Abstract: A set-top box is provided wherein an Identifier (ID) associated with the set-top box can be used to request information from a personal computer which provides the requested information to the set-top box. In particular, in a system that includes multiple set-top boxes, the ID can be used to determine which set-top box made a request and to determine which set-top box is the intended recipient of the requested information accessed by the system. For example, a request for information from a set-top box can include the ID of the set-top box. The personal computer, therefore, can use the ID to record which set-top box made the request. When the personal computer receives the information requested by the set-top box, the information and the ID of the set-top box that made the request is broadcast to all the set-top boxes. Each set-top box compares the ID broadcast with the information to its own ID to determine if the information is intended for it.

Abstract: A set top box is provides that interfaces a television and a personal computer that is connected to the Internet. The set top box includes a wireless remote control receiver that receives user commands from a wireless remote control unit. A radio frequency transceiver that transmits computer commands to the personal computer that is connected to the internet in response to the user commands and that receives data that is generated from the Internet via the personal computer in response to the computer commands. A video processing system that processes the received data for display on a television and a television interface that displays the processed received data on the television.

Abstract: A personal computer is used to download and process auxiliary services which are intended for a television. Accordingly, information is provided to a television using a personal computer, so that the personal computer's processing power and memory may be used rather than stand-alone devices or a television memory. An external network interface is provided in the computer, as well as a low power television transmitter or transceiver. A unified television/personal computer remote control provides personal computer commands to the personal computer via radio frequency signals. Television commands may be provided to the television directly using infrared signals or indirectly through the personal computer using radio frequency signals. When television commands are provided using radio frequency signals, an infrared converter is provided for the television, to convert the radio frequency signals to infrared signals.

Abstract: A personal computer is used to provide audio and/or video telephone communications. Audio telephone communications are provided by using a personal computer to relay audio telephone communications between external telephone networks and a unified television/personal computer wireless remote control. A personal computer may also be used to relay audio and/or video telephone communications between external telephone networks and a television. For video telephone communications, a television interface unit is provided which includes a wireless communications transceiver, a camera and a microphone. An infrared converter may also be included to convert received television commands into infrared television commands.

Abstract: Data is transferred using frequency shift keying modulation in a frequency range that is not within a television signal frequency range used to conduct the television signal over the transmission line. Consequently, the present invention may allow the television signal and the data to be conducted on the same cabling. The frequency shift keying modulation is provided by generating a modulated data signal based on information included in the data. For example, the frequency shift keying modulation generates a modulated data signal at a first frequency when the data is equal to a logical 0 and at a second frequency when the data is equal to a logical 1.

Abstract: A personal computer is used to provide audio and/or video telephone communications. Audio telephone communications are provided by using a personal computer to relay audio telephone communications between external telephone networks and a unified television/personal computer wireless remote control. A personal computer may also be used to relay audio and/or video telephone communications between external telephone networks and a television. For video telephone communications, a television interface unit is provided which includes a wireless communications transceiver, a camera and a microphone. An infrared converter may also be included to convert received television commands into infrared television commands.