user activates the memory card  13  by depressing the store button  24 . Thereafter, the information displayed on the screen  22  is transferred via electronic circuits to the memory card  13  where it is digitally stored. The memory card  13  is compatible with personal computers and personal digital assistants therefore it has a finite memory. The user can selectively remove the memory card  13  from the memory card slot  18  by pressing a memory card eject button  15 . After ejecting a memory card  13 , a user can place the memory card in a device able to read the memory card  13  such as a personal computer or a personal digital assistant in order to manipulate and use the information saved from the satellite entertainment receiver  10 . Data stored by the memory card may also be printed by the print module  17  upon activation of the print button  26 . 
     FIG. 7  is an electronic block diagram of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  of the present invention. The satellite entertainment receiver  10  includes a microprocessor  80 . Connected to the microprocessor  80  are tuner control buttons  94  for activating and controlling the microprocessor  80 . The tuner control buttons  94  generate and transmit a signal to the microprocessor  80  upon activation. A ROM  88  is connected to and stores instructions for use by the microprocessor  80  in controlling the tuner  82 . The tuner  82  tunes the satellite receiver  84  to receive a broadcast transmitted at a desired frequency. The broadcast is then sent to the microprocessor  80  where it is decoded. The transmitted satellite broadcast is decoded by the microprocessor  80  using instructions stored within the ROM  88 . The satellite broadcast is transmitted in two parts, audio data and information data which are decoded and separated by the microprocessor  80  for use by the satellite entertainment receiver  10 . The microprocessor  80  outputs the decoded audio data to speakers  96  for reproduction thereby. The microprocessor  80  outputs the information data to the screen  22  connected thereto. The information data displayed on the screen  22  includes data indicative of at least one of the station from where the broadcast originates, the name of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, the author of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, and the name of the collection where the media can be found (i.e. the name of an album where the song is found). The print module  17  is connected to the microprocessor  80  for generating a printout of desired data. By pressing the print button  26 , a signal is sent to the microprocessor  80  to take information data decoded thereby and currently displayed on the screen  22 , and output that information data to the print module  17 . Also, by pressing the memory button  24 , a signal is sent to the microprocessor  80  to take the information data decoded thereby and currently displayed on the screen  22 , and output the information data to a memory card  13 . By depressing the purchase button  28 , the user send a signal to the microprocessor  80  that causes the microprocessor  80  to take the information data decoded from the satellite broadcast and send that information data to a transmitter  86 . The transmitter  86  is a satellite transmitter that transmits the information to a satellite service provider that receives the information and arranges for the purchase and delivery of the material in the original satellite broadcast to a location indicated by the user. The satellite entertainment receiver  10  also includes at least a tape deck and a compact disk player  90 . The tape deck/CD player  90  is controlled by tape/CD control buttons  92 . The tape deck/CD player is connected to the microprocessor  80  and when in operation the microprocessor outputs the audio signal to the speakers  96 . The printing, storing data and ordering functions described above may also be performed by activating control buttons  102  located on the steering wheel. The control buttons  102  are connected to the microprocessor  80  and operate in a manner similar to the control buttons provided on the front side of the main body. A steering wheel  100  for use with the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As can be seen in this figure, the steering wheel includes a save button  104 , a print button  106  and an order button  108 . Upon activation of the memory button  104 , a signal is sent to the microprocessor  80  to take the information data decoded thereby and currently displayed on the screen  22 , and output the information data to a memory card  13 . Upon activating the print button  106 , a signal is sent to the microprocessor  80  to take information data decoded thereby and currently displayed on the screen  22 , and output that information data to the print module  17 . Upon activation of the purchase button  108 , the user send a signal to the microprocessor  80  that causes the microprocessor  80  to take the information data decoded from the satellite broadcast and send that information data to a transmitter  86 . The transmitter  86  is a satellite transmitter that transmits the information to a satellite service provider that receives the information and arranges for the purchase and delivery of the material in the original satellite broadcast to a location indicated by the user. 
   Certain satellite broadcasts are transmitted in languages other than that with which the user is familiar. In the event, the user is not familiar with the language being transmitted, the processor  80  translates the information data transmitted with the received satellite broadcast into the native language of the user. The language into which the processor converts the information data is preprogrammed into the satellite entertainment receiver and thus the user is able to receive a display and printout of the information data in a desired language. The processor  80  is able to convert the information data from any desired language to any other desired language. 
   The operation of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  will now be described with reference to the figures. In operation, the tuner  82  of the satellite entertainment receiver  10  is tuned to a desired frequency and receives a satellite broadcast from the satellite receiver  84  transmitted at the tuned frequency. The satellite broadcast is decoded by the microprocessor  80  using instructions contained within the ROM  88 . The decoded broadcast is spilt into audio data and information data. The information data is output to the speakers  96  whereas the information data is output for display on the screen  22 . The information data displayed on the screen  22  includes data indicative of at least one of the station from where the broadcast originates, the name of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, the author of the media being played through the satellite entertainment receiver, and the name of the collection where the media can be found (i.e. the name of an album where the song is found). 
   A user can create a digital record of the information data by depressing the memory button  24  or  104 . The memory button  24  signals the microprocessor  80  to output the information data onto a memory card  13 . The memory card  13  is of the type that is commonly used by personal computers or personal digital assistants and has a finite amount of memory. The user can store as much information data as the finite amount of memory of the memory card will allow. The memory card  13  can then be removed by pressing the memory card eject button  15 . The ejected memory card  13  can then be used with any device that is able to receive the memory card. The user can use the information stored thereon for purposes including but not limited to archiving, creating a database, or creating a “wish-list” of desired recordings. 
   A user can also create a printed record of the information data decoded by the microprocessor  80 . By depressing the print button  26 ,  106  a signal is sent to the microprocessor  80  causing the microprocessor  80  to output the decoded information data to the print module  17 . The print module  17  houses the printer  78  that preferably uses a thermal printing method to create a record of the information data. The printer module  17  uses a thermal printing method to prevent the need to change traditional printing resources such as toner or ribbon. The printout  68  thereby creates a convenient record of the information data for the user. The user can then take printed record  68  from the print module  17  and it may be used for any activity including but not limited to, having a convenient record to enter a store and make a purchase. 
   A user can depress the purchase button  28 ,  108  which signals the microprocessor  80  to output the information data to a transmitter  86 . The transmitter  86  communicates with a satellite service provider of which the user is previously a member thereof. The satellite service provider can make arrangements for the purchase and delivery of the broadcast to the user, using payment and delivery information previously set forth by the user. 
   The satellite entertainment technology of the present invention has beneficial uses for both retailers and consumers. The satellite entertainment technology allows the consumers to create a record of the information received by the satellite entertainment technology. The satellite entertainment technology helps retailers by allowing them a broader range of customers. Retailers, through on-air advertising can have those offers decoded by the satellite entertainment technology and then printed using the print module included therein. Also, retailers can make replacement printer paper having their logo imprinted thereon. This would assist in greater consumer awareness of specific retailers. 
   From the above description it can be seen that the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a satellite entertainment receiver which is able to receive encoded satellite broadcasts, decode them thereby providing the user with information about the media being received by the satellite entertainment receiver, and further allowing the user to create a print or digital record of that information. The satellite entertainment receiver further allows for a user to remotely transmit a purchase order for the media being received by the satellite entertainment receiver. Furthermore, the satellite entertainment receiver of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture. 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.