Abstract: A method and system for selectively providing access to one or more slave computing devices is described. The method includes providing one or more slave computing devices and one or more master computing devices, the master computing device being communicatively coupled to the slave computing device. The method also includes displaying a user interface on the slave computing device that accepts input from a user and receiving a disablement signal at the slave computing device from the master computing device. The method also includes the step of—responsive to receipt of the disablement signal—disabling the user interface of the slave computing device such that the user is not permitted to provide the input. As part of the disablement of the slave computing device, a non-interactive message that does not respond to user attempts to provide input to the slave computing device can be displayed on the slave computing device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling consumer electronic (CE) devices are provided. A remote control unit controls one or more CE devices by obtaining control information necessary to control each CE device from a Consumer Electronic Device Control Database (CEDB). A CEDB provides control information, such as command codes and metadata, for various CE devices as well as providing a mapping between CE device types, CE brands, and particular CE devices. A remote control unit accesses the records provided by a CEDB to provide automatic and programistic control of CE devices.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling consumer electronic (CE) devices are provided. A remote control unit controls one or more CE devices by obtaining control information necessary to control each CE device from a Consumer Electronic Device Control Database (CEDB). A CEDB provides control information, such as command codes and metadata, for various CE devices as well as providing a mapping between CE device types, CE brands, and particular CE devices. A remote control unit accesses the records provided by a CEDB to provide automatic and programistic control of CE devices.