Operation of a video cassette player is facilitated by providing a VBI
decoder which decodes information, such as title, channel, date, time and
length of broadcast programs and utilizing the information in providing
directory of the programs as well as control of the VCR. The video
cassette player is also provided with a VBI encoder for inserting control
as well as directory information into the tape, either in the VBI
portions of the video track or in the control track.