GB2263595A

GB2263595A - Recording broadcast signals in camcorders

Info

Publication number: GB2263595A
Application number: GB9300849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jae-Chon Yu
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 1992-01-16
Filing date: 1993-01-18
Publication date: 1993-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-18
Also published as: KR950001555B1; KR930017414A; GB9300849D0; JP2820581B2; GB2263595B; JPH0668546A

Abstract

An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcast signal in a camcorder 100 comprises a receiver 103 for receiving reservation-recording information generated from a key input unit 300 for operating a TV 200, a microcomputer 101 for storing the reservation-recording information received through the receiver 103 in an internal memory and controlling the apparatus in accordance with the received reservation-recording information, a signal output circuit 104 for outputting recording information under the control of the microcomputer 101 to operate the TV 200, and a recording system 109 for recording a broadcasting signal transmitted through a line L2 from the TV on a recording medium under the control of the microcomputer 101. A method of reservation-recording the broadcasting signal in the camcorder 100 comprises a first step of storing the reservation-recording information in the internal memory of the camcorder 100, a second step of operating the TV 200 on the basis of the reservation-recording information stored at the first step when a present time is equal to a reservation-recording time of the stored reservation-recording information, and a third step of recording the broadcasting signal from the TV 200 operated at the second step. <IMAGE>

Description

RECORDING BROADCAST SIGNALS IN CAMCORDERS The present invention relates in general to camcorders - that is, a combined video camera and recorder.

Generally, a camcorder records image information of an object input therein through a camera on a recording medium thereof such as a magnetic tape (for example, a cassette tape) and plays back the image information recorded on the recording medium through display means such as a television monitor. The camcorder may be connected to a reception apparatus such as a television via a data transmission line to record a broadcasting signal being presently received by the reception apparatus on the magnetic tape.

However, a conventional camcorder has a disadvantage, although it has a variety of functions as mentioned above, in that it has no reservationrecording function of recording desired broadcasting information at a desired time. Namely, in a conventional camcorder with no tuner, broadcasting information of a particular channel being received by the reception apparatus such as the television can not be reservation-recorded on the magnetic tape of the camcorder.

Therefore, it is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder with no tuner and a method thereof.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising the steps of: (a) storing reservation-recording information from broadcasting signal receivable means in an internal memory of recording means with no tuner; (b) operating said broadcasting signal receivable means on the basis of the reservation-recording information stored at said step (a) when a present time is equal to a reservation-recording time of the stored reservationrecording information; and (c) recording the broadcasting signal from said broadcasting signal receivable means operated at said step (b).

A method as above may further comprise the step of: testing whether information from said recording means with no tuner is input to said broadcasting signal receivable means.

Preferably, the reservation-recording information at said step (a) is generated by a remote controller for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

Preferably, said broadcasting signal receivable means is a television.

Preferably, said recording means with no tuner is said camcorder.

Preferably, the reservation-recording information comprises code signals for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising: receiving means for receiving reservation-recording information generated from key input means for operating broadcasting signal receivable means; a microcomputer for storing the reservation-recording information received through said receiving means in an internal memory and controlling the camcorder in accordance with the received reservation-recording information; signal output means for outputting recording information under the control of said microcomputer to operate said broadcasting signal receivable means; and recording means for recording the broadcasting signal transmitted from said broadcasting signal receivable means on a recording medium under the control of said microcomputer.

Preferably, said receiving means includes a control line.

Preferably, said signal output means includes a control line.

An apparatus as above may further comprise: a mode indicator operative in response to the control of said microcomputer for allowing the user to recognize a presently controlled state of the camcorder.

An apparatus as above may further comprise: an on-screen-display unit for inputting character data from said microcomputer and outputting a character signal based on the input character data; and a mixer for mixing a video signal input therein with the character signal from said on-screen-display unit and outputting the mixed signal.

Preferably, said key input means includes a remote controller for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

Preferably, said broadcasting signal receivable means is a television.

Preferably, the recording information from said signal output means comprises code signals for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising the steps of storing reservation-recording data in the camcorder, controlling an external broadcast receiver to receive a program identified by said reservation-recording data, and recording said program in said camcorder.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising means for storing reservation-recording data in the camcorder, means for controlling an external broadcast receiver to receive a program identified by said reservation-recording data, and means for recording said program in said camcorder.

Such a method or apparatus may further comprise any one or more of the features disclosed in the accompanying specification, claims, abstract and/or drawings, in any combination.

The invention extends to a camcorder provided with apparatus, or adapted to perform a method, according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of one example of an apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the camcorder reservation-recording apparatus is designated by the reference numeral 100 and is adapted to reservationrecord a broadcasting signal being received by a broadcasting signal receivable television (TV) 200.

In Figure 1, the camcorder reservation-recording apparatus is shown to comprise a receiver 103 for receiving reservation-recording information generated from a key input unit 300 for operating the TV 200, a microcomputer 101 for storing the reservation-recording information received through the receiver 103 in its internal memory and controlling the camcorder in accordance with the received reservation-recording information, a signal output circuit 104 for outputting recording information under the control of the microcomputer 101 to operate the TV 200, and a recording system 109 for recording the broadcasting signal transmitted through a line L2 from the TV 200 on a recording medium under the control of the microcomputer 101.

Herein, the key input unit 300 may be, for example, a remote controller.

The microcomputer 101 is operative in response to signals input therein through another key input 105 under a control of the user.

The apparatus 100 also comprises a mode indicator 106 operative in response to the control of the microcomputer 101 for allowing the user to recognize the presently controlled state of the camcorder.

The apparatus 100 also comprises an on screen display (OSD) unit 107 for inputting character data from the microcomputer 101 and outputting a character signal based on the input character data and a mixer 108 for mixing a video signal input therein with the character signal from the OSD unit 107 and outputting the mixed signal to the television 200 via a separate line L1.

At this time, the output signal from the mixer 108 is displayed on a screen of the TV 200.

An example of the operation of the apparatus 100 with the abovementioned construction will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

In Figure 1, for the recording of the broadcasting signal being received through an antenna of the TV 200 in the camcorder, connection of a video output terminal Vol of the apparatus 100 to a video input terminal Vi2 of the TV 200 and connection of a video output terminal Vo2 of the TV 200 to a video input terminal Vil of the apparatus 100 must first be performed via the lines L1 and L2, respectively.

Under this condition, the user pushes a reception (RX) memory mode key on the key input unit 105 in the apparatus 100, which includes a standby key and a plurality of function keys other than the RX memory mode key.

When the RX memory mode key on the key input unit 105 is pushed by the user, the microcomputer 101 recognizes the pushing and maintains a state capable of receiving the reservation-recording information through the receiver 103. Also, the microcomputer 101 outputs control signals through its terminals RX and TV/CAM to turn on light emitting diodes LED2 and LED3 in the mode indicator 106, respectively. The turning-on of the light emitting diodes LED2 and LED3 in the mode indicator 106 allows the user to recognize that the present state is a state that the camcorder can receive the reservation-recording information in a RX memory mode.

The microcomputer 101 also outputs character data through its terminal D to instruct the user to generate the reservation-recording information. At this time, the microcomputer 101 first outputs a chip enable signal through its terminal CE and then a clock signal through its terminal CK and the character data through its terminal D. Upon receiving the chip enable signal from the microcomputer 101, the OSD unit 107 is operative to input the character data from the microcomputer 101 and to output a character signal based on the input character data.

The mixer 108 mixes the video signal input therein with the character signal from the OSD unit 107 and outputs the mixed signal to the television 200 through the video output terminal Vol of the apparatus 100. As is wellknown, it is preferred that the video signal to be mixed in the mixer 108 is a blue signal for a blue background of the screen, although it may not be generated.

The character signal mixed with the video signal and then output through the video output terminal Vol of the apparatus 100 is input to the video input terminal Vi2 of the TV 200 through the line L1. In the TV 200, the character signal input through the video input terminal Vi2 of the TV 200 is displayed on the screen. It is noted herein that the character signal is displayed as a phrase indicative of an input requirement of information regarding a program to be reservation-recorded.

Accordingly, watching the screen of the TV 200, the user can generate reservation-recording information regarding the program to be reservationrecorded. Namely, watching the screen of the TV 200, the user operates the TV remote controller 300 to generate the reservation-recording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded. As mentioned above, the reservation-recording information generated by the TV remote controller 300 is received by the receiver 103 in the apparatus 100. It is noted herein that the TV remote controller 300 outputs code signals of square waves of infrared wavelengths corresponding to keys. The TV remote controller 300 may be of conventional type.On the other hand, the microcomputer 101 stores the reservation-recording information received through the receiver 103 in its internal memory and outputs the character data to the OSD unit 107 to display it on the screen.

Then upon completion of the input of the reservation-recording information, the user pushes the standby key on the key input unit 105. Upon receiving a standby key signal from the key input unit 105, the microcomputer 101 stops the output of the character data, maintains a standby state and checks whether the present time is the reservation-recording time of the reservation-recording information. At this time, the microcomputer 101 outputs a control signal to the signal output circuit 104 to allow the TV 200 to be maintained at the standby state.

When the present time is in accord with the reservation-recording time of the reservation-recording information, the microcomputer 101 outputs a control signal such that the signal output circuit 104 outputs recording information. Namely, under the control of the microcomputer 101, the signal output circuit 104 outputs a power-on signal to turn on the TV 200 and a channel signal based on the reservation-recording information. In the signal output circuit 104, a transistor TRl is driven in response to the control signal from the microcomputer 101, thereby causing a light emitting diode LED1 to output a square wave of infrared wavelength.

At this time, the TV 200 is operated by receiving the power-on signal and the channel signal from the signal output circuit 104 at its receiver 201.

Upon receiving the power-on and channel signals, the TV 200 is turned on and then selects a channel corresponding to the channel signal. As a result, in the TV 200, a broadcasting signal of the selected channel is tuned and then output through the video output terminal Vo2. The broadcasting signal output through the video output terminal Vo2 of the TV 200 is input to the video input terminal Vil of the apparatus via the line L2.

The broadcasting signal input through the video input terminal Vil of the apparatus 100 is applied to a head 110 through the recording system 109 under the control of the microcomputer 101. The head 110 acts to record the broadcasting signal on a cassette tape, which is a recording medium inserted into the camcorder.

Of course, the microcomputer 101 controls a servo system 102 as well as the recording system 109 in order to record the broadcasting signal on the cassette tape.

As mentioned above, separate lines are necessary between the apparatus 100 and the broadcasting signal receivable apparatus such as the TV 200. The signal output circuit 104 may be removed and a separate control line may be connected between the microcomputer 101 in the apparatus 100 and the TV 200 instead of the signal output circuit 104. Also, the receiver 103 may be removed and another control line may be connected between the microcomputer 101 in the apparatus 100 and the TV 200 instead of the receiver 103. In this case, keys in the TV 200 may be used instead of the TV remote controller 300.

In accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the broadcasting signal can be reservation-recorded in the camcorder with no tuner.

Referring now to Figure 2, the illustrated reservation-recording method comprises a first step of storing reservation-recording information from a broadcasting signal receivable apparatus in an internal memory of a recording apparatus with no tuner, a second step of operating the broadcasting signal receivable apparatus on the basis of the reservation-recording information stored at the first step when the present time is the reservation-recording time of the stored reservation-recording information, and a third step of recording the broadcasting signal from the broadcasting signal receivable apparatus operated at the second step. Herein, the recording apparatus and the broadcasting signal receivable apparatus may be the camcorder and the TV 200 in Figure 1, respectively.

The above-mentioned reservation-recording method will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

As mentioned previously, for the recording of the broadcasting signal being received through the antenna of the TV 200 in the camcorder, connection of the video output terminal Vol of the apparatus 100 to the video input terminal Vi2 of the TV 200 and connection of the video output terminal Vo2 of the TV 200 to the video input terminal Vil of the apparatus 100 are first performed via the lines L1 and L2 by the user, respectively.

Under this condition, the user pushes the RX memory mode key on the key input unit 105 in the apparatus 100. At this time, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S10 whether the RX memory mode key has been pushed.

The RX memory mode key may be a toggle type key. If it is checked at the step S10 that the RX memory mode key has been pushed, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S11 whether a RX memory mode has been set.

If it is checked at the step S11 that the RX memory mode has been set, the microcomputer 101 at a step S12 resets the RX memory mode (RX memory mode < 0) and outputs low signals through its terminals TV/CAM to turn off the light emitting diodes LED2 and LED3 in the mode indicator 106. Also at the step S12, the microcomputer 101 outputs no character data through its terminal D, thereby to clear the OSD unit 107. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the OSD unit 107 may be the screen of the TV.

If it is checked at the step S11 that the RX memory mode has not been set, the microcomputer 101 at a step S13 sets the RX memory mode (RX memory mode < 1) and outputs high signals through its terminals TV/CAM to turn on the light emitting diodes LED2 and LED3 in the mode indicator 106. Also at the step S13, the microcomputer 101 outputs character data through its terminal D to instruct the user to generate reservation-recording information regarding a program to be reservation-recorded. As stated previously, the microcomputer 101 first outputs the chip enable signal through its terminal CE and then the clock signal through its terminal CK and the character data through its terminal D. The character data from the microcomputer 101 is displayed on the screen of the TV 200.

At a step S14 the microcomputer 101 flickers the OSD unit 107 in the input order of the reservation-recording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded, so that the user operates the TV remote controller 300 in accordance with the flickering of the OSD unit 107 to generate the reservation-recording information. The reservation-recording information may contain a program broadcasting channel, the start time, the end time, etc.

The input of the reservation-recording information by the user results in the determination at the step S10 that the RX memory key signal has not been input. As a result, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S15 whether a RX input is present. Namely, the microcomputer 101 determines whether the receiver 103 has input the reservation-recording information generated by the designated keys on the TV remote controller 300.

When it is checked at the step S15 that the user has generated the reservation-recording information using the TV remote controller 300, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S16 whether the RX memory mode has been set (RX memory mode 1). Noticeably, the step S16 is performed to prevent the reservation-recording information from being input in the case where the RX memory mode has not been set.

If it is checked at the step S16 that the RX memory mode has been set, the microcomputer 101 at a step S17 receives the information codes regarding the program to be reservation-recorded, generated by the TV remote controller 300, through the receiver 103 and stores the received information codes in its internal memory. Then, the microcomputer 101 performs the step S14 repeatedly.

Upon completion of the input of the information regarding the broadcasting channel and time of the program to be reservation-recorded, the user pushes the RX memory mode key again using the TV remote controller 300. As a result, since it is checked at the step S10 that the RX memory mode key has been pushed, then the step S11 is performed.

Since it is checked at the step S11 that the RX memory mode has been set, the microcomputer 101 performs the step S12 to reset the RX memory mode. Also, the microcomputer 101 outputs the low signals through its terminals RX and TV/CAM to turn off the light emitting diodes LED2 and LED3 in the mode indicator 106 and stops the output of the character data to clear the OSD unit 107.

In this manner, there is completed the input of the reservationrecording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded.

Since the RX memory key signal input and the RX input are not present at the steps S10 and S15, respectively, after completion of the input of the reservation-recording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded, then a step S18 is performed. Also because the RX memory mode has been reset, the operation goes from the step S16 to the step S18.

On the other hand, upon completion of the input of the reservationrecording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded, the user pushes the standby key on the key input unit 105. At this time, the microcomputer 101 checks at the step S18 whether the standby key has been pushed or the standby key signal has been input.

If it is checked at the step S18 that the standby key signal has been input, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S19 whether a standby mode has been set (standby mode f 1). The standby key may be a toggle type key similarly to the RX memory mode key. The step S19 is performed to reverse the standby mode when the standby key signal input is present at the step S18.

In other words, if it is checked at the step S19 that the standby mode has been set, the standby mode is reset at a step S20. When the standby mode has not been set, the microcomputer 101 performs a step S21 to discriminate whether the input of the reservation-recording information regarding the program to be reservation-recorded has been completed.

If it is checked at the step S21 that the input of all the information necessary to the reservation-recording of the program to be reservationrecorded has been completed, the microcomputer 101 at a step S22 sets the standby mode and then performs a RX direction adjustment test. Namely, the microcomputer 101 discriminates whether the receiver 201 in the TV 200 and the light emitting diode LED1 in the signal output circuit 104 in the apparatus 100 are directed within their desired angular ranges, respectively.

First in the RX direction adjustment test at the step S22, the user operates a test button on the key input unit 105 in the apparatus 100. Upon operation of the test button on the key input unit 105, the microcomputer 101 outputs a test signal such as, for example, the power-on or off signal through the signal output circuit 104. Then, the TV 200 receives the test signal from the signal output circuit 104 through the receiver 201 and is operated in response to the received test signal. Noticeably, in the case where the signal output circuit 104 is removed and a separate control line is connected between the microcomputer 101 in the apparatus 100 and the TV 200 instead of the signal output circuit 104, the RX direction adjustment test is unnecessary.

On the other hand, if it is checked at the step S21 that the input of all the information necessary to the reservation-recording of the program to be reservation-recorded has not been completed, the microcomputer 101 at a step S23 resets the standby mode and then outputs an error message to the OSD unit 107 to inform the user of the erroneous information input.

The performance of the above steps has the result of completing the preparation for the reservation-recording.

Then, the microcomputer 101 performs a step S24 since the key signal inputs are not present at the steps S10, S15 and S18. At the step S24, the microcomputer 101 checks whether the standby mode has been set (standby mode t 1). If it is checked at the step S24 that the standby mode has been set, the microcomputer 101 checks at a step S25 whether the present time is the reservation-recording time of an Nth program.

If it is checked at the step S25 that the present time is the reservationrecording time of the Nth program, the microcomputer 101 performs a step S26. Namely, at the step S26, the microcomputer 101 sets a reservationrecording mode (reservation-recording mode < 1) and outputs the TV poweron signal through the signal output circuit 104 to the receiver 201 in the TV 200. As a result, the TV 200 is operated in response to the power-on signal from-the signal output circuit 104. Then, the microcomputer 101 outputs the channel signal to the TV 200, so that the program to be reservation-recorded is broadcast.In result, the video signal of the program to be reservation recorded is output from the video output terminal Vo2 of the TV 200 to the video input terminal Vil of the apparatus 100 and then recorded on the cassette tape through the recording system 109 and the head 110 in the apparatus 100.

While the performance of the reservation-recording is in progress under the condition that the reservation-recording mode has been set, the microcomputer 101 performs a step S27. Namely, at the step S27, the microcomputer 101 checks whether the reservation-recording mode has been set.

When a determination that the performance of the reservation-recording has been in progress has been made as a result of the checking at the step S25, the microcomputer 101 makes a determination that the reservationrecording mode has been set. Then, the microcomputer 101 at a step S28 checks whether the present time corresponds to a predetermined reservationrecording stop time. When the present time corresponds to the predetermined reservation-recording stop time, the microcomputer 101 at a step S29 resets the reservation-recording mode (the reservation-recording mode < 0) and clears information about the program recorded.

If it is checked at the step S25 that the present time has not been the reservation-recording time of the Nth program, the microcomputer 101 then performs the step S27 for checking the setting of the reservation-recording mode. When a determination that the reservation-recording of the Nth program has been completed has been made as a result of the checking at the step S27, the microcomputer 101 makes a determination that the reservationrecording mode has been reset. Then, it performs a step S30.

That is, the number of programs to be recorded is incremented by one (N = N + 1) so that reservation-recording for a next program can be carried out.

Recording of all the reserved programs is carried out while incrementing the number of the programs. Generally, the number of reservation-recordable programs is eight, although it may be increased, if necessary.

As apparent from the above description, the illustrated example of present invention provides an effect of making it possible to reservation-record broadcasting programs in a camcorder of a type inherently unable to receive broadcasting signals, by using an apparatus which can receive the broadcasting signals.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

In particular, the procedures for reservation-recording broadcasting signals in the camcorder may be varied or changed, without being limited to those illustrated in the flowchart.

As mentioned above, the input information about the reservationrecording programs are displayed on the TV screen, in the form of character data, in accordance with the above described examples of the present invention. Where the camcorder is equipped with a separate OSD unit, the information may be displayed on the OSD unit.

In accordance with the above examples of the present invention, completion of inputting information about reservation-recording programs is made by re-pushing the RX memory mode key., Alternatively, the microcomputer may recognize the completion of inputting information, by pushing a separate information input completion key.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising the steps of: (a) storing reservation-recording information from broadcasting signal receivable means in an internal memory of recording means with no tuner; (b) operating said broadcasting signal receivable means on the basis of the reservation-recording information stored at said step (a) when a present time is equal to a reservation-recording time of the stored reservationrecording information; and (c) recording the broadcasting signal from said broadcasting signal receivable means operated at said step (b).

2. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising the step of: testing whether information from said recording means with no tuner is input to said broadcasting signal receivable means.

3. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the reservationrecording information at said step (a) is generated by a remote controller for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

4. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said broadcasting signal receivable means is a television.

5. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said recording means with no tuner is said camcorder.

6. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the reservationrecording information comprises code signals for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

7. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising: receiving means for receiving reservation-recording information generated from key input means for operating broadcasting signal receivable means; a microcomputer for storing the reservation-recording information received through said receiving means in an internal memory and controlling the camcorder in accordance with the received reservation-recording information; signal output means for outputting recording information under the control of said microcomputer to operate said broadcasting signal receivable means; and recording means for recording the broadcasting signal transmitted from said broadcasting signal receivable means on a recording medium under the control of said microcomputer.

8. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in Claim 7, wherein said receiving means includes a control line.

9. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in Claim 7 or 8, wherein said signal output means includes a control line.

10. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in Claim 7, 8 or 9, further comprising: a mode indicator operative in response to the control of said microcomputer for allowing the user to recognize a presently controlled state of the camcorder.

11. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 7 to 10, further comprising: an on-screen-display unit for inputting character data from said microcomputer and outputting a character signal based on the input character data; and a mixer for mixing a video signal input therein with the character signal from said on-screen-display unit and outputting the mixed signal.

12. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 7 to 11, wherein said key input means includes a remote controller for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

13. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 7 to 12, wherein said broadcasting signal receivable means is a television.

14. An apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, as set forth in any of Claims 7 to 13, wherein the recording information from said signal output means comprises code signals for controlling said broadcasting signal receivable means.

15. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising the steps of storing reservation-recording data in the camcorder, controlling an external broadcast receiver to receive a program identified by said reservation-recording data, and recording said program in said camcorder.

16. Apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, comprising means for storing reservation-recording data in the camcorder, means for controlling an external broadcast receiver to receive a program identified by said reservation-recording data, and means for recording said program in said camcorder.

17. A method or apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising any one or more of the features disclosed in the accompanying specification, claims, abstract and/or drawings, in any combination.

18. Apparatus for reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of reservation-recording a broadcasting signal in a camcorder, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A camcorder provided with apparatus, or adapted to perform a method, according to any of the preceding claims.