METHOD FOR PROVIDING CHANNEL SELECTING SERVICE BY USING VIRTUAL CHANNEL NUMBER AND SET-TOP BOX FOR PROVIDING CHANNEL SELECTING SERVICE BY USING VIRTUAL CHANNEL NUMBER

摘要

A method for providing a channel selecting service using a virtual number and set top box for providing a broadcasting channel selecting function using a virtual number are provided to select predetermined output sources and channel/contents only by inputting the virtual number remembered by a user and enable the user to select a desired channel or contents by using the same virtual number even when a real channel number or a location of the contents is changed. By using a mapping table, channel information including an inherent identifier(channel inherent identifier) of a channel, where contents that a user will watch are provided, and a number(channel number) provided to a viewer so as to select the channel is mapped with a virtual number to be stored(S706). The channel information receives from a channel information providing server linked with a set top box through an information communication network, and stores the received information in the mapping table. A virtual number input request from a television viewer is received. A user interface screen for inputting the virtual number through a television screen is provided. If the television viewer inputs the virtual number which will be set to a specific channel inherent identifier stored in the mapping table, the inputted virtual number is received. The virtual number is mapped with the specific channel inherent identifier to be stored.