Abstract: A media event of a host system is controlled by a controller as a function of Device Independent Instructions (software not specific to the host system); Device Dependent Instructions (software specific to the host system); and user input. The Device Independent Instructions may be specific to the media event, especially where the media event is presentation of particular media content. The controller may include a removable user interface (RUI); a graphical user interface (GUI); and/or a peripheral user interface (PUI). Accompanying media content may be included with the Device Independent Instructions for presentation by the controller, which may be specific to the media event. The controller may be utilized to control media events in multiple host systems preferably executes conditional programming. Methods of combining the Device Independent Instructions with the media content are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a media event of a host system, such as a presentation of particular media content by a media device, includes a controller and a peripheral user interface (PUI) having user inputs. The PUI is preferably separable from the controller and communicates with the controller wirelessly or by releasable cabled connection. Optionally, a PUI includes a communications component and a subRUI that is capable of being removably coupled to the communications component or to the controller. Upon actuation of a user input, a program executed by a processor of the controller accesses both Device Independent Instructions that relate to the media event and Device Dependent Instructions that relate to a protocol for controlling the host system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a media event and optionally presenting additional media content includes a removable user interface (RUI) having graphical indicia for guiding a user in selectively actuating a user input, and a controller capable of communicating commands to a media device responsively to the actuation of a user input. A determination of the location of a selector actuating a user input is made to interpret the selection of the user and to control a media event accordingly. The command sent by the controller depends on the selection of the user and Device Independent Instructions with regard to a selecting a media event, and depends on Device Dependent instructions with regard to controlling a particular media device of the host system to present the media event. Additional media content is optionally presented through a component of the controller.