Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An antenna support bracket is provided that preferably strengthens electronic connectors, such as F connectors and the like, by distributing the load or stress applied to an individual connector over all of the connectors in a group of connectors extending from a television or other consumer electronic device, or from an antenna switch mounted therein. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket comprises a thin, elongate body formed of cold rolled steel with a plurality of holes formed therein. The holes, which are spaced apart in a pattern that matches a corresponding group of connectors, are sized to have a diameter slightly largely than the diameters of the connectors to enable the bracket to slide over the connectors.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the transformation of PTVs, when in the “OFF” mode, into aesthetically pleasing decorative furniture. The PTV preferably includes a primary and a secondary projection system. The secondary projection system preferably comprises a projection unit optically coupled to the screen of the PTV and an auxiliary image source coupled to the projection unit. Preferably, the program logic of the PTV directs the projection of an image from the secondary projection unit onto the screen when the PTV is in the “OFF” mode.

Abstract: An enclosure for a projection television set is provided that includes an upper compartment to house a mirror and a screen, and a lower compartment attached to the upper compartment. The lower compartment preferably includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of side panels wherein at least two side panels have an attachment region for a bracket of an optical unit. The attachment region may be angled surfaces designed to aim the optical unit toward the mirror of the projection television set. The attachment region may also be angled openings for insertion of first and second ends of the bracket of the optical unit therein, the angled openings configured to aim the optical unit toward the mirror. Alternatively, the attachment region may include a member having an elongate body with a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, and a notch extending between the ends along the top surface of the elongate body, wherein the notch engages the bracket of the optical unit.

Abstract: A projection television set having a screen and three projection units each capable of projecting a monochromatic image onto the screen. The projection units each having a cathode ray tube (CRT) optically coupled to a projection lens, which includes both a C-lens and a compound lens. A spacer preferably having three optical passageways is coupled to and between the CRTs and projection lenses such that three coolant chambers are formed. Preferably, the spacer includes fluid passageways that interconnect the coolant chambers. The spacer also includes coolant fill ports and reservoirs, zero pressure gum tanks seated in the reservoirs, and a plurality of heat exchanging ribs. Additionally, a fill port closure member preferably includes a push plug and packing sleeve. The plug and sleeve preferably include position retaining components and sealing components.

Abstract: A television system and method for facilitating use of closed caption text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. The system includes a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal, and a television display for displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal. A data slicer coupled to the tuner extracts the XDS signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.

Abstract: A CRT support panel for a projection television set is provided that includes a generally vertically extending body, a mounting foot extending from the base of the body and a handle extending from the top of the body. The body preferably has a thin walled open corrugated profile. The corrugated profile enables the cross-section of the panel to be increased to significantly increase it strength to guard against buckling without significantly increasing its weight. The panel, which is preferably plastic injection molded as a unitary part, tends to have sufficient flexibility to guard against shock and vibration damage during transportation.

Abstract: An antenna support bracket is provided that preferably strengthens electronic connectors, such as F connectors and the like, by distributing the load or stress applied to an individual connector over all of the connectors in a group of connectors extending from a television or other consumer electronic device, or from an antenna switch mounted therein. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket comprises a thin, elongate body formed of cold rolled steel with a plurality of holes formed therein. The holes, which are spaced apart in a pattern that matches a corresponding group of connectors, are sized to have a diameter slightly largely than the diameters of the connectors to enable the bracket to slide over the connectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing signal jamming within a consumer electronics system comprising a remote control, interpreting device, and audio/video device. A plurality of primary messages are generated by, and wirelessly transmitted from, the remote control in response to a continuous operation of a remote function key. One or more quiescent periods are located between adjacent messages within the plurality of primary messages. The primary messages are received and interpreted by the interpreting device, which, in the preferred embodiment, is implemented as a television. The entirety of the one or more secondary messages are then transmitted from the interpreting device to the audio/video device during the one or more quiescent periods. In this manner, no portions of the primary and secondary messages are transmitted during the same time, preventing the signal jamming at the audio/video unit.

Abstract: A projection television set having an enclosure housing a screen, an optical unit and a mirror, wherein the optical unit and mirror are capable of projecting an image onto the screen. The enclosure is preferably constructed from hollow plastic extruded panels. In addition, the enclosure preferably includes a duct extending upwardly from a lower portion of the enclosure to exhaust heat radiating from components housed therein to the exterior of the enclosure toward the top of the enclosure.

Abstract: A protection panel is provided that enhances the color quality and/or contrast of a rear projection television set. The protection panel has a spectral transmittance that peaks at dominant wavelengths of red, green, and blue light, and that is reduced at wavelengths between red and green light and between green and blue light. The spectral transmittance at the dominant wavelengths is between sixty and eighty percent. Preferably, the spectral transmittance at the wavelengths between red and green light and between green and blue light are at least five percent less than at the dominant wavelengths. In addition, the spectral transmittance at a dominant wavelength of red light is about five percent less than at a dominant wavelength of blue light to reduce blue color saturation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing signal jamming within a consumer electronics system comprising a remote control, interpreting device, and audio/video device. A plurality of primary messages are generated by, and wirelessly transmitted from, the remote control in response to a continuous operation of a remote function key. One or more quiescent periods are located between adjacent messages within the plurality of primary messages. The primary messages are received and interpreted by the interpreting device, which, in the preferred embodiment, is implemented as a television. The entirety of the one or more secondary messages are then transmitted from the interpreting device to the audio/video device during the one or more quiescent periods. In this manner, no portions of the primary and secondary messages are transmitted during the same time, preventing the signal jamming at the audio/video unit.

Abstract: An integrally weighted base suitable for attachment to a bottom surface of an enclosure to form an integrally weighted cabinet. The integrally weighted cabinet is able to satisfy load bearing and tip over standards without requiring the addition of separate weights. The base preferably includes a frame and fill material disposed within the frame. The frame may be metal or plastic. Fill material is poured into the frame and allowed to set. The fill material may be any suitable material having a density sufficient to act as a weight or counterbalance, such as, e.g., concrete, a concrete and fiber mixture, metal, or a concrete and metal mixture. The base may further include a plurality of openings to dissipate heat from within the interior space of the cabinet. In one implementation of the present invention, the base replaces a bottom panel of a typical PTV cabinet and further eliminates the need for attaching separate weights onto a bottom panel of a typical PTV cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrally weighted base suitable for attachment to a bottom surface of an enclosure to form an integrally weighted cabinet. The integrally weighted cabinet is able to satisfy load bearing and tip over standards without requiring the addition of separate weights. The base preferably includes a frame and fill material disposed within the frame. The frame may be metal or plastic. Fill material is poured into the frame and allowed to set. The fill material may be any suitable material having a density sufficient to act as a weight or counterbalance, such as, e.g., concrete, a concrete and fiber mixture, metal, or a concrete and metal mixture. The base may further include a plurality of openings to dissipate heat from within the interior space of the cabinet. In one implementation of the present invention, the base replaces a bottom panel of a typical PTV cabinet and further eliminates the need for attaching separate weights onto a bottom panel of a typical PTV cabinet.

Abstract: A projection television set having an enclosure housing a screen, an optical unit and a mirror, wherein the optical unit and mirror are capable of projecting an image onto the screen. The enclosure is preferably constructed from hollow plastic extruded panels. In addition, the enclosure preferably includes a duct extending upwardly from a lower portion of the enclosure to exhaust heat radiating from components housed therein to the exterior of the enclosure toward the top of the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: PTV cabinetry comprising molded plastic foam parts formed from expanded polystyrene or phenolic foam. The foam parts are preferably functionally designed to replace the equivalent parts presently being made by wood fabrication or other molded plastic techniques. In a preferred embodiment, a PTV cabinet may be assembled from thee matching molded foam parts. The foam parts may be uniquely located with respect to one another via locating features molded into the foam parts. Once assembled, an external cabinet or cosmetic fascia part may be placed over the foam parts.

Abstract: A device for selecting from one of a plurality of audio/video sources and connecting audiovisual signals from the selected source to input receiving circuitry such as the recording circuitry of a VCR or a display device. Based upon a user request such as a channel selection, the device accesses a list in memory to determine which source of a plurality of sources is associated with that channel. The associated source is then automatically connected to the input receiving circuitry and the associated source is automatically tuned to the requested channel.

Abstract: A projection television set having a screen and three projection units each capable of projecting a monochromatic image onto the screen. The projection units each having a cathode ray tube (CRT) optically coupled to a projection lens, which includes both a C-lens and a compound lens. A spacer preferably having three optical passageways is coupled to and between the CRTs and projection lenses such that three coolant chambers are formed. Preferably, the spacer includes fluid passageways that interconnect the coolant chambers. Additionally, the packing members used to seal the coolant chambers preferably include position or alignment retaining components.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.