Abstract: A method for controlling displaying information contained in a menu on a display device is disclosed. Items in the menu may be selected using a control device. Initially a first portion of the menu may be shown in a display area on the display device. The method may include monitoring a position of an indicator. The indicator may be controlled by the control device. The method may also include concealing at least a first section of the first portion of the menu if a portion of the indicator is in a first zone on the display device and if no button of the control device is currently pressed. The method may also include showing a second portion of the menu if the portion of the indicator is in the first zone on the display device and if no button of the control device is currently pressed.

Abstract: A method for adding a device to an application system is disclosed. The method may include associating a set of Media Access Control address ranges with a set of device providers. The method may also include obtaining a Media Access Control address associated with the device. The method may also include determining a provider of the device if the Media Access Control address is within a Media Access Control address range in the set of Media Access Control address ranges, wherein the provider of the device is associated with the Media Access Control address range.

Abstract: A method for configuring at least one of a first device, a second device, and an application system is disclosed. The application system may be utilized in a spatial unit. The spatial unit may include a plurality of spatial subunits. The method may include determining a first spatial subunit in the spatial unit. The first spatial subunit may be related to the first device. The method may also include identifying, based on a result of the determining, a second device that is physically disposed in the first spatial subunit. The method may also include configuring the at least one of the first device, the second device, and the application system using at least a first rule, wherein the first rule may involve at least the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method for controlling playback of content is disclosed. The content may be played using a playback unit. The method may include monitoring the content. The method may also include determining whether a portion of the content being displayed on a display device contains any actionable zones that are configured for facilitating user input. The method may also include showing a copy of the portion of the content on a touch-screen device if the portion of the content contains at least one or more actionable zones. The copy of the portion of the content may contain at least a copy of the one or more actionable zones.

Abstract: A method for providing notification concerning an event to at least a recipient through at least a phone is disclosed. The method may include associating the event with a calling number. The method may also include making a call to at least the phone using the calling number (e.g., originating the call from a communication device and/or a communication account associated with the calling number) if the event is detected.

Abstract: A system for facilitating automation involving multiple devices is disclosed. The devices may include a first device utilizing a first protocol and a second device utilizing a second protocol. The system may include a wrapper for translating between the first protocol and a first message, translating between the first protocol and a second message, and/or translating between the first protocol and a third message. The first message contains configuration data for the first device. The second message contains a command for instructing the first device and/or the second device to perform at least one action. The third message contains an event representation for describing one or more events involving one or more of the devices. The system may also include a router for forwarding the first message, the second message, and/or the third message between at least the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method for handling content to accommodate the movement of a user is disclosed. The method may include playing at least a first portion of the content using a first playback device. The method may also include storing status information concerning the playing the at least the first portion of the content. The method may also include receiving an identifier from a mobile device. The method may also include associating the status information with the identifier. The method may also include determining a start point of a second portion of the content using at least the identifier. The method may also include playing at least the second portion of the content using a second playback device.

Abstract: A combined electrical power conditioner and IR controller that provides a single point for communications with a Remote and connects with the various components of a video or audio system which is configured to respond to IR signals. The apparatus receives and routes IR signals either serially or in parallel to the system components through IR capable cables. The apparatus may be equipped with an RF to IR converter for an RF capable remote controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting projection lamps 3 in computer monitors, projection television receivers, video projectors 15, game displays and the like which incorporates a sensor 2 connected to a receiver 6 in an uninterruptible power supply 1. Sensor 2 detects when the power has been interrupted to lamp 3 and initiates a supply of power to a cooler 8 in projector 15 to the device containing the lamp 3 and begins a normal shut down protocol. The shut down protocol maintains cooling to lamp 3 allowing lamp 3 to cool to a temperature where power may safely be discontinued.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for protecting electrical products, consumer electronics devices in particular, from A/C voltage problems while providing enhanced wireless or wired networking data functionality. Apparatus 100 transmits data signals on AC power lines and routes them around selected power protection components to outlets for connecting with the electronic devices. Apparatus 100 delivers analog and/or digital high resolution media from an Internet protocol home or world network.

Abstract: A power center for use with video display devices having a housing 2 for electronic circuitry 3 for preventing electric surges adapted for attachment to a flat surface with a means for connection 4 to a source of electric current and power outlets 6, 7 attached to said housing for providing power to a video display device. A mount 21 is attached to housing 2 for attaching a video display or projector. A variety of different mounts 21 are illustrated for specific applications.

Abstract: A power center system for use with video display devices having a housing 2 for power conditioning circuitry for ameliorating electrical anomalies, housing 2 adapted for attachment to a flat surface 9, and mount 21 attached to housing 2 for supporting a video display device. The system includes a retransmitter for receiving video, audio and/or control signals from an external source and retransmitting them to the video device.

Abstract: A remote control select button 101 for use with consumer electronics and computer devices having a housing 102 for electronic circuitry for controlling remote electronic devices.

Abstract: An analog or digital circuit that senses both low and high input voltage and operates to disconnect both line and neutral electrical power connections to a protected device when abnormally low or high voltages are received from a single- or multi-phase power source, and reconnects the protected device when input power has stabilized. The sensing circuit and power supply is functional with voltages up to at least 240 Vac. The nominal 120 Vac circuit is designed to withstand a 6 kilovolt surge without damage. The apparatus does not disconnect the ground line during an out-of-tolerance voltage condition.

Abstract: An analog or digital circuit that senses both low and high input voltage and operates to disconnect both line and neutral electrical power connections to a protected device when abnormally low or high voltages are received from a single- or multi-phase power source, and reconnects the protected device when input power has stabilized. The sensing circuit and power supply is functional with voltages up to at least 240 Vac. The nominal 120 Vac circuit is designed to withstand a 6 kilovolt surge without damage. The apparatus does not disconnect the ground line during an out-of-tolerance voltage condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal to a remote location. The method splits the signal into a multitude of signals that are transmitted down cables. The split signals are collected into a single signal at the receiving end at the remote location. An apparatus for splitting the signals and collecting the split signals is illustrated.

Abstract: A surround sound system and method involving a surround sound tower (10) having planar speakers (11b); a base plate (20); and a structure for positioning (30) the surround sound tower on the base plate (20), the surround sound tower (10) being mounted on, and normal to, the positioning structure (30) for customizing sound direction and constructive interference patterns by interactively positioning the sound tower (10) and by modular usage of both sub-woofers (12a) and tweeters (13a), economizing floor space, especially in a home theater environment, the positioning structure (30) having a structure for indicating an angular rotation (40) of the surround sound tower (10) relative to the base plate (20) and a structure for facilitating rotation (50) of the angular rotation indicating structure (40).

Abstract: An alternating current power strip 1 with network repeating and management 23 functionality is hereby disclosed.

Abstract: A surround sound system and method involving a surround sound tower; a base plate; and a structure for positioning the surround sound tower on the base plate, the surround sound tower being mounted on, and normal to, the positioning structure for customizing sound direction and constructive interference patterns by interactively positioning the sound tower and/or at least one sound tower and by modular usage of tweeters, economizing floor space, especially in a home theater environment. The positioning structure may have a structure for indicating an angular rotation of the surround sound tower relative to the base plate and a structure for facilitating rotation of the angular rotation indicating structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the filtering and protection of a power source. More specifically, the system and method provides for a junction box, located within a wall of a room, having a power filtration circuit apparatus electronically coupled to an over-voltage protection circuit apparatus. A central grounding plate is also included to allow for the grounding a multiple power sources.