Abstract: A system and method are provided for preparing a streaming media system for initial presentation of a media stream. The system includes a media server configured to send out media packets for a media stream at periodic clocked intervals. A framer can be located with the media server to divide the media stream into media packets. A media client is also provided to receive the media packets for the media stream from the media server. A send queue can be located in the server. The send queue can be configured to store a defined length of programming from the media stream, and the send queue can immediately fill a client's user buffer when an activation event occurs.

Abstract: A system and method is provided of synchronizing data streaming. The method can include the operation of receiving an incoming media packet having a timestamp from a media server at a client device. A further operation is synchronizing the clocks for a client device with a clock for a media server. The timestamp can be compared with a next play time for a packet. Another operation can be placing the incoming media packet into a user buffer at a playing position in the user buffer based on the next play time. The incoming media packet can then be played using a media output device accessible to an end user.

Abstract: A method for presenting saving opportunities for electronic devices is disclosed. Experience based data learned from past power behavior of one or more devices is received. One or more power saving opportunities are generated based on the experience based data. Estimated cost savings is calculated. A notification message is presented to a user that describes the power saving opportunities and associated cost savings for the opportunities.

Abstract: A media component is provided for controlling home automation signals. The media component can include a housing containing management circuitry. A plurality of communication ports can also be included for the media component. The communication ports may be coupled to the housing. In addition, a plurality of light units is provided. The light units are lit in order to guide a user to take a pre-determined action with respect to the communication ports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for device discovery and multi-mode security in a wired and/or wireless control network are described. A controlled device is configured with discovery-level instructions and application-level control instructions. The controlled device includes a user-configurable parameter for selecting between multiple security modes. In one or more security modes, the controlled device may ignore application-level messages until encrypted communications are established with a controller. In one mode, the encrypted communication is established with an encryption key exchange using a predetermined security key. In another mode, a specific key is manually entered into the controller by the user/administrator to facilitate the encryption key exchange. Additionally, for control applications where security is not important, an unencrypted security mode may be implemented. A driver ID provided by the controlled device facilitates loading of a preferred device driver by the controller.

Abstract: A home automation network system having an automation controller and a remote control is described. The automation controller can dynamically download extracts from a menu database to the remote control as a user navigates through the menus. Downloading can be based on remote control configuration parameters communicated to the automation controller. Menus can be selected based on display limitations and input control types available on the remote control.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing communications through a dense mesh network having a plurality of nodes coupled to one of at least two gateway controllers is disclosed. A node location of each node is calculated relative to other nodes in the mesh network. Nodes that are less than a predetermined distance of each other are assigned to separate gateway controllers. Radio frequency interference levels between the nodes in the mesh network are measured and channels or PN codes of nodes having interference levels greater than a predetermined amount are changed.

Abstract: A system and method for security monitoring by a trusted neighbor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system allows a security monitor in a first building to communicate with a building automation network in a second building to enable monitoring of a security sensor in the second building.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automating control of a plurality of video displays coupled to a plurality of video sources through a switchable network. The method includes the operation of mapping a signal path for each signal between the plurality of video sources and the plurality of video displays to form a binding map. The binding map can be stored in a controllable device. In addition, a graphical user interface on a navigator can be generated. The graphical user interface is configured to represent the plurality of video displays. A further operation is connecting the plurality of video displays to the plurality of video sources through the switchable network based on the binding map and a user selection made with the graphical user interface in the controllable device.

Abstract: A system and method for sending a response message over a wired communication channel in an automation network is disclosed. The method includes the operation of defining a radio frequency (RF) network between a central controller and a plurality of automation devices. A control signal is transmitted from the central controller to at least one of the plurality of automation devices over the RF network. A response message is sent from at least one of the plurality of automation devices to the central controller using a wired network.

Abstract: A method for instant messaging using a control device is described. A user is authenticated with an instant messenger server. A message is received. The received message includes message data from the instant messenger server. It is determined whether the message should be forwarded to the control device. If it was determined that the message should be forwarded to the control device, the received message is forwarded to the control device.

Abstract: A method for providing a message service for a site is described. It is determined whether a service is provided at the site. If the service is provided at the site, a request is sent to a node at the site that provides the service. Determining if the service is provided at the site includes automatically determining if the service is provided at the site without user input.

Abstract: A method for providing remote assistance for controlling a site is disclosed. A remote assistance request may be received from a control device. The remote assistance request may be sent from the control device to a remote server. Communication between the remote server and the control device may be established.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling access to local electronic devices in an automation network while maintaining failover capability. The method can include the operation of setting a state of a networked device to an online state. Another operation is sending a communication from the networked device to a controller requesting permission to change state of the networked device. The networked device may wait a predetermined amount of time to receive permission to change state. The state of the network device can change without permission from the controller after the predetermined amount of time has passed.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting and configuring a solid state dimmer when wired in series or parallel with a load powered by an alternating current (AC) input. The device can comprise a microcontroller configured to be powered by the AC input. A zero-cross detector in communication with the microcontroller is capable of detecting when an AC waveform crosses zero and generating a corresponding pulse signal when the AC waveform crosses zero. A pulse analyzer can be included and configured to determine when the zero-cross detector is generating pulses exceeding a pre-determined time length threshold that represents a serial wiring configuration.

Abstract: A switching device is provided having an air-gap switch for an electrical load. The switching device can include a switch keycap configured for controlling the switching of the electrical load. A faceplate can be configured to surround the switch keycap. In addition, an air-gap actuator can be contained substantially within the switch keycap. The air-gap actuator can be pulled from the switch keycap to short out an electrical connection to the electrical load.

Abstract: A method for updating a site is disclosed. A site controller may be provided. A plurality of devices that are not directly user updatable may be provided. The plurality of devices may be in electronic communication with the site controller. External media may be provided. The external media may include device software updates. The external media may be in electronic communication with the site controller. The method may automatically determine which devices of the plurality of devices need to be updated. The method may automatically update the devices needing an update by communicating at least a portion of the device software update to the devices needing an update.