Abstract: A hardware-implemented screen-saver prevents burn-in of an image displayed on a screen of a display product by automatically reducing the video gain, and therefore the contrast, of the image when the portion of the image within a two-dimensional detection window has changed by less than a predetermined amount for a predetermined period of time. A lack of change of the incoming video signal of the image is detected and used to invoke a reduction in contrast of the image displayed on the display product. This allows the image to remain visible, yet reduces the possibility of burn-in of the image in the screen of the display product.

Abstract: A remote control unit in an audio/visual system has a two-way communications link with one or more audio/visual devices. The bi-directional flow of information between the remote control unit and the audio/visual device(s) provides for the creation of remote control commands that are customized based upon the characteristics of the particular A/V device being controlled by the remote control unit. The remote control unit may additionally have another two-way communications link with one or more information-providing devices, such as a personal computer capable of accessing the Internet, that can provide the remote control unit with information available outside the audio/visual environment. The bi-directional flow of information of the two-way communications links is accomplished with a two-way infra-red link or a two-way serial link.

Abstract: A body-wearable keyboard features an optimized key layout that can be used in a conventional configuration or a body-wear configuration. By rotating one or more key clusters, the keyboard can be used in a vertical lengthwise position resting flat on the body on the user in the body-wear configuration. Multiple placement of frequently used keys in the key clusters provides for ease of use, whether the keyboard is in the conventional configuration or the body-wear configuration.