Abstract: Broadcast signals are detected and matched with signal information, such as call letters, genre and geographical location for corresponding signal sources, based on the geographical location of the receiver and the frequency at which the signals are broadcast. The signal information is stored with signal and medium selection data, so that signal sources provided via different communication media, such as broadcast radio and Internet streaming audio, can be accessed, sorted, selected and displayed together. Thus, a user can group for display information about signal sources transmitting a type of music that the user enjoys, via any communication medium that the receiver supports. Also, a currently selected signal source and communication medium can be matched with a different communication medium for the same source, so that if the received signal deteriorates, the receiver can switch to the different communication medium for receipt of the same signal.

Abstract: An apparatus controls electronic devices, via radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver for communication between the apparatus and a user, a central processing unit (CPU) executing software for handling the conversion of an RF signal from the user into a two dimensional location (an X, Y coordinate system) and conversion into a series of remote control commands for transmission to a series of devices equipped for remote control. The user can control the electronic devices of an electronic system, for example a home entertainment system (which might include, by way of example, a television, a DSS or satellite receiver, a CD player, a video recorder, a video disc player, a radio tuner, an amplifier, a tape deck, an audio video preamplifier or a combination of one or more of the foregoing). The CPU also executes software which digitizes real time video and combines it with computer graphics for display.

Abstract: A low-cost library management solution for consumer music selection systems. A multiple CD changer includes non-volatile storage for textual title and track information about the CDs in the changer. Also included is a communication device that communicates with a remote database to obtain the textual information. Instead of using a modem or an ISDN terminal adapter, the communication device uses a DTMF generator/detector to communicate with a front-end processor of the remote database using DTMF signals, or uses a conventional serial or parallel interface to communicate with an external device connected to the Internet that transmits queries formulated by the changer to the remote database and provides the response to the changer.