Abstract: Various implementations include audio systems for controlling audio feedback to user requests. In some particular cases, a headphone system includes at least one headphone including an acoustic transducer having a sound-radiating surface for providing an audio output; at least one microphone for receiving an audio input from a user; and a control system including a recommendation engine, the control system coupled with the at least one headphone and the at least one microphone, the recommendation engine configured to: analyze the audio input for a non-specific request from the user; and provide an audio sample to the user along with a prompt for feedback about the audio sample in response to the non-specific request.

Abstract: Various implementations include audio systems for controlling audio feedback to user requests. In some particular cases, a headphone system includes at least one headphone including an acoustic transducer having a sound-radiating surface for providing an audio output; at least one microphone for receiving an audio input from a user; and a control system including a recommendation engine, the control system coupled with the at least one headphone and the at least one microphone, the recommendation engine configured to: analyze the audio input for a non-specific request from the user; and provide an audio sample to the user along with a prompt for feedback about the audio sample in response to the non-specific request.

Abstract: A connection management system comprises a wireless speaker including first and second connectors for communicating with two selected audio content source devices, respectively, of at least three audio content source devices; a rules engine that establishes a set of conditions under which the at least three audio content source devices share the first and second connectors of the wireless speaker; and a device allocation system that forms a first communication path between one of the two selected audio content source devices and the first connector of the wireless speaker and forms a second communication path between another of the two selected audio content source devices and the second connector of the wireless speaker at a time in accordance with the set of conditions established by the rules engine.

Abstract: A connection management system comprises a wireless speaker including first and second connectors for communicating with two selected audio content source devices, respectively, of at least three audio content source devices; a rules engine that establishes a set of conditions under which the at least three audio content source devices share the first and second connectors of the wireless speaker; and a device allocation system that forms a first communication path between one of the two selected audio content source devices and the first connector of the wireless speaker and forms a second communication path between another of the two selected audio content source devices and the second connector of the wireless speaker at a time in accordance with the set of conditions established by the rules engine.

Abstract: An automated sound system design device and a method for operating it. A computer is constructed and arranged to accept input of facility information signals and sound system preference signals requirements, and using a previously stored assemblage of component performance capability data signals to generate a sound system output signal configuration, representative of a desired sound system.

Abstract: An audio/video switchbox includes a housing and one or more jacks on the housing. Each jack is configured to be connected to an end of a signal cable. A logic and control controls operation of the switchbox. The switchbox is connectable to a video display so that video images from the switchbox can be presented on the display. The switchbox is able to present an image on the display requesting that a person indicate which type of signal cable will be used to connect an audio/video device to the switchbox. The switchbox is able to automatically detect when an end of a signal cable selected by the person has been connected to one of the jacks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a universal remote control. The method includes receiving a transmitted signal of unknown modulation technique from a native remote control and characterizing the received signal in parameters of a pre-determined modulation technique.

Abstract: An automated sound system design device and a method for operating it. A computer is constructed and arranged to accept input of facility information signals and sound system preference signals requirements, and using a previously stored assemblage of component performance capability data signals to generate a sound system output signal configuration, representative of a desired sound system.

Abstract: An automated sound system design device and a method for operating it. A computer is constructed and arranged to accept input of facility information signals and sound system preference signals requirements, and using a previously stored assemblage of component performance capability data signals to generate a sound system output signal configuration, representative of a desired sound system.