Abstract: A method for automatically switching an audio source includes the steps of receiving an audio signal from a video display device, and receiving a digital audio signal from one of a plurality of audio/video source devices which each can supply audio and video information to the video display device. The digital audio signal is compared with the audio signal from the video display device. The digital audio signal is output to a supplemental audio system of the video display device when the comparing step indicates that the digital audio signal and the audio signal from the video display device contain substantially similar audio programs.

Abstract: A DVD player/recorder incorporates a hard drive mass memory device for temporarily storing program content and metadata, includes a network interface for connecting to content and metadata providers, as well as other resources and other computers, via the Internet, a television interface for connecting to a conventional television set which reproduces content from the DVD player, and also connects the DVD player to a set top box which provides a connection to a cable or satellite provider which forms a further source of programming and metadata. The DVD player can retrieve and play content, and permit the navigation of content, specified on a metadata playlist file.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device that includes a first port and one or both of a second port and a jack. The docking station has a first electrical connector that fits into the first port when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station and a second electrical connector that is adapted to be electrically coupled to the second port or the jack when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for receiving an identifier of a first transmission channel for a first media station, determining whether content of the first media station is available via a second transmission channel for the first media station, and automatically initiating transmission of content of a second media station to a client computing device over a transmission channel for the second media station based on results of the determining.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device that includes a first port and one or both of a second port and a jack. The docking station has a first electrical connector that fits into the first port when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station and a second electrical connector that is adapted to be electrically coupled to the second port or the jack when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station.

Abstract: A method for automatically switching an audio source includes the steps of receiving an audio signal from a video display device, and receiving a digital audio signal from one of a plurality of audio/video source devices which each can supply audio and video information to the video display device. The digital audio signal is compared with the audio signal from the video display device. The digital audio signal is output to a supplemental audio system of the video display device when the comparing step indicates that the digital audio signal and the audio signal from the video display device contain substantially similar audio programs.

Abstract: A radio receiver and storage unit which concurrently and continuously receives and records a plurality of separate, simultaneously broadcast programs, and then selectively reproduces desired programs at desired times. User interface buttons selectively perform the following five functions not available on a conventional radio: Pause: suspends the reproduction of the live or recorded programming currently being played; Save: permits the listener to save the complete content of a live program currently being reproduced; Jukebox: permits the listener can select and playback previously recorded programming; Mark: allows the user to “bookmark” a specific position on a program; and Options: permits the user to obtain information about available programming, or to perform less frequently used functions.

Abstract: A radio receiver and storage unit which concurrently and continuously receives and records a plurality of separate, simultaneously broadcast programs, and then selectively reproduces desired programs at desired times. User interface buttons selectively perform the following five functions not available on a conventional radio: Pause: suspends the reproduction of the live or recorded programming currently being played; Save: permits the listener to save the complete content of a live program currently being reproduced; Jukebox: permits the listener can select and playback previously recorded programming; Mark: allows the user to “bookmark” a specific position on a program; and Options: permits the user to obtain information about available programming, or to perform less frequently used functions.