Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine the topology of a network comprising a master node and one or more slave nodes interconnected using unidirectional data connections. The master node makes available data to succeeding nodes, and a slave node reads data from a preceding node, the read data comprising information of a path from master node to the slave node. A further method is disclosed to configure the path by sending data from the slave node to all nodes on the path via bi-directional data connections between nodes.

Abstract: A method of bounding a select area (202, 204, 206) of an image on a display (200) by a select area boundary (208, 210). The select area boundary comprises at least one select area boundary portion (212, 214, 216). The method comprises actuating one of a plurality of keypad buttons (308) for a first period of time, comparing the first period of time to a threshold period of time, and in dependance on the comparison resizing the select area (202, 204, 206) or calling up a different movement function.

Abstract: In an apparatus (200) arranged to control a home electronics system, the apparatus being managed independently of a user, the apparatus includes a data processing unit (CPU (204), Program ROM (208) and RAM (210)), a first communications port (202) operable to receive a command, a second communications port (216) operable to receive a signal indicating an operative component in the system, and a third communications port (218) operable to output a substitute command to a component in the system. On receiving a command, the data processing unit may produce at least one substitute command in dependence on the operative component, this substitute command then being communicated to a component in the system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine the topology of a network (600) comprising a master node (602) and one or more slave nodes (614, 618, 622) interconnected using unidirectional data connections (610, 628, 634). The master node (602) makes available data to succeeding nodes and a slave node (622) reads data from a preceding node (618), the read data comprising information of a path from master node to the slave node. A further method is disclosed to configure the path by sending data from the slave node (622) to all nodes on the path via bidirectional data connections (628, 612, 632) between nodes. In a preferred embodiment, a home entertainment system (600) employing HDMI is a suitable network and comprises a presentation component, for example a TV (602), operable to function as the master node; the nodes of the network being interconnected using HDMI cordsets (608, 624, 616).