Abstract: A portable communications module (600) of FIG. 6 has an input (621) coupled to receive an incident signal. The input (621) split out a first audio channel containing a context audio track from the incident signal and directs the first audio channel along a first audio output path for selective audio output from a speaker (634, 620) either internally within or external to the module. The input (621)also directs a second audio channel in the incident signal to an RF audio transmitter chain for broadcast, the second audio channel comprising a composite audio signal from a plurality of audio tracks, each audio track embedded with a unique activation code that is present for substantially an entire duration of audio activity in each audio segment of each track. The input (621) is further arranged to apply a tone encoded signal in the incident signal to at least a tone decoder (640) in a data transmitter chain distinct from the audio transmitter chain (642).

Abstract: The present invention concerns an audio switching device for an audio or audio/video entertainment system having multiple audio channels; the device comprising at least two audio inputs for receiving at least two respective input signals from a media source on respective input channels, and switching means for selectively switching the device, independently of an actuating signal embedded in the input signals, between a first mode of operation in which respective audio input signals are output to respective audio reproduction means for stereo/multi-channel reproduction of the audio content of the said audio signals, and a second mode in which at least one of the said audio channels is switched to a respective audio output connected to a wireless transmitter for transmission of a media source input signal, including control and or audio information, to at least one remote device for controlling movement/animation of the said remote device and/or reproducing audio content of the signal at the said remote device

Abstract: A portable communications module (600) of FIG. 6 has an input (621) coupled to receive an incident signal. The input (621) split out a first audio channel containing a context audio track from the incident signal and directs the first audio channel along a first audio output path for selective audio output from a speaker (634, 620) either internally within or external to the module. The input (621)also directs a second audio channel in the incident signal to an RF audio transmitter chain for broadcast, the second audio channel comprising a composite audio signal from a plurality of audio tracks, each audio track embedded with a unique activation code that is present for substantially an entire duration of audio activity in each audio segment of each track. The input (621) is further arranged to apply a tone encoded signal in the incident signal to at least a tone decoder (640) in a data transmitter chain distinct from the audio transmitter chain (642).

Abstract: Individual audio tracks (20-24) for interactive reproduction at a remote toy (104) are each encoded with a sub-audible tone (12-18) or code that uniquely identifies the track with audible output and/or functional operation of the toy (104). Detection of the sub-audible tone at the interactive toy opens the audio path and permits related motor control in the toy, whereas absence of a relevant sub-audible tone disables at least the audio and, preferably, both the toy's speaker (122) and at least one controllable motor (130, 132). The sub-audible tone (12-18) or code is inserted for the duration of activity only and may come into and out of existence as a specific character track (amongst the plurality of individual audio tracks) moves between active and inactive phases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an audio switching device for an audio or audio/video entertainment system having multiple audio channels; the device comprising at least two audio inputs for receiving at least two respective input signals from a media source on respective input channels, and switching means for selectively switching the device, independently of an actuating signal embedded in the input signals, between a first mode of operation in which respective audio input signals are output to respective audio reproduction means for stereo/multi-channel reproduction of the audio content of the said audio signals, and a second mode in which at least one of the said audio channels is switched to a respective audio output connected to a wireless transmitter for transmission of a media source input signal, including control and or audio information, to at least one remote device for controlling movement/animation of the said remote device and/or reproducing audio content of the signal at the said remote device