Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable the transmission of infrared (IR) signals via an AV cable containing a plurality of signal lines. In embodiments, an IR receiver, and IR emitter, and/or logic circuitry may be integrated within an AV cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) to enable transmitting signals from an IR remote control device to a media device that may be located behind a physical obstruction through which IR signals are unable to pass. By utilizing one or more signal lines of an AV cable to transmit IR signals, existing AV communication protocols may continue to be utilized in a user's home entertainment system. In this manner, a user may be able to locate one or more media devices (e.g., home entertainment devices) in a physically remote location, such as in a cabinet or closet, without sacrificing any IR signaling functionality.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.

Abstract: HDMI systems, devices, circuits, and apparatuses perform functions to allow extending the number of HDMI inputs for an HDMI device using cascaded HDMI extenders. HDMI extenders are mechanically coupled and decoupled to an HDMI device such as an HDMI switch or sink device. HDMI extenders include HDMI input ports to receive HDMI signals and include connectors to receive and transmit HDMI signals as well as non-HDMI signals for configuration and control of the HDMI extenders. One or more mechanically coupled HDMI extenders are configured by the HDMI device based on information received from HDMI source devices connected to the HDMI extenders and to the HDMI device. The HDMI extenders select between HDMI signals received from their input ports or HDMI signals received from their connectors, and provide the selected HDMI signals to the HDMI device. HDMI extenders are configured to be cascaded in any number to increase HDMI source availability.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are described to detect and resolve device configuration and/or communication incompatibilities (e.g. incompatible messages, improper addressing, malfunctions) for a communication protocol such as HDMI-CEC.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.