Satellite signal loss on-screen notification

Abstract

An apparatus for displaying a received signal strength includes means for detecting a received signal strength of a signal received at an antenna. Coupled to the detecting means are means for automatically generating a display signal indicative of the received signal strength. The means for generating is configured to provide the display signal whenever the received signal strength is below a preset threshold. Coupled to the means for generating the display signal are means for displaying the display signal. The display signal may comprise a bar graph which is shaded according to the received signal strength. The bar graph is automatically displayed on the display means when the received signal strength is below the threshold.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for displaying a received signal strength, comprising: 
 means for detecting a received signal strength of a signal received at an antenna;    means for generating a display signal indicative of said received signal strength coupled to said means for detecting, said means for generating a display signal configured to provide a display signal when said received signal strength is below a threshold; and    means for automatically displaying said display signal coupled to said means for generating.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said display signal comprises a bar graph.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said display signal comprises a text message.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said means for detecting comprises a satellite television receiver.  
     
     
         5 . A method of operating a receiver system, comprising the steps of: 
 periodically determining a received signal strength of a signal received at said system; and    automatically displaying a signal strength indication when said received signal strength falls below a threshold.    
     
     
         6 . An method as in  claim 5  wherein said step of automatically displaying a signal strength indication comprises displaying said indication on a television set.  
     
     
         7 . An method as in  claim 6  wherein said signal strength indication comprises a bar graph.  
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 6  wherein said signal strength indication comprises a text message.  
     
     
         9 . A method of aligning an antenna, comprising the steps of: 
 determining a first occasion upon which a receiver system is powered up; and    automatically providing an antenna alignment aid using a television.    
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 9  wherein said step of automatically providing an antenna alignment aid comprises displaying a signal strength indicator on said television, said signal strength indicator configured to provide a visual representation of a received signal strength at said antenna.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 10  wherein said visual representation comprises a bar graph.