Abstract: A VCR includes apparatus for controlling a cable converter unit. In a preferred embodiment, infrared (IR) transmission of commands from the VCR to the cable converter unit is employed. An LED assembly holds the LEDs in a predetermined orientation and provides first and second IR ports through which different amounts of IR signals are transmitted.

Abstract: A surveillance system comprises an infrared motion detector which generates a signal indicative of detected motion. An infrared signal reflecting surface directs an incident infrared signal to the infrared motion detector. A generator generates an infrared remote control encoded data responsive to the signal indicative of detected motion. An infrared emitter is coupled to the generator for modulation by the infrared remote control encoded data. A modulated infrared signal from the infrared emitter is directed to the infrared signal reflecting surface for transmission. In the surveillance system described, battery powered operating time is extended by powering only the motion detector during periods of inactivity. Recording media usage is conserved by only recording periods of detected motion and may be further conserved by recording only predetermined frames.