Abstract: A virtual music service receives an identifier for a media program from a voice agent, queries a first media service and a second media service for the media program, and receives a first response from the first and/or second media service including access information for the media program. One of the first and second media services is selected according to the response based on a predetermined selection criteria. The virtual music service provides the access information for the media program from the selected media service to the media rendering device.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a media rendering device and a controller device in communication via a network. The controller has a touch screen, presenting a portrait display mode when oriented in a first position, and a landscape display mode when oriented in a second position. The portrait mode displays either a first full screen presenting a first menu, or a second full screen presenting a second menu. The landscape mode displays a landscape full screen with two side-by-side tiles including a first tile presenting the first menu and a second tile presenting the second menu. Landscape mode provides drag-and-drop functionality for menu objects among the first and second, generating configuration commands to the media rendering device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of media rendering devices in a data network with a controller device in communication with the network is disclosed. A network enabled subwoofer is added to the data network such that the subwoofer is visible on the network to a controller. The controller user interface displays a subwoofer graphical object and a group graphical object representing a group of one or more rendering devices. A user selects the group graphical object via the controller user interface, and the subwoofer is joined with the selected group. An audio channel associated with the group is assigned to the subwoofer. The controller user interface hides the subwoofer graphical object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a media playlist by a media rendering device having a proximity detector. The proximity detector detects a first identification device, receives a first identification associated with the first identification device, and selects a first preference list associated with the first identification. The proximity detector detects a second identification device, receives a second identification associated with the second identification device, and selects a second preference list associated with the second identification. The media player generates a combined preference list based upon the first preference list and the second preference list and generates a playlist of songs based on the combined preference list.

Abstract: A method for connecting an audio device to a wireless network is provided. A first audio device on a wireless network receives notice that a second audio device not on the network is available to join the wireless network. The first audio device provides a bridge network apart from the wireless network. A bridge channel is established between the first audio device and the second audio device via the bridge network. The first audio device provides network credentials to the second audio device over the bridge channel. The second audio device uses the credentials to establish a connection with the wireless network.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a media playlist by a media rendering device having a proximity detector. The proximity detector detects a first identification device, receives a first identification associated with the first identification device, and selects a first preference list associated with the first identification. The proximity detector detects a second identification device, receives a second identification associated with the second identification device, and selects a second preference list associated with the second identification. The media player generates a combined preference list based upon the first preference list and the second preference list and generates a playlist of songs based on the combined preference list.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a proximity detecting device configured to detect a user identification device and receive a user identity from a user identification device when the user identification device is located within a proximity detecting region of the proximity detecting device. A media rendering device is in communication with the proximity detecting device. The media rendering device is configured to receive one or more user identities from the proximity detecting device and render media according to an operating manner determined at least in part by the received one or more user identities.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide, at a lower cost, a microphone stand the height of which can be adjusted by an easy operation. [Solution] A support strut (5) of an acoustic characteristic measurement microphone comprises two rectangular-tube-shaped attachment parts (1, 2) that are attached to each other in the axis direction by inserting one of the attachment parts into the other such that the one can slide within the other in the axis direction. A plurality of height adjustment slits (19) that are aligned in the height direction of the microphone stand are formed in a corner portion of the one attachment part (1). In the other attachment part (2), an attachment slit (22) is formed at a position where the plurality of height adjustment slits (19) pass due to the sliding of the two attachment parts (1, 2) in the height direction of the microphone stand.

Abstract: A selectively coordinated audio playback system is disclosed. The audio playback system includes multiple audio players serving, receiving and rendering audio content audio content. A controller is in communication with the audio players and controls the audio content provided on each audio player. The controller includes a touchscreen user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to selectively coordinate the audio content from the multiple audio players according to gestures detected via the touchscreen interface.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a proximity detecting device configured to detect a user identification device and receive a user identity from a user identification device when the user identification device is located within a proximity detecting region of the proximity detecting device. A media rendering device is in communication with the proximity detecting device. The media rendering device is configured to receive one or more user identities from the proximity detecting device and render media according to an operating manner determined at least in part by the received one or more user identities.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a media rendering device and a controller device in communication via a network. The controller has a touch screen, presenting a portrait display mode when oriented in a first position, and a landscape display mode when oriented in a second position. The portrait mode displays either a first full screen presenting a first menu, or a second full screen presenting a second menu. The landscape mode displays a landscape full screen with two side-by-side tiles including a first tile presenting the first menu and a second tile presenting the second menu. Landscape mode provides drag-and-drop functionality for menu objects among the first and second, generating configuration commands to the media rendering device.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide, at a lower cost, a microphone stand the height of which can be adjusted by an easy operation. [Solution] A support strut (5) of an acoustic characteristic measurement microphone comprises two rectangular-tube-shaped attachment parts (1, 2) that are attached to each other in the axis direction by inserting one of the attachment parts into the other such that the one can slide within the other in the axis direction. A plurality of height adjustment slits (19) that are aligned in the height direction of the microphone stand are formed in a corner portion of the one attachment part (1). In the other attachment part (2), an attachment slit (22) is formed at a position where the plurality of height adjustment slits (19) pass due to the sliding of the two attachment parts (1, 2) in the height direction of the microphone stand.

Abstract: A method for connecting an audio device to a wireless network is provided. A first audio device on a wireless network receives notice that a second audio device not on the network is available to join the wireless network. The first audio device provides a bridge network apart from the wireless network. A bridge channel is established between the first audio device and the second audio device via the bridge network. The first audio device provides network credentials to the second audio device over the bridge channel. The second audio device uses the credentials to establish a connection with the wireless network.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of media rendering devices in a data network with a controller device in communication with the network is disclosed. A network enabled subwoofer is added to the data network such that the subwoofer is visible on the network to a controller. The controller user interface displays a subwoofer graphical object and a group graphical object representing a group of one or more rendering devices. A user selects the group graphical object via the controller user interface, and the subwoofer is joined with the selected group. An audio channel associated with the group is assigned to the subwoofer. The controller user interface hides the subwoofer graphical object.

Abstract: A selectively coordinated audio playback system is disclosed. The audio playback system includes multiple audio players serving, receiving and rendering audio content audio content. A controller is in communication with the audio players and controls the audio content provided on each audio player. The controller includes a touchscreen user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to selectively coordinate the audio content from the multiple audio players according to gestures detected via the touchscreen interface.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is muted by using a dampening layer to reduce the sound and acousti vibrations when struck. In one embodiment, the dampening layer is comprised of a layer of flexible plastic adhered to a cymbal surface. When the cymbal is struck, the dampening layer dissipates the normal vibrations of the cymbal without hampering the natural look, feel, playability, or natural swinging motion of the cymbal. In a second, preferred, embodiment, the dampening layer is a sandwich of adhesive layers and plastic layers.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is muted by using a dampening layer to reduce the sound and acousti vibrations when struck. In one embodiment, the dampening layer is comprised of a layer of flexible plastic adhered to a cymbal surface. When the cymbal is struck, the dampening layer dissipates the normal vibrations of the cymbal without hampering the natural look, feel, playability, or natural swinging motion of the cymbal. In a second, preferred, embodiment, the dampening layer is a sandwich of adhesive layers and plastic layers.

Abstract: A percussion cymbal instrument is muted by using a dampening layer to reduce the sound and acoustic vibrations when struck. In a preferred embodiment, the muting system is comprised of a layer of flexible plastic adhered to a cymbal surface. When the cymbal is struck, the muting system dissipates the normal vibrations of the cymbal without hampering the natural look, feel, playability, or natural swinging motion of the cymbal.

Abstract: A ring-shaped percussion transducer for converting a striking impact into a representative electrical pulse triggering signal is suitable for mounting on the center axis of a percussion instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer is formed of a piezo electric material of ring shape; protected on the top and bottom by thinner ring shaped washers; enclosed in a protective coating and mounted along the center axis of a percussion device which when struck transmits vibrations to the percussion transducer. The percussion transducer is connected to conventional downstream electronics so as to produce a sound responsive to the striking impact.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for controlling electronic devices, comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver for communication between the apparatus and a user, a central processing unit (CPU) executing software for handling the conversion of an RF signal from the user into a two dimensional location (an X, Y coordinate system) and conversion into a series of remote control commands for transmission to a series of devices equipped for remote control is provided by which a user can control the electronic devices of an electronic system, for example a home entertainment system (which might include, by way of example, a television, a DSS or satellite receiver, a CD player, a video recorder, a video disc player, a radio tuner, an amplifier, a tape deck, an audio video preamplifier or a combination of one or more of the foregoing). The CPU also executes software which digitizes real time video and combines it with computer graphics for display.