Abstract: Tokenized commands originating in an infrared (IR) remote control are sent over a home automation network using low-cost radio-frequency (RF) and/or powerline (PL) communications to enables operation of distant IR-controllable devices not within view of the IR beam from the remote control, as well as operation of other devices that are not IR-controllable. Using IR or RF, the remote control sends only a few bytes of tokenized information designating the specific function to be controlled. An IR or RF receiver optionally retransmits the tokens over another network, such as the powerline. “IR Blaster” devices receive the tokens via RF or another network, and apply them to an IR engine that generates an IR pulse stream identical to that of the original remote control. Non-IR devices receive the tokens via RF or another network and interpret them as specific control commands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.

Abstract: The annunciator includes a visual display, wireless receiving circuitry for receiving, from a host device, data including selected information to be displayed, and software and/or hardware for maintaining the selected information displayed on the visual display of the annunciator. The circuitry of the annunciator can include wireless transmitting circuitry. Further the annunciator can have mounting structure, such as a magnet for mounting the annunciator to a wall surface, such as a refrigerator door.

Abstract: The wireless information presentation device includes a power supply, a visual display, circuitry for turning on and off the wireless information presentation device, RF wireless receiver device for receiving, from a host device, selected information including news, weather, sports, broadcast media content and advertising, switch circuitry for selecting and structure including liquid crystal materials for displaying one the selected information on the display and structure associated with the liquid crystal materials for maintaining advertising displayed on the visual display of the wireless information presentation device after a predetermined timeout period from the last actuation of the switch circuitry.

Abstract: The remote control includes a visual display, first wireless circuitry for receiving from a host device data in the form of selected information, e.g., an advertisement, to be displayed, stored or processed, second wireless circuitry for sending information, control circuitry and software for controlling operation of the remote control, and the software including and a display default routine for returning to the display the display of the selected information received by the first wireless circuitry.

Abstract: The remote control is constructed and arranged for direct TV operation and includes; a keyboard having keys for selecting a television channel; structure and circuitry for coupling a data storage unit or signal source to said remote control; structure and circuitry for retrieving raw data or a video signal from said data storage unit; and, circuitry for directing signals containing raw data or a video signal to a signal receiving device associated with a television set.

Abstract: The tap antenna unit includes signal splitting circuitry, coupled to a coaxial cable which is servicing a consumer electronic device, such as a television set, for splitting off a signal from the coaxial cable; a filter coupled to an output of the signal splitting circuitry for selecting a low-level sharp frequency band in the energy spectrum of the coaxial cable; circuitry for demodulating a signal carried by the low-level frequency band; circuitry for modulating the output signal onto a carrier in an unlicensed frequency band; and an output antenna which is coupled to the modulating circuitry and which is capable of transmitting the output modulated signal over a limited transmitting-receiving area.

Abstract: The remote control includes a visual display, first wireless circuitry for receiving from a host device data in the form of selected information, e.g., an advertisement, to be displayed, stored or processed, second wireless circuitry for sending information, control circuitry and software for controlling operation of the remote control, and the software including and a display default routine for returning to the display the display of the selected information received by the first wireless circuitry.

Abstract: The remote control comprises a microprocessor including a CPU and memory, a keypad including keys for operating the remote control coupled to the microprocessor, lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor, hardware and software, including the microprocessor, for generating infrared (IR) signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry, code data for executing command functions for operating a home entertainment device stored in the memory. The keys include a SCAN key, circuitry for coupling the SCAN key to the microprocessor and a channel scan program stored in the memory for effecting a channel scan of channels when the SCAN key is depressed.

Abstract: An integrated telecommunication system for multiple telephone line response and processing having a plurality of interface circuits, each of which is adapted to control the physical connection to a plurality of telephone line channels, control communication on a group of telephone line channels connected thereto. Each interface circuit includes a high speed interface microprocessor and a first data storage associated therewith. A first bus system interconnects the plurality of interface processor circuits to signal processor circuits. Each signal processor module includes a cross-point switch and a high speed digital signal microprocessor for analyzing the incoming signals and compressing the data therein, a second data storage associated therewith, and one or more of a plurality of telecommunication function circuits controlled thereby.