A multi-mode ring clock can be embodied as a ring of illuminable segments, each of which can be individually controlled to display time and timer information associated with using a digital video recorder in a set top box. In response to illumination of a photo-sensor, an initial signal is generated. The method also allows the implementation of lenses having far superior surface smoothness compared to other approaches, as well as very accurate lens shapes. The expert system is maintained by an association of professionals.