INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS
Systems (34) which have an integrated unit that allows both television signals and information retrieved from an onboard information storage device (32) to be presented in a visual, audio or video/audio learn-while-doing form via output devices such as television screens and audio speakers. The operating mode - television or stored information retrieval and display - is selected by the user. The user is coached through steps leading to retrieval and presentation of the wanted information if the information retrieval mode is selected. To this end, the data storage devices are encoded with data corresponding to: (a) information for coaching a user in accomplishing one or more steps of a specified task in learn-then-perform way, and (b) an instruction set which enables the user access to access the information on a user-selected step of the task. Methods for providing the encoded data storage devices and for employing those devices in the operation of the systems are also described. A novel remote control (36) allows the system user to choose the mode of operation and to navigate the steps needed to reach the wanted information from a location convenient to the user.